The NSW Government announced today that it will establish a new body to lead the long-term reconstruction of our flood impacted community.
The Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) will coordinate planning, rebuilding and construction work of essential services, infrastructure and housing across multiple government agencies to help people in the Northern Rivers to rebuild their homes businesses and lives as quickly as possible.
Lismore City Council Mayor Steve Krieg said a single coordinated approach is welcomed news for our community.
“Earlier this month Council passed a motion calling for a Reconstruction Corporation to coordinate our recovery across multiple government agencies,” he said.
“A single coordinated approach means a faster process in approving our housing and social infrastructure which is key to our flood recovery. It also creates greater certainty for our community as we recover from this natural disaster.
“The new Corporation will have the power to acquire or subdivide land, and speed up and fast-track new buildings and planning proposals, which is exactly what our community wants and needs.”
The NRRC will continue beyond the recovery phase and will have a long-term remit for reconstruction of flood-hit communities across the Northern Rivers.
Mayor Krieg said the NRRC is committed to the input of local knowledge during the reconstruction.
“The NRRC will be supported by an advisory board consisting of local representatives, such as local members of parliament and mayors, as well as leaders in the community, ensuring local expertise and knowledge is at the core,” he said.
“Council is committed in working with the new body and all other representatives to get the best outcomes for our local community as we rebuild.”
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new corporation would lead a single, coordinated whole-of-government approach and use recommendations from an independent inquiry to ensure the right response.
“The NSW Government is in this for the long haul. We will support the people of flood impacted communities, across the Northern Rivers, every step of the way,” he said.
“We know the community needs certainty. We are working through recovery and we have an independent Inquiry underway that will hear from all of those impacted, from experts and the scientific community.
“The NRRC will be able to draw on the recommendations from the Inquiry and lead the long-term reconstruction work to build certainty for future generations.
“The rebuilding of Lismore and surrounding areas will require a united, effective and coordinated response to enable everyone in the community to plan for the future and get on with their lives, and that will be the driving responsibility of this new authority.”
The NRRC will work across the Local Government Areas of Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay, Kyogle, Tweed, Richmond Valley and Clarence Valley.
