The Big Maps, measuring an impressive 15 metres by 10 metres, are a hands-on community engagement tool to help people in the community visualise how river systems, floodplains and local areas connect. Designed to be interactive, the maps invite people to literally walk across their towns, rivers and neighbourhoods while learning more about the places they live.
While Big Maps are not a new concept, RA is focused on making it accessible to the community - from school students and community groups to businesses, councils and emergency services. Big Maps are a fun and effective way to bring people together and start important conversations about natural hazards, preparedness and local resilience.
Recently a Big Map was shown in Clunes at the North Coast Farming Forum: Climate Adaptive Agriculture, where farmers and industry representatives gathered to discuss resilience, preparedness and the future of agriculture in a changing climate.
The session formed part of broader discussions around Business Continuity in the Northen Rivers, helping local farmers better understand natural hazard risks and how they can prepare their businesses for future events.
Richmond Mushrooms representative and forum speaker Kylie O’Reilly said the Big Map helped bring flood risk conversations to life.
"Seeing people engage with the maps and share their personal stories showed the true significance of the maps - helping people take the first steps in building their toolbox for preparing for a natural disaster."
A Big Map of the Tweed was featured at the Tweed Shire Council Resident, Environment and Industry Group Roundtable (REIGR), where community leaders gathered to discuss budget planning, flood resilience and future planning priorities.
During the session, RA’s interactive map helped participants better understand how flood studies inform planning controls and future resilience measures across the region.
By standing on the map and tracing river systems, floodplains and catchments, attendees were able to see first-hand how water moves through the landscape and how communities are connected.
Another Big Map presentation was also recently held at Club Iluka showing catchments of the Clarence facilitated for ICOPE (Iluka Community Organisation Planning for Emergencies).
ICOPE representative Ruth Dawson said:
“The Big Map offered a truly unique and engaging experience.”
“Being physically able to walk across the map and explore the surrounding regions in comparison to Iluka gave attendees a greater understanding of the Clarence Valley River.”
“It sparked meaningful conversations, shared local knowledge, and provided valuable insights into our environment and emergency connection and preparedness.”
A growing tool for community engagement
Big Maps have also been used at a range of community events and engagement activities across the Northern Rivers, including:
- Local Community Resilience Network meetings
- Club Iluka
- Rock Valley Hall
- The Lismore Show
- Nimbin Community Hall
- Grafton Shoppingworld
- South Grafton Ex-servicemens Club
- Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre
- and more!
Local RA staff are experienced in facilitating the Big Map activities and events and attend to help guide conversations, answer questions and ensure communities get the most out of the experience.
The maps are designed to support place-based preparedness and resilience by helping people better understand their local environment and natural hazard risks in an engaging and accessible way.
Available for community use
The Big Maps are available for loan to:
- NSW Government agencies
- Northern Rivers councils
- Community groups
Educational institutions
The Big Maps can be used for community engagement activities, educational events, preparedness initiatives and research purposes (non-profit use only).
To find out more about Big Maps, contact the local team: NC.Region@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au
Or apply to loan a Big Map by filling out the loan request form.