Further Support for NSW Flood Zones Welcomed
5th May 2022
FMA President Ian Dinham has welcomed government support announcements following the north east NSW flooding over the last three months.
The Commonwealth and NSW Governments’ joint announcement on 12 April includes $36 million for urgent works required to assess and repair flood levees across northern NSW, with costs to be shared 50:50 through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, Category D. The announcement is at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/further-support-for-nsw-flood-zones
In response to Lismore’s worst flood in recorded history the NSW Government has also announced establishment of the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) to lead the long-term reconstruction of flood affected areas of Lismore and the NSW Northern Rivers Region.
The NRRC will have the power to work with councils to identify, prioritise and support projects that can rejuvenate communities within the Northern Rivers area, with emphasis on housing and supporting social infrastructure.
The new body will also have the power to compulsorily acquire or subdivide land, speed up and fast-track the building of new premises and accelerate delivery of planning proposals through the Department of Planning and Environment.
The NRRC will work within and with the local government areas of Ballina, Byron Bay, Kyogle, Tweed, Richmond Valley, Clarence Valley and Lismore. More details at: https://www.regional.nsw.gov.au/our-work/NRRC
Mr Dinham said FMA has been encouraging increased government investment in effective mitigation infrastructure such as levees for years, so the $36 million levee project announcement is welcome, if overdue, news for Northern Rivers Councils.
