Mid North Coast Local Government Disaster Risk & Recovery Network
Be Prepared, Be Informed, Be Connected
We're facilitating a new network to strengthen collaboration and knowledge in the areas of Disaster Risk and Recovery across our member councils.
The Network brings together local government staff from Kempsey, Bellingen and Port Macquarie-Hastings Councils from a range of related areas of expertise. It enables them to collaborate, share resources and identify hazards associated with disasters and community resilience. Ultimately, the Network will identify and mitigate vulnerabilities across the region.
What the Network aims to achieve:
- Collaboration: Network with colleagues across the Mid North Coast to share knowledge, best practices, and resources.
- Pre-planning: Participate in pre-disaster planning for efficient cross-regional resource sharing in response to emergencies.
- Training & Presentations: Access relevant training and presentations on disaster preparedness and recovery for council staff and stakeholders.
- Networking & Solutions: Network around common challenges and develop strategic solutions as a united region.
- Joint Procurement: Benefit from potential joint procurement of training and resources, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
- Hazard Awareness: Gain a deeper understanding of local hazard exposures, vulnerabilities, and triggers for better informed planning.
- Community Focus: Develop effective strategies for community awareness, education, engagement, and information dissemination.
It’s a great opportunity to learn from each other and keep up to date with what is happening to ensure our region is as prepared as we can be for the next disaster.
The Network holds meetings once a quarter, with opportunities for training and special guest presenters
Why set up a Network?
Disaster knows no boundaries and with the increase of extreme weather events disaster resilience is increasingly becoming a key priority.
Local Councils are responsible for building resilience by adapting their planning, asset management, and operations to minimise risks. They will also endeavour to influence behaviour change to create stronger resilience within the community.
Disaster resilience is the ability of individuals, communities, organisations and states to adapt to and recover from shocks or stresses associated with natural hazards. Disaster resilience is a long-term outcome that requires continuing commitment and is the collective responsibility of all levels of government, business, the non-government sector and individuals.
It is a task that requires continual review and improvement and one where lessons learnt are important to implement as soon as practicable to ensure better preparation, response and recovery from the next event. Constant monitoring and evaluation, readjustment of goals and community education is required. Resilience looks different to every community, as it is dependent of their vulnerability to different hazards and their capacity and capability to address these.
Benefits for staff from our member councils:
- Enhanced Knowledge and Skills: Access comprehensive training and resources on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
- Collaboration and Networking: Connect with colleagues across the region to share best practices and develop innovative solutions.
- Greater Efficiency and Effectiveness: Utilise pre-planned cross-regional resource sharing to improve response times and resource allocation.
- Professional Development and Growth: Participate in ongoing learning and development opportunities to advance your career and expertise.
- Stronger Relationships: Build stronger working relationships with colleagues across different councils, fostering a more collaborative and supportive environment.
For more information about the Mid North Coast Local Government Disaster Risk and Recovery Network contact Skye Frost, Project Officer Disaster Risk Reduction - skye.frost@mncjo.nsw.gov.au