Richmond Valley flood victims slam NSW Government, NRRC, over flood recovery efforts

More than 16 months after floods devastated their homes and towns, Richmond Valley residents have joined a protest demanding answers from NSW government.

Richmond Valley flood victims at a protest rally at Woodburn on Saturday sent a message to the NSY government: we’re sick of being invisible.

More than 16 months floods devastated their homes and wiped out their communities they had one message: they’re sick of being invisible.

They took aim at Planning Minister Paul Scully, who recently urged flood survivors to “have their say on future house developments”.

“We recognise the devastation the community has faced and want the Resilient Land Program to support the rebuild of the Northern Rivers community,” he said.

His comments were met with scepticism from fed-up locals, who say their devastation and need for support in the wake of the floods has been ignored as Lismore’s flood recovery is prioritised.

The rally at Woodburn Riverside Park was titled ‘Be Visible — out of the mind of the decision process = we’re invisible’.

Woodburn resident and protest organiser Beverley Lawson said small Richmond Valley towns and communities had been forgotten in the reconstruction process.

“I can’t do this by myself,” she said at the rally.

“It is up to the administrators and executive members of incorporated organisations to do this — to join Wardell, Broadwater, Woodburn, Coraki, Bungawalbin — right up to New Italy — everywhere.”

Broadwater residents (L-R) Ohdi Andrew, Lauren Andrew, Darnell Andrew at the 'Be Visible – We Count Rally' held at Woodburn Riverside Park.

She called on all the communities who were devastated by the floods to come together and make all their voices heard — not just the Lismore flood victims.

“We cannot be forgotten,” she said.

Local politicians present included Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, Clarence MP Richie Williamson, Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh and Richmond Valley Mayor Robert Mustow.

Federal MP for Page Kevin Hogan was not present, due to a family commitment.

Ms Saffin said she could understand how Richnmond Valley communities felt forgotten.

“I’m not your member — I am the member for Lismore — but from day one when I spoke about what we needed in response to this humanitarian crisis, like an inland tsunami that went through us, I know that you’ve copped it here,” Ms Saffin said.

“That’s why I’ve talked about the Northern Rivers as a whole … this is an area that needed the whole of the Northern Rivers responded to, and while I don’t represent you now, you remain in my heart.”

Bungawalbin residents (L-R) Amanda Joy, Jennifer Joy, Keeley Patch, Deborah Johnstone say their town has been left behind. Picture: Odessa Blain.

The rally follows a cross-party group of politicians — four state MPs and seven mayors — going to NSW Premier Chris Minns seeking more help.

“The message we gave was what’s happening is not good enough,” Ms Saffin said.

Cross party unity was also emphasised by the local politicians at the rally.

Mr Williamson said “we need to do better”.

“This is not about a party, this is about a humanitarian crisis that we are dealing with,” he said.

Woodburn resident Doug Luke spoke about the need for Richmond Valley not to be forgotten.

Residents also spoke out about the recent NRRC flood maps, classifying flood risk areas, which have divided the community.

“The maps were absolutely useless — didn’t even have street names on it. It was a 2021 map — the year before the floods,” Ken, a Richmond local said.

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Crowds gather on the bridge by Woodburn Riverside Park to protest the response to the 2022 floods in the Richmond Valley. Picture: Jack Wood

“We couldn’t make out what the maps meant and there were ones depicted where one side of the street got paid while the other side got nothing.

“Who came up with that crap and why are we putting up with it.

As the rally ended, people stretching from across the Richmond Valley walked onto the bridge from Woodburn Riverside Park.

Shouts of “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” could be heard as well as cheers for the resilience of their own communities.