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.
• Immediate recovery needs: 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.