Greater Sydney’s councils are working together to build resilience and prepare their communities for the looming threats expected this decade.
Resilient Sydney has developed a new strategy that will give people, businesses and systems the means to survive, adapt and thrive despite the chronic stresses and acute shocks predicted to hit.
These include heatwaves, flooding, infrastructure failures, issues related to mental health and wellbeing, and access to affordable housing, health services and transport.
Representatives from each of the 33 Greater Sydney councils joined NSW Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin, Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO and Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon to unveil the Resilient Sydney strategy 2025-2030.
“The last few years have shown us acute shock events are getting more severe. Storms are more powerful, heatwaves are hotter and longer, and the cost of dealing with the aftermath of these events is becoming greater,” Minister Saffin said.
“This strategy will help Greater Sydney adapt and respond to these increasing risks and I commend everyone involved for their collaboration and commitment to resilience building.”
A risk assessment identified the top 15 shocks and 15 stresses for Greater Sydney. The process to develop strategy actions involved 2,000 people and 200 organisations, and acknowledges the challenges facing each council are unique.
Local governments in western Sydney are more likely to be impacted by heatwaves, while north-west councils face a greater risk from flooding.
Communities right across Sydney have raised concerns about being better connected and prepared. The evidence shows resilient communities recover better from disasters.
“Disasters, disruptions and chronic stresses know no boundaries. The Resilient Sydney strategy provides a strong foundation for Greater Sydney councils to work together, creating more connected and sustainable communities where people thrive,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
The strategy aims to green and cool local areas, protect and connect natural places, address the waste crisis and accelerate the transition to a net zero economy. All levels of government also need to make sure their infrastructure can withstand increasing extreme weather to reduce the impact and costs to communities.
Sydney is one of only 3 cities globally to be this advanced on its resilience roadmap. The new strategy sets the focus for the next critical 5 years.
The Resilient Sydney strategy was funded under the joint Australian Government and NSW Government national partnership on disaster risk reduction.
The Resilient Sydney Office is hosted by the City of Sydney.
