Planning for future disasters in the Northern Rivers
The Northern Rivers region has one of the highest natural hazard risk profiles in NSW, regularly experiencing 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 future disasters.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) is developing the state's first multi-hazard Disaster Adaptation Plan (DAP) to identify multiple actions to reduce disaster risk in the Northern Rivers. The DAP aims to reduce risk where we can and adapt where we can’t.
What will the Northern Rivers DAP include
Developing a DAP is an in-depth process. Therefore, we will deliver a foundation DAP as a first step. This will include:
- A regional risk profile focussed on the 9 hazards in the region, including an assessment of how climate change and population growth will impact future disasters.
- Early actions that have been identified for implementation. These may include, for example, levee and waterway maintenance works, cultural burning and landscape restoration programs, community awareness and preparedness and social cohesion.
A full DAP will then be delivered following an options assessment process. Actions in the full DAP may include land use planning changes, mitigation infrastructure solutions, nature-based measures, measures to improve resilience of infrastructure, and managed relocation.
The Northern Rivers DAP will be developed in partnership with all levels of government, communities, emergency services, industry and businesses, and technical specialists. It will build on existing hazard-specific plans, strategies, research and data insights from partners including CSIRO’s Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative.
Current engagement activities
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 are seeking input and feedback from communities across the region throughout the development of the DAP.
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Northern Rivers Economic Profile and Natural Hazard Impact Report
Read more about our landmark report prepared by Deloitte Access Economics launched on 1 December 2025
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Northern Rivers Community Reference Group
Find out more about how the Northern Rivers Community Reference Group will contribute to the development of the Northern Rivers DAP.
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Have Your Say
Visit our Have Your Say page to find other ways to participate in and share your views to inform the development of the Northern Rivers DAP.
Ongoing and past engagement activities
- We have wrapped up our series of ‘What Matters Most’ values workshops, which have been delivered across the region in partnership with Living Lab Northern Rivers. Check back soon for updates on how this valuable information will help shape the DAP.
- Our online community values survey closed on Sunday 26 October. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their feedback through the survey. Stay tuned for more updates on the DAP, and for other ways to get involved and have your say.
- We are also working with councils, community service organisations and local networks to identify key social assets in Northern Rivers and their important role in helping to prepare communities for future disasters.
Adaptation Stories short-films
Local community members across the Northern Rivers have shared their perspectives of adaptation and resilience through a series of 8 short films screened across the region – called Adaptation Stories.
Created by Living Lab Northern Rivers in partnership with NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA), these powerful short films spotlight personal stories and local resilience, sparking conversations about how we can adapt together to a changing climate. They were developed to support community conversations about adaptation, as part of the development of the Northern Rivers DAP.
From farmer-led strategies in Richmond Valley, to arts-based perspectives in Lismore and business owners in Ballina, the stories span diverse approaches to adaptation across the region.
Adaptation Stories first screened in Kyogle in June 2025, then resumed its journey through the region visiting Woodburn, Byron Bay, Grafton, Lismore, Uki, and Ballina between October and December 2025. Screenings were followed by a Q&A session with local community leaders, with the audience invited to share questions and ideas about what adaptation means to them and their wider community.
Explore the 8 short films online:
Adaptation Stories - Joe - Richmond Valley
Cattle farmer Joe Leven shows how adaptation means coexisting with climate impacts by working with natural landscape function—awakening the ecologist within every farmer to support both productivity and stewardship.
Adaptation Stories - Nickolla - Byron Shire
Nickolla Clark, an Arakwal Bundjalung artist, shares her perspective on adaptation in the face of a changing climate — and what we can learn from Country.
Adaptation Stories – Cara - Clarence Valley
Community leader Cara shows how co-design and deep listening strengthen the social fabric that helps communities care for each other.
Adaptation Stories – Greg - Kyogle
Nursery owner Greg Daley shows that adaptation to climate change means working together, planting together, and reconnecting with nature's wisdom.
Adaptation Stories – Carmen and Rosie - Tweed Shire
Regenerative futures practitioner Carmen and her daughter Rosie explore adaptation beyond infrastructure; helping young people imagine and create resilient futures, by transforming climate fear into inspired possibility.
Adaptation Stories – Alex - Lismore
Theatre maker Alex Torney shows how the arts, community and creativity help us adapt to climate change, helping people feel and invest in a changing world.
Adaptation Stories – Sprung Dance Theatre
In the aftermath of climate disaster, Northern Rivers' Sprung ensemble share what adaptation looks like, by reimagining the news.
Adaptation Stories - James - Ballina Shire
Environmental consultant James Foster shows that adaptation means building backup plans into business strategy—applying lessons from sailing and disaster recovery to help Northern Rivers businesses navigate climate change and bounce back from crisis.
Related information and resources
Disaster Adaptation Plans (DAPs)
RA is leading place-based disaster adaptation planning across the state, working with community, government and industry to reduce disaster risk.
Find out more about the DAP Guidelines and how DAPs are a key part of the State Disaster Mitigation Plan.
Economic recovery in the Northern Rivers
Learn more about how RA supports social and economic recovery and long-term adaptation in the Northern Rivers.
Get Ready together
Everyday actions make a difference. Check out our Get Ready NSW page for more information on how you can prepare for emergencies and disasters.
Subscribe to stay involved
Subscribe to the Northern Rivers e-newsletter to receive updates on upcoming engagement activities and the progress of the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan.
Contact us
For further information, please email: nrdap@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au