Planning for natural disasters and dealing with their aftermath involve input from federal, state and local governments, emergency agencies, non-government organisations and affected communities.

This paper focuses on the ‘black summer’ bushfire season of 2019-20 and major flooding in 2022 in New South Wales. Recommendations are examined from parliamentary and independent inquiries, spanning the emergency stages in NSW legislation: prevention, preparation, response and recovery. Updates are given on the progress of many recommendations, on issues including communication systems, housing options and financial assistance. Contextual background is also provided on the NSW planning system and emergency management arrangements.