Would you like to be one of 40 people on a community panel to help shape the state’s response to disasters?
Residents are encouraged to apply to be part of a group that will discuss and input into a regional Disaster Adaptation Plan. The adaption plans were a recommendation that came out of the 2022 Independent Flood Inquiry.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority is keen for people who live or work in the Northern Rivers to share their thoughts, ideas and experience with disasters to help shape the Disaster Adaptation Plan.
The panel is expected to meet at least four times over 12 months.
These community panels are a feature of the state’s first state-wide Disaster Mitigation Plan.
It is a long-term, ambitious plan that aims to shift funding and efforts from disaster response to proactive mitigation and adaptation.
The goal is to create safer and more resilient communities.
The creation of a Disaster Adaptation Plan will build on lessons learned, local knowledge and existing plans.
The Reconstruction Authority has said it will also work closely with Bundjalung, Yaegl and Northern Gumbaynggirr peoples to make sure cultural knowledge and practices including traditional understandings of climate and resilience, are reflected in the plan.
Residents have until September 19 to register their interest in joining the panel through the NSW Government’s Have Your Say platform.
State MP and Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the development of the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan was not just about disaster planning, but planning to mitigate where we can, adapt where we need to.
“Our region has had its challenges over the last eight years since the Cyclone Debbie flood and we have not only survived but thrived. The Disaster Adaptation Planning process will at last support us to do what we know needs doing to be better prepared to respond to whatever disruptions and disasters come our way,” Ms Saffin said.
“It’s essential that local knowledge and experience informs this work, so I encourage people to put themselves forward for the community reference group.
NSW Reconstruction Authority chief executive Mal Lanyon said the risk of future disasters in the Northern Rivers is ever present and needed to be taken seriously.
“Being informed will save lives – there’s no simple solution, but we are making sure people are as prepared as they can be,” Mr Lanyon said.
For more information and to apply for the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan Community Reference Group, go here.
This information was provided by the office of Janelle Saffin MP.