The Central Coast community is invited to a session at Gosford Regional Library with renowned resilience architect James Davidson, to learn about bushfire-safe construction in the region.
James Davidson, founder of JDA Co., is a leading authority on disaster-resilient design. Following the 2022 Northern Rivers floods, his firm developed the NSW Reconstruction Authority's landmark resilient housing guidelines. At the Gosford session, he will deliver a keynote presentation on the latest materials, construction systems, and architectural techniques used to build homes that can better withstand high-intensity bushfires.
The event is open to all Central Coast homeowners, builders, and interested residents looking to 'build back better' against the increasing threat of disaster.
The event includes a 'one-stop shop' format for those residents impacted by the Koolewong fire from 4:30pm to 7:30pm, providing access to:
Government Agencies: Central Coast Council, NSW Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Reconstruction Authority.
Support Services: Insurance Council of Australia, Legal Aid, Australian Red Cross, and local mental health services.
For more information on the event go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/bushfire/fire-recovery-updates
Minister for the Central Coast. David Harris said:
"After the devastation of the bushfires it is so important that our communities in Koolewong and across the Coast have the support, tools and information to build back better, which this one-stop-shop session will provide.
"This is a timely session, not just for the people who are still picking up the pieces of their lives after that horrible weekend in December but for all residents of the Coast, because fire can strike anywhere.
"It's important that homes in our region are built with the sort of resilience that matches that of Coasties who live in them."
Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin said:
"We know that recovering from a bushfire can be a long and often difficult journey for many people. The priority of the NSW Government is making sure homeowners have the information and support they need to rebuild successfully.
"While this session provides a dedicated 'one-stop shop' for those who lost homes in Koolewong, we are opening the doors to the entire Central Coast. We want every resident to have access to this level of expertise so that as a community, we are building homes that are smarter, safer, and more resilient for the future."
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch said:
"As the Koolewong community rebuilds following the devastation on the recent bushfires, all Coasties have the chance to access expert advice on resilient building, renovation and also greater community resilience.
"In a time when natural disasters and climate risks are becoming increasingly common, it is important for all of us to understand how to build and rebuild in ways that protect their properties from the challenges of our environment.
"I encourage Koolewong residents and broader community members to attend and learn what steps they can take on both a community wide and case-by-case basis."
