SOUTH EAST NSW

Resilience Blueprint

Pillars

Summary

Our built environment (dwellings, towns and centres) and infrastructure networks form part of the foundation of our resilience. Whilst they can offer refuge and provide services upon which we rely, we must be aware that they too can experience disruption and failure. This can present a complicating factor because of the degree to which today’s society relies upon infrastructure and technology which is amplified during emergencies. Planning for built environment and infrastructure resilience in a changing
climate is key.

The resilience of places where we live and work and their ability to stand up to different weather events and impacts is critical. How we deal with extreme heat now and into the future is a challenge, but one with many opportunities which also enhance liveability. Equipping public buildings, facilities and places to adapt to diverse conditions will enable their function across a broad set of circumstances.

Likewise, equipping our homes and properties to adapt to different circumstances and needs is also important. This may involve retrofitting and maintaining existing homes, how we design new homes to be sustainable and resilient, and how we maintain them and the surrounding property, can greatly aid their ability to withstand.

EXAMPLE APPROACHES FROM ACROSS THE REGION

Long-standing flood resilience programs to boost resilience like that implemented in Cooma over the past 70 years contribute to enhanced resilience, risk and economic outcomes. Channel improvements and a levee system to protect against frequent flood events are complemented by investments in flood warning infrastructure assets and land use planning policies with a focus on compatibility with levels of flood hazard. The Snowy Monaro Floodplain Risk Management Studies and Plans are the next generation approach, building on a resilience legacy dating back to the 1950s.

More frequent periods of extreme heat require new approaches to manage heat-related risks and the impacts of urban heat island effect. Wingecarribee Shire Council’s ‘Climate Change Adaptation Plan’,
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council’s ‘Keeping it Cool – vegetation and heat adaptation strategy’ and Goulburn Mulwaree Council’s Climate Change Assessment and Adaptation Initiatives include measures to increase community resilience to extreme heat, as well as other climate risks.

Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Infrastructure Resilience Plan was informed by the experience and lessons learned from major bushfires including the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires as well as almost ten significant flood events over recent years. Its focus is directed to reducing community impact as well as risks to first responders and early recovery teams.

Tools for Support

For people and communities:

• Bushfire-Resilient Housing Toolkit prepared by the Canberra Region Joint Organisation
• Building in a Bushfire Prone Area and Planning for Bushfire Protection prepared by the NSW Rural Fire Service
• Your Home: Creating sustainable homes for the future available from the Commonwealth Government
• Future Homes program from the Green Building Council Australia
• Council Local Strategic Planning Statements, Local Environmental Plans, Development Control Plans, Infrastructure and Asset Management Plans

For service agencies, organisations and governments:

• Bushfire-Resilient Housing Toolkit for Councils prepared by the Canberra Region Joint Organisation
• Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR) Handbook Collection:
– Evacuation planning
– Land use planning for disaster resilient communities
– Flood emergency planning for disaster resilience
– Managing the floodplain
– National Emergency Risk Assessment Guidelines
– Systemic disaster risk
• Risk-based Land Use Guide prepared by the United Nations
• NSW Climate Adaptation Strategy prepared by AdaptNSW
• A Pathway to Infrastructure Resilience prepared by the Commonwealth Government
• State Infrastructure Strategy prepared by the Infrastructure NSW

Buildings, Facilities & Places

SYSTEM PRIORITIES

We invest in resilient buildings
We provide multi-purpose public facilities
We provide quality community spaces for health and wellbeing

STRATEGIES

For people and communities, businesses, service agencies and organisations:

• New buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with resilience and sustainability principles
• Adequate insurance for buildings and contents is assessed annually
• When disruption, damage or loss occurs, we build back better. This may include retreat/relocation
to lower-risk locations or circumstances

INDICATOR METRICS

For governments:

• Sustainability standards for new homes and buildings are strengthened
• Existing and new public facilities are designed and constructed in accordance with accessibility, resilience and sustainability principles
• Multi-purpose public facilities incorporate the potential to service refuge, evacuation and/or recovery / community hub needs, including the needs of vulnerable persons
• Public facilities that may provide a refuge, evacuation and/or recovery/community hub purpose are equipped with generators, solar power, Wi-Fi, telecommunications receivers, emergency food and water supplies, first aid equipment, chain saws and other tools
• The ability for public facilities to provide heat refuge and respite for the community and vulnerable persons is considered
• Urban design and water sensitive urban design (WSUD) principles for building and public realm performance during periods of extreme heat are employed, supported by heat mapping
• Retrofit existing buildings and facilities with energy efficient lighting and appliances, installing insulation, ventilation and security for use at night time
• Work with ACT Housing to monitor and provide information on regional vulnerability and the CRJO Housing Toolkit
• Wi-Fi and device recharge stations are contemplated as part of new public spaces, including fixed and transportable options
• When disruption, damage or loss occurs, we build back better. This may include retreat/relocation to lower-risk locations or circumstances

Resilience Resource Directory

Resilience is big space. Here is our directory with links to a number of local, state, federal, and international organisations and resources to help assist you on your journey to building resilience.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We stand on Country that always was and always will be Aboriginal land. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters, and we show our respect for Elders past and present. We are committed to providing places in which Aboriginal people are included socially, culturally and economically through thoughtful and collaborative approaches to our work.

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