This policy insights paper highlights how better integration of local knowledge and participation can improve disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. The research – focusing on three Local Government Areas in New South Wales (the Blue Mountains, Cabonne, and Hawkesbury) outlines how strengthening community engagement can lead to more coordinated and resilient disaster management across the state.

The paper identifies 6 policy opportunities. 

1. Amend the State Emergency Management (SERM) Act 1989 to include local knowledge and community voice.
2. Provide context-specific definitions or meaningful descriptions of community in policy documents.
3. Provide strategic coordination of preparedness and prevention actions at state and regional levels to ensure joined-up approaches.
4. Resource and support communities to actively promote local engagement in preparedness and prevention.
5. Strengthen transparency of Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) to support greater community participation in local prevention and preparedness actions.
6. Recognise community diversity in future disaster management policy.