Planning before the storm: Why disaster recovery planning matters

Disaster recovery engineering in action

Disaster recovery engineering does not always require large, complex upgrades. Often, small changes make a big difference.

For example, cyclone-rated roof screws help buildings fare better in high winds. They do not stop storms, but they reduce severe damage and support faster recovery.

The same thinking applies at a regional scale, where solutions such as upgrading unsealed gravel to concrete can have a huge impact. These are the kinds of targeted actions identified through effective disaster recovery planning.

After Cyclone Jasper struck Far North Queensland in 2023, we supported Douglas Shire Council to secure Betterment funding by clearly demonstrating the risks associated with repeated damage to Collins Creek Road. Each time the road was cut, communities were isolated, emergency services were delayed, and local businesses—particularly tourism operators—felt the impact. 

By mapping historical closures and showing there were no viable alternative routes, we helped build a compelling case: this wasn’t just a maintenance issue—it was a resilience issue. It showed where disaster recovery planning needed to focus—on keeping critical access routes open.

The solution was targeted and practical. Upgrading a vulnerable section of unsealed road to concrete means that, after future events, debris and mud can be cleared quickly. That can help restore access within 24 hours.

Upgrading unsealed roads is a modest solution. But for the community, it makes all the difference—keeping people connected when it matters most.

Rapid response under pressure: Broughton Pass

Speed of response is just as critical as long-term upgrades—and both rely on strong disaster recovery strategies.

At Broughton Pass in New South Wales, intense rainfall triggered rockfalls and landslides, putting road users at risk and forcing lane closures. We responded immediately, working with Wollondilly Shire Council to assess the site, manage hazards, and guide safe reopening.

Our team oversaw urgent rock scaling to stabilise the slope. At the same time, we assessed damage along the corridor and developed a remediation design. This included a gabion retaining wall and drainage solutions to manage risks.

We also reviewed the full length of the road to confirm whether other unstable areas needed attention.

This rapid, coordinated response reduced risk to the public and helped restore access sooner. It also helped the long-term solution address the root causes of failure, not just the symptoms—an outcome achieved when immediate action is aligned with disaster recovery planning.

Restoring critical access: Sheehys Creek Road

On Sheehys Creek Road, the challenge was different—but the impact was just as critical to address.

This four-kilometre road runs through steep terrain with a protected catchment. It serves as an important access route into Nattai National Park and Yerranderie State Conservation Area. After bushfires and repeated floods, landslides made sections of the road unsafe and forced its closure.

We worked with Wollondilly Shire Council to investigate the failures and develop practical design solutions. This included detailed geotechnical assessments, drone-based mapping, and ongoing site inspections after major weather events.

Just as important was coordination between interested parties. We worked closely with Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Water NSW, and emergency services to align priorities and manage risk.

This approach reflects disaster recovery planning in practice—bringing together technical insight, the needs of local authorities, agencies and emergency services, and funding pathways to restore a critical asset. It goes beyond repair. It builds a pathway to reopen the road—and strengthens resilience for future events.

Planning for people, with people

Disaster recovery planning is not only about assets. It’s about people.

After floods, we often hear the same reflections:

• We didn’t know the water would rise that fast.
• We didn’t think we’d be cut off for days.
• We didn’t know when to leave.

These experiences show why emergency planning and response must be clear and practical.

Community flood action plans help. They outline what to do, when to act, and how to stay safe. But they only work if the local community is involved.

Bringing in local knowledge that adds depth to risk analysis and planning is key. Residents know which roads flood first. They know which homes become isolated. They know where bushfires start. When we combine that insight with technical modelling, disaster recovery engineering solutions reflect real conditions.

That strengthens infrastructure resilience—and protects people.

Why planning for disaster recovery matters more than ever

Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. The costs of floods, fires, and storms continue to rise.

Waiting until disaster strikes is not sustainable.

Disaster recovery planning allows communities to act early. It helps them protect critical assets, reduce service outages, and recover faster. 

And that’s work worth doing—before the next disaster arrives.