Residents across the Northern Rivers are being invited to shape the region's first Disaster Adaptation Plan through a series of community workshops that bring local voices into natural hazard risk reduction decisions.

The What Matters Most workshops will be delivered by Living Lab Northern Rivers with the NSW Reconstruction Authority across the region in September and October.

As locals know, the Northern Rivers has one of the highest natural hazard risk profiles statewide, regularly experiencing floods, storms, bushfires and coastal erosion. The recent flooding caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred served as a reminder of the urgency of proactive disaster planning, with the changing climate expected to intensify future disasters.

The NSW Government is calling on the community to be part of the development of a comprehensive Disaster Adaptation Plan (DAP), to reduce risks from these disasters and better prepare for natural hazards in the Northern Rivers. The plan will include an analysis of the region’s exposure and vulnerability to natural hazards now and into the future, as well as actions to reduce risks where we can and adapt if we can’t.  

Living Lab Northern Rivers - a partnership between the NSW Government, the University of Technology Sydney and Southern Cross University – will lead the workshops so residents can share what they value most about their communities, what concerns them, and what priorities should guide the region's future.

These insights will inform both short and long-term actions to reduce future risks. At the same time, expressions of interest are being sought from the community to join a 40-person community reference group to help shape the Northern Rivers DAP.

The What Matters Most public workshops are being held in Murwillumbah, Grafton, Mullumbimby, and Lismore (Thursday, October 16). These free workshops welcome all residents, with accessibility requirements accommodated.

Workshop Details:

Registration is essential due to limited places. Residents can register at llnr.com.au or by contacting livinglabnr@scu.edu.au or 02 6626 9188.

Find out more about the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan at https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/northern-rivers-dap.

Minister for Recovery and North Coast Janelle Saffin said, “Our region has lived through the devastation that disasters such as floods can cause, and now is the time for our community to plan for a resilient future. 

“We need to shift the dial and focus on adaptation and resilience to ensure our communities are better prepared for and can recover faster from disasters. 

“Government can’t do it alone; we need community insight and leadership to adapt to future risk. 

“I encourage the community to share their stories and knowledge as we create the first-ever Disaster Adaptation Plan for the Northern Rivers.” 

Living Lab Northern Rivers Engagement Director Dan Etheridge said, "Sometimes what communities care most about isn't what the data suggests they should worry about most.

“The methodology behind the workshops is entirely new—designed specifically for this planning process after extensive research found no existing tools for systematically mapping community place-based values.”

Resilient Lismore Maddy Braddon said, “It's important that community members have inclusive opportunities to genuinely engage with decision making that directly impacts us and where we live.”