Connected Communities Resilience Program 

In 2023, Central Coast Council secured two years of funding (mid-2023 to mid-2025) through the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF) to develop Connected Communities: Resilience Action Plans (CCRAPs). These plans aim to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience in communities affected by flood and/or fire. Target areas include:

• Northern Tuggerah Lakes
• Southern Tuggerah Lakes
• Yarramalong Valley
• Hawkesbury River

The CCRAPs were developed through extensive community consultation and include risk mapping, hazard identification, recognition of community values, prioritised actions, and implementation strategies.

Key Deliverables:

• Draft Natural Disaster Resilience Action Strategy (NDRAS) 
• Creation of the Disaster Resilience Working Group to support coordination, collaboration and drive actions identified in the NDRAS
• CCRAPs for each target area, informed by 22 community engagement activities (including hazard mapping workshops, community fun days, workshops, and pop-up sessions)
• Central Coast Pre-Event Recovery Plan
• Formation of the Central Coast Disaster Recovery and Resilience Network

Actions Implemented from the CCRAPs

•    Installation of flood preparedness information poles (Northern & Southern Tuggerah Lakes)
•    Upgrades to local halls (Yarramalong & Halekulani)
•    Funding support for local events through community centres to raise awareness, provide education and opportunities for communities to connect (Northern & Southern Tuggerah Lakes)
•    Production of a preparedness video (Southern Tuggerah Lakes). See the video here
•    Traffic calming measures (Hawkesbury River)
•    Upgrades to flood markers (Hawkesbury River)
•    Development of “Living in Our Area” community guides (Hawkesbury, Yarramalong, and Southern Tuggerah Lakes)
 

Communities put together the resources below to be included in their Living in Our Area guides as a reminder for current residents and raising awareness of new residents and holiday makers.