Landcare NSW’s People Led Prevention project, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, is focused on reducing and adapting to natural disaster risks through the lens of Landcare activates and nature-based interventions.

North Coast Regional Landcare was one of three pilot regions in NSW developing and delivering the project in 2022/2023, later expanding to other regions in the state, delivering a ‘toolbox’ of crafted communication products aimed at households and landowners. The goal is to increase their adoption of nature-based solutions to disaster preparedness techniques and gain a better understanding of the natural hazard risks specific to their region. By enlisting the Landcare NSW community network and working alongside emergency and disaster risk agencies, the project will be delivered through communication channels such as webinars, videos, a podcast, expert talks, and practical demonstrations. All ‘toolbox’ resources are customisable and tailored to a local context with idea of helping plan and tackle issues specific to that area and create a culture of community togetherness and preparedness.

As one of the pilot regions, North Coast Regional Landcare has delivered a series of Workshops on the North Coast:

– Managing Landscape Fuel Levels using Fire – including presentations by Jagun Alliance on Cultural Fire Knowledge and practices to reduce fuel loads and the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Hazard Reduction Burns – including planning and preparedness. A total of three workshops were held in the communities of Woombah, Coramba and Brierfield.

– Managing Floods, Riparian Restoration and Streambank Erosion – including presentations by NSW State Emergency Services (SES) on planning and preparedness, North Coast Local Land Services (NCLLS) on best practice riparian management and permits required in addition to experts providing local scientific knowledge. A total of three workshops were held in the communities of Taylors Arms – hosted by Nambucca Valley Landcare, Wauchope – hosted by Hastings Landcare and Smithtown – hosted by Macleay Landcare Network.

People Led Prevention Fact Sheet