This Plan identifies NSW’s risk of a range of natural hazards, such as bush fires and floods, and how this will change in the future. It outlines a range of solutions and actions to reduce the risk where we can, and adapt where we can’t.
The SDMP will be supported by localised Disaster Adaptation Plans (DAPs) to support our communities.
DAPs will outline projects, strategies, or actions to mitigate or minimise the impact of disasters caused by natural hazards at a local level. They will:
- be prepared by a local council, other relevant entities, or the RA
- consider the SDMP and its priorities for action
- consider the impacts of climate change on natural hazards
- include how the plan will be monitored and reported
- be developed in line with DAP Guidelines and Framework currently being prepared by the RA.
The draft Guidelines and Framework will be released for public exhibition in mid 2024.
Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley DAP
The RA is developing a high-priority regional DAP to address flood risk in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley (the Valley).
The Valley is one of the most dangerous floodplains in Australia, flooding 6 times between 2020-2022. Every flood is different – past events can’t predict future events – and floods in the Valley can be more frequent and get much worse.
The Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley DAP is the first of its kind in NSW and builds on many years of work to understand the impact of floods and how to reduce risk to life and property. It is being developed throughout 2024 in partnership with community, councils, government agencies, emergency services and technical specialists.
Some options being investigated for the DAP include mitigation infrastructure, such as levees, improvements to evacuation roads and ways to better prepare the community.
Community input is vital to the success of the DAP. If you live or work in the Valley, visit our Have Your Say page to share your thoughts, ideas and experience with floods to help shape the DAP, as well as express interest in joining a new community panel.