Have your say on the
Natural Disaster Resilience Strategy
Is your community informed and ready to deal with a natural disaster?
The draft Natural Disaster Resilience Strategy sets out Central Coast Council’s long-term plan for addressing disaster risk and strengthening community resilience, with residents and emergency services partners encouraged to provide feedback.
16 September 2026
CENTRAL Coast Mayor, Lawrie McKinna, said locals face hazards like bushfires, flooding, storms and, like the rest of the nation, the potential for drought.
“The Central Coast is fortunate to be home to communities surrounded by bushlands, coastal areas and waterways,” Mayor McKinna said.
“But this means we have homes at risk of bushfire, flooding and storms,” he said.
“This strategy outlines how Council will work to reduce disaster risk, prepare for hazards, respond effectively and help our communities recover faster when these natural disasters occur.”
The draft strategy identifies priorities for Council that involve embedding disaster resilience in planning, understanding risk and vulnerability, investing in resilient infrastructure, improving planning rules and urban design, protecting natural ecosystems and more.
“While Council has an important role in education, preparedness and recovery support, we’re not the lead emergency response agency during a disaster,” Mayor McKinna said.
“Emergency services and other disaster response agencies continue to lead flood rescue, bushfire management, evacuations and emergency warnings,” he said.
“The purpose of this strategy is to explain Council’s role and outline how we’ll work with our community to be prepared, strengthen support networks and understand who may need a little more assistance in a natural disaster.”
“Community feedback will help us understand if our priorities are right and which action areas matter most.”
It is recognised that talking about natural disasters can be difficult for people with lived experience, so flexible ways are available for people to participate.
Once finalised, the strategy will be delivered over 10 years and coordinated through internal working groups and emergency committees.
The draft Natural Disaster Resilience Strategy will be on exhibition from 11 September to 20 October 2026. To provide feedback, complete the online survey or find an in-person pop-up near you, search 'Natural Disaster Resilience Strategy' here.
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