With global instability increasing, community resilience organisation Plan C is encouraging individuals, households, and communities across the Northern Rivers to take simple, practical steps to prepare for potential disruptions linked to ongoing global instability.
They say, ‘Recent events in the Middle East, including the war involving Iran, are already beginning to affect global energy markets, supply chains, and transport systems. While these impacts may not always be immediately visible, they are likely to be felt locally in the coming weeks and months through rising fuel costs, increasing food prices, and potential delays or shortages of certain goods’.
‘Disruptions like these rarely arrive as a single shock,’ said Dr Jean Renouf, founder of Plan C. ‘They tend to show up gradually, through higher costs, delays, and pressure on everyday systems. The question is not whether this will affect us, but how we can prepare in practical ways.’
‘The Northern Rivers region, which has experienced significant disruptions in recent years due to floods and housing pressures, may be particularly sensitive to these compounding effects.
‘Plan C has released a one-page guidance note outlining practical actions that residents and communities can take now to reduce vulnerability and strengthen local resilience.
‘Key recommendations include:
- Managing fuel and transport use, including combining trips and exploring carpooling or local alternatives
- Maintaining a small, rotating supply of essential items, such as food, medications, and basic household goods
- Strengthening local connections, including checking in with neighbours and sharing information and resources
- Preparing for short disruptions, such as power outages or communication interruptions
- Being selective with information sources, to reduce confusion and avoid the spread of misinformation
‘The guidance emphasises that many households and communities are already taking steps to adapt, and that preparedness is about building on these existing efforts rather than reacting to worst-case scenarios.
‘We’re not talking about stockpiling or alarm,’ Sam Refshauge, Plan C’s new Managing Director, said. ‘Small, deliberate adjustments made early can make a significant difference if conditions tighten. In the Northern Rivers, we’ve seen how strong communities can be when they’re connected and prepared.’
Plan C also highlights the importance of local networks and community-led responses, which have proven effective during past crises in the region.
‘Resilience is not just about infrastructure or services,’ Dr Renouf said. ‘It’s also about relationships, trust, and the ability to support one another when systems are under pressure.’
The full guidance note is available via Plan C and is being shared with local organisations, community groups, and residents across the region.
For more info visit www.planc.org.au.
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