The New South Wales Government has launched a new website to help South-East NSW communities to prepare for disasters.
Developed by the Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CRJO), the website supports the Blueprint for a Resilient South East NSW, a practical guide for councils and communities to build resilience in the face of natural disasters and a changing climate.
The website helps its users understand the disaster risks facing their local area and provides access to resources on how to prepare, from ensuring households have an emergency response plan to building more resilient homes and infrastructure, and adapting land management practices.
The blueprint covers the ten local government areas within the CRJO – including Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Snowy Monaro and Yass Valley – as well as associate members from the ACT Government, Wagga Wagga City Council and Canberra Airport.
To promote the Blueprint, CRJO will run hands-on workshops with council staff to embed resilience planning into everyday operations.
The project received $2,780,632 from the jointly funded Federal and NSW Governments Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, said that communities know too well the importance of being prepared for natural disasters.
“It’s great to see more resources out there providing advice on how to prepare and respond when disaster hits,” McBain said.
“We know that our climate is changing, and Australians can expect to experience more intense and more frequent natural disasters, which is why the Federal Government is acting to prepare and protect communities from natural disasters and their impacts.
“I’m pleased to see all levels of government working together to reduce the risks and impacts Australians face during disasters. This means better outcomes for our communities.”
New South Wales Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said, “We all have a role to play in strengthening the disaster resilience of regional communities, including increasing their capacity to recover after a disaster strikes.
“The blueprint is a practical starting point for anyone involved in building stronger, more disaster-ready communities.
“It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach – it offers a range of actions and ideas that councils, communities and organisations can adapt to suit their own needs and responsibilities.
“I congratulate the CRJO on making these resources accessible to the public, supporting a shared approach to resilience where people are empowered to take action and work together on practical solutions that make a real difference.”
CRJO Chair and Bega Valley Shire Council Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick, said that the blueprint focuses on climate risks, disaster history and how events like bushfires, floods and storms are expected to become more frequent in the future.
“We’ve looked at local experiences and data to understand what different communities might face – and how councils can plan for that,” Mayor Fitzpatrick said.
“Even though this came from the bushfire recovery program, it takes an all-hazards approach. It’s about being better prepared for whatever comes next.
“The blueprint helps councils take steps toward better practice in areas like land use, infrastructure and emergency planning.
“It also helps clarify roles in disaster preparedness and recovery, while supporting smarter investment in resilient infrastructure and services.”
