In 2022, the Northern Rivers of New South Wales experienced a significant flood event. River levels and resulting damage were the worst recorded equating to billions of dollars in damages. Local agencies in the area played a critical role in the response and recovery but were commonly excluded from formal processes. A study of the experience and role of local place-based agencies examined their place in emergency and disaster management through focus groups with agency representatives. This research aimed to understand the experiences of these place-based agencies and their contribution to disaster management within the community. Findings highlight the negative effects experienced by these organisations of their exclusion from emergency planning processes both pre- and post-disaster. This paper argues for acknowledgment of the important contributions place-based agencies make to disaster-affected communities as well as the need for their inclusion in formal processes across all phases of emergency management. Using the experience of the Northern Rivers floods, the inclusion of place-based agencies ‘at the table’ will enhance planning and management capacity and build community resilience.
Russ et al. (Tue,) studied this question.