Shape the future of climate and natural hazard planning

The NSW Government is proposing a new Climate Change and Natural Hazards State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) to help create more resilient communities that can prepare for current and future climate risks and natural hazards (focused on urban heat, bushfire, coastal hazards, and flooding) and rebuild stronger after natural disasters.

The proposed policy introduces a clear, consistent framework for assessing climate change and natural hazard planning controls together in one place.

The policy will support the new object in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to better respond to these risks and make decisions that reflect the level of risk involved.

It will:

  • introduce new guidelines for managing natural hazards and update existing natural hazards controls to streamline decision making
  • focus on climate risks, rebuilding after natural disasters, coastal hazards, flooding, bushfires and urban heat
  • establish a consistent approach for assessing climate risk and natural hazards throughout development assessment
  • provide an all hazards approach to planning to ensure communities and developments are resilient to both current and future risks
  • help consent authorities, such as local councils, assess climate and natural hazard risks for different development types and guide decisions based on acceptable risk levels.
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Have your say

As part of the exhibition, we are seeking feedback on the draft Climate Change Scenario Guidelines and the draft Urban Heat Policy Statement.

The proposed policy is being exhibited for community feedback through the Climate Change and Natural Hazards – Explanation of Intended Effect (PDF, 622 KB) until 5:00 pm on Monday 16 March 2026.

Your feedback will help us understand how to better manage climate risks and natural hazards based on the type, size, and location of proposed development.

Have your say

Guideline for tolerable risk in natural hazards land use planning

Read the Consideration of tolerable risk for natural hazards in land use planning guideline (PDF, 107 KB).

Build back better after natural disasters

Learn more about using the recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction phases after a natural disaster to make communities stronger and more resilient.

Strategic planning for natural hazards in NSW

The NSW Government supports sustainable communities that can withstand and recover from natural hazards through smart land-use planning.

Natural hazards can include a bushfire, coastal hazard, cyclone, drought, earthquake, flood, heatwave, landslide, severe thunderstorm, tornado and tsunami.

Our natural hazards package helps communities and councils prepare for, manage and recover from extreme events – potentially saving lives and property.

Our package includes:

Watch our video to find out more about the package’s purpose and guiding principles.

Natural hazards package

The purpose and guiding principles of the natural hazards package.

Strategic guide

The strategic guide helps planning bodies create regional, district and local strategic plans, planning proposals and other strategic planning activities. It:

  • identifies the natural hazards that are relevant to NSW and should be considered in strategic planning activities
  • considers the links to existing policies, legislation, guidelines and responsibilities
  • explains key concepts for natural hazard risk management
  • sets out 8 guiding principles to inform decisions about land use and manage natural hazard risks.

Resources

More information

For more information, email [email protected]