More than 170 people from across the Northern Rivers have shared their ideas for making the region safer, stronger and better prepared.
The Northern Rivers DAP is the first multi-hazard disaster adaptation plan for the region. It will identify actions to reduce risk where possible and help communities adapt to the impacts of natural hazards where risks cannot be avoided.
Hosted by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, the public sessions were held during June 2026 in Murwillumbah, Ballina, Maclean, Casino, Kyogle, Lismore and Mullumbimby, giving community members the opportunity to contribute to future disaster adaptation planning.
Exploring regional natural hazard risk
The Northern Rivers is one of Australia’s most disaster-affected regions, with communities regularly facing floods, bush fires, storms, heatwaves and coastal erosion. These hazards are expected to become more frequent and more severe as the climate continues to change.
During the Northern Rivers DAP drop-in sessions, community members discussed regional risk information presented on a series of freestanding exhibition panels.
They also explored short videos including an animation introducing the Northern Rivers DAP, a selection of Adaptation Stories short films produced in partnership with Living Lab Northern Rivers in late 2025, and an animation explaining how flooding occurs across the region’s four catchments.
Participants also stepped onto the first regional Big Map - a 10m by 6m walk-on fabric map - to view hazard risks across the Northern Rivers from an aerial perspective.
Sharing feedback and local ideas
The drop-in sessions gave community members the opportunity to share ideas on how to reduce the risk of disasters from natural hazards across the Northern Rivers.
iPads were available for participants to complete a survey or contribute risk reduction ideas via an interactive map, with paper options also provided to support different ways of participating.
These ideas will play a key role in shaping the foundation Northern Rivers DAP, ensuring it reflects the unique needs and knowledge of local communities.
Some actions will focus on immediate improvements, while others will involve longer-term planning and further investigation, recognising the scale and complexity of disaster risk across the region.
Stay tuned for updates
Keep an eye on our website for updates on the progress of the Northern Rivers DAP.