Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Planning powers, preparedness and adaptation

40

Disaster mitigation and adaptation

Finding 8

Stakeholders consistently identified the importance of investment in disaster

mitigation and adaptation to reduce the cost and impact of natural hazards,

both in advance of disasters where risks are identified and during recovery.

4.18 The Committee heard throughout the inquiry about the importance of greater

investment in disaster mitigation and adaptation to address the increasing and

compounding costs and impacts of disaster events. While the Authority has taken

several actions to support disaster mitigation and adaptation, there are areas

where enhancements could be made to improve the DAP process.

Disaster Adaptation Plans (DAPs) are a strategic improvement but require significant

investment

4.19 The Committee heard that the Authority is making efforts to invest in

preparedness, adaptation and mitigation. The development of Disaster

Adaptation Plans (DAPs) has been generally welcomed by councils and

stakeholders as a positive development since previous disasters, such as the

catastrophic Central West floods in 2022.

248 DAPs provide an opportunity to

guide investment in adaptation planning at the regional level.249

What are Disaster Adaptation Plans (DAPs)?

Disaster Adaptation Plans (DAPs) are place-based regional plans developed

collaboratively between the Authority, NSW Government agencies, local

councils and the community.250

DAPs are a legislative responsibility of the Authority and are a key instrument of

the NSW State Disaster Mitigation Plan 2024–2026.251 DAPs are designed to

identify where natural hazard risk can be reduced through mitigation measures

such as evacuation infrastructure or land use planning controls. DAPs also

identify where communities may need to adapt to risk that cannot be

mitigated, for example through home modification or community awareness

programs.252

DAPs draw on existing council-based hazard management work, including

floodplain and coastal management programs. They are intended to guide

investment in adaptation and mitigation at the regional level, identify priority

areas for action, and provide a strategic basis for funding applications.253

248 Submission 18, pp 2-3; Submission 35, p 18; Local Government NSW, Answers to Supplementary questions, 25

March 2026, p 2.

249 Submission 35, pp 18- 19; Submission 50, pp 13-14.

250 NSW Government, Disaster Adaptation Plans, accessed 28 April 2026.

251 Minister for Recovery, New guidelines launched to streamline disaster adaptation planning across the state,

media release, 13 August 2025, accessed 28 April 2026.

252 Submission 50, p 13; Submission 35, pp 15, 17-18; Submission 33, p 13.

253 Submission 50, p 13; Submission 35, pp 17-18; Submission 33, p 13.