New research reveals substantial gaps in Australia's disaster housing response, years after the devastating Northern Rivers floods. This report outlines critical reforms needed to protect communities in an era of escalating climate risks.

Why this matters

The 2022 Northern Rivers floods exposed critical weaknesses in how we manage housing during and after disasters. This research shows that, without proper intervention, existing housing stress transforms into long-term displacement. In the Northern Rivers, we are seeing the way that market forces push vulnerable residents from their communities as rental prices surge, while emergency accommodation has proven to be unsuitable for many displaced households. These preexisting conditions aren't unique to the Northern Rivers — similar housing pressures and system weaknesses exist across the state. By learning from the failures in this region, we can address similar problems from playing out in future disasters elsewhere.

Key findings

This research identified three interconnected challenges:

• Planning gaps: Current disaster responses treat housing crises as short-term emergencies, despite evidence showing recovery typically takes 5-10 years. The Northern Rivers experience shows how this mismatch leaves communities vulnerable to repeated cycles of displacement.

• Emergency response: The 'pod villages' established as temporary accommodation are inappropriate for many residents, particularly families escaping domestic violence and intergenerational First Nations families. This highlights the critical need for diverse, culturally appropriate emergency housing options.

• Data and coordination: During the Northern Rivers response, agencies couldn't answer basic questions about at-risk homes or vulnerable residents. This information gap directly undermined their ability to help those most in need.

Read the full report.

Research team

The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) commissioned Living Lab Northern Rivers to develop a best practice framework for integrating housing considerations across the disaster planning and management process. This research was led by Prof Nicole Gurran (University of Sydney) and Richard Benedict (University of Sydney/Richard Benedict Consulting), with Olivia Ntim (UTS).

Research approach

Researchers used a combination of different methods to understand how housing is considered in disaster planning and management. They reviewed existing research and examples from Australian and international contexts to develop a best practice framework, and tested this framework in a series of interview and focus groups with local practitioners and stakeholders in the Northern Rivers. This included representatives from government agencies and community organisations.

The research aimed to create a better way to think about housing when planning for disasters. Specifically, it wanted to:

• Look at past research and real-life examples from Australia and other countries to understand how housing relates to disasters.

• Find the best practices and guidelines for including housing in disaster response and recovery plans.

• Make a clear plan or roadmap that can help the Northern Rivers area and other places prepare for and recover from disasters in the future.