What is a Resilience Strategy and why do we need one?
A resilience strategy is a plan to help our community prepare for, respond to and recover from tough times—like floods, bushfires or heatwaves. It also helps us tackle ongoing challenges such as housing stress, rising costs or social isolation. In Sutherland Shire, where we face both environmental pressures and a changing population, this strategy will guide how we plan ahead, protect what matters, and stay connected through change.
The Resilience Strategy will identify key local shocks and stresses, set shared priorities and guide actions to strengthen our community’s ability to respond, adapt and recover during tough times. Everyone has a role to play in creating a stronger, more connected community, and the strategy will help us be prepared for whatever comes our way in the future.
What’s the difference between a shock and a stress?
Shocks are sudden events that disrupt daily life—like extreme storms, bushfires or health emergencies. Stresses are ongoing pressures that build over time, such as housing stress, rising inequity, family violence or poor transport.
A resilience strategy helps us deal with both—by preparing for the unexpected and tackling the issues that make our community more vulnerable.
How will our Resilience Strategy connect with the Resilient Sydney Strategy 2025–2030?
Sutherland Shire Council’s Resilience Strategy will build on the Resilient Sydney Strategy 2025–2030, which was developed with councils across Greater Sydney, including ours. We’re using the same proven approach but tailoring it to reflect the unique needs of our local community. Guided by shared themes like caring for the environment, connecting for strength, and being ready, our focus is local—ensuring actions are relevant, inclusive, and make a real difference in the Sutherland Shire.
We’re starting by listening—through surveys, pop-ups and workshops across Sutherland Shire. Community input will be combined with technical research, climate data and Council’s existing strategic work to help shape a Resilience Strategy that’s relevant to local needs.
What issues will the Resilience Strategy focus on?
The strategy will focus on the shocks and stresses that affect people living and working in Sutherland Shire. This includes local risks like heatwaves, bushfires, flooding, and pressures linked to population growth, housing affordability, and ageing infrastructure. It will also consider how we support vulnerable or isolated community members, especially during emergencies or times of change.
Alongside these challenges, the strategy will explore ways to strengthen community connection, maintain access to essential services, and improve our ability to recover from disruption. It builds on existing Council plans—like the Climate Strategy and Community Strategic Plan—and aligns with broader priorities through the Resilient Sydney framework.
What kind of actions might be included in the Resilience Strategy?
A Resilience Strategy typically includes a wide range of actions designed to strengthen a community’s ability to withstand and recover from disruptions. These actions often focus on improving emergency preparedness, enhancing infrastructure to withstand extreme events, and fostering social cohesion. For example, they may involve developing early warning systems, creating community hubs for disaster response, retrofitting buildings for climate resilience, and supporting vulnerable populations through targeted programs.
Environmental sustainability is also a key focus, with actions like restoring natural ecosystems, promoting green infrastructure, and reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, resilience strategies often include education and engagement initiatives to build public awareness and encourage community participation in resilience-building efforts.
Will the Resilience Strategy influence other Council work?
Yes. The Resilience Strategy will act as a guiding framework for how Council plans, builds, and delivers services across the Sutherland Shire. It will shape key plans and initiatives—including the Community Strategic Plan, Local Environmental Plan, Development Control Plan, Climate Strategy, and Asset Management Plans. By embedding resilience thinking through this framework, Council can better support long-term sustainability, reduce risk, and strengthen community wellbeing in everything we do.
You can complete the online survey, attend a pop-up session, email or write to us to share your views. You’re also welcome to sign up for updates and stay informed as the strategy develops.
When will I be able to review the draft Resilience Strategy?
We’re in the early stages now, gathering input from the community and stakeholders. A draft Resilience Strategy is expected in early 2026 for public feedback. After that, it will be refined and presented to Council for consideration. Key dates and milestones will be shared on this page to keep everyone informed and involved.