Disaster Adaptation Planning – Northern Rivers

Richmond River at Broadwater

The Northern Rivers is highly exposed to natural hazards, regularly facing floods, storms, bushfires, and coastal erosion. The recent flooding caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred serves as a reminder of the urgency of proactive disaster planning, with climate change projected to intensify disaster events.

RA is developing the state's first  multi-hazard regional Disaster Adaptation Plan (DAP) in the Northern Rivers region to identify what actions are needed to reduce the risk of disasters . The plan aims to reduce risk where we can and adapt where the change or impact is unavoidable. 

Risk mitigation and adaptation actions include  adjusting regional and local planning requirements, delivering infrastructure solutions and developing preparedness programs.  Actions also consider how to build capacity in the community, with local organisations and throughout government, improving disaster preparedness, recovery and long-term resilience.

An assessment of how climate change and population growth will impact future disasters will help identify these actions. 

The Northern Rivers DAP will be developed in partnership with all levels of government, communities, emergency services, industry and technical specialists. It will build on existing hazard-specific plans, strategies, research and data insights from partners into account including  CSIRO’s Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative. 

Brunswick River at Brunswick Heads

Get involved in disaster adaption planning 

Community input is vital to the success of a DAP

With more than 310,000 residents, the Northern Rivers region covers seven local government areas—Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Tweed, and Richmond Valley. We will be seeking input and feedback from communities across the region throughout the development of the DAP. 
 

RA Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan Regional workshop, held September 2024

A key first step for the Northern Rivers DAP is to collate information about the vulnerability and exposure of communities in the Northern Rivers to natural hazards. We’re building on existing Council plans, academic research and community knowledge and are calling on people to share their information and ideas for the Northern Rivers DAP. 

If you live, visit or work in the Northern Rivers, we encourage you to share your ideas or questions about the Northern Rivers DAP by emailing us at NRDAP@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au

Learn more about disaster adaptation planning in NSW and access key resources on the Disaster Adaptation Planning page.

Latest news

Early risk reduction actions are already underway across the Northern Rivers.

Two initiatives to increase flood risk resilience are being delivered now in partnership with the NSW SES, local councils and the Australian Red Cross. 

The Regional Community Flood Risk Awareness Project is developing an awareness raising campaign and materials so that communities can access improved information about their flood risk.

A Regional Evacuation Route and Infrastructure Assessment Project is developing the first flood evacuation model for the region to help identify and improve evacuation route access.

These initiatives are funded under the National Emergency Management Agency’s Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program.

Understanding and adapting our economy

As part of the development of the NR DAP, we’re working with business and industry to:

• identify economic values
• understand broad economic impacts of natural hazards
• prioritise adaptation options.

If you’re a local business or supplier, watch this space for opportunities to have your say in the coming months or get in touch with us directly.

Read more about our commitment to economic recovery and prosperity in the Northern Rivers.