Disaster and pandemic recovery

Natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic have affected many homes, businesses and communities across NSW. To support recovery, the NSW Government has changed the planning rules to make it easier to rebuild, and to work with councils and government agencies.

Initiatives to make rebuilding easier

We have introduced planning initiatives to support families, businesses and communities across the state to rebuild and recover.

Here’s some information to help, ranging from returning to your property, to cleaning up and rebuilding.

A builder works on a house under construction. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Sarah Rhodes

Cleaning up and rebuilding

Approvals you need to repair and rebuild your home after it has been damaged by a natural disaster.

Woman picking fruit on Belmore Road shops in Riverwood, South Sydney NSW. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Adam Hollingworth

Helping businesses

Options to help businesses keep operating after a bushfire has damaged their premises.

Flannel Flower Beach. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / James Still

Natural disasters

We’ve made it easier for local councils to help homeowners who need to rebuild or repair their property after a natural disaster.

Canola fields in Gunnedah, NSW. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Neil Fenelon

Outbuildings in rural areas

The following information explains the exempt provisions for outbuildings in rural areas.

New housing under construction. Stonecutters Ridge, Sydney, NSW. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Heath Bennett

Overview of the planning system

Information for homeowners and businesses to understand what approvals may be required to rebuild.

Communication tower near Cooma, NSW. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Jaime Plaza Van Roon

Rebuilding or repairing infrastructure

Approvals councils and providers need to repair and rebuild infrastructure damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster.

Aerial view of a new housing development.

Regional Housing Flying Squad

We’re helping regional councils increase the supply of new homes by speeding up development applications.

Snowy River Reflection. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Vanessa Allen

Repair and response work

When you can do demolition and repair works, or use shipping containers, without council approval.

New and large homes in residential area in Kellyville, North-West Sydney, NSW. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Adam Hollingworth

Secondary dwellings (granny flats)

When you can install a granny flat while your main house is being built.

Caravans parked at Lane Cove River Tourist Park. Credit: DPIE / Claire Franklin

Temporary accommodation

When you can use caravans, tents and camping grounds for emergency accommodation.

Front yard of Manly Vale House, Sydney. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Salty Dingo

Your guide to the DA process

Get approval to build or renovate your home sooner and more easily.