Flood recovery to be ‘fast-tracked’ after Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation sidelined

Like the flood water which swallowed Lismore, the government agency charged with the city’s rebuild has today been dramatically subsumed. Here’s the latest.

An aerial drone view of houses surrounded by floodwater on March 31, 2022 in Lismore. Picture: Dan Peled/Getty Images

A new state government body will take control of flood recovery in the Northern Rivers after months of confusion surrounding the scheme to buyback flood-smashed properties and relocate devastated communities.

As of next week, the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation — the state appointed agency initially set up to handle flood recovery — will be absorbed into the statewide NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSWRA).

NSWRA CEO Simon Draper said the move would “streamline” the process of getting support to flood-cruelled Northern Rivers residents.

“This is designed to provide a basis for long-term recovery and reconstruction in the Northern Rivers. We’re here for the long haul,” he said today.

The government established the NSWRA as part of its response to the 2022 floods following an independent NSW Flood Inquiry to focus on “risk reduction” and “reconstruction” in communities prone to natural disasters.

Destroyed home, Elliott Rd, South Lismore. Picture: Jonathan Ng

It was confirmed by a spokesman there would now be a “flurry of activity” to let people know if they would get a buyback or some other form of support “by the end of this month”.

About 6500 people have registered under the $700m Resilient Homes Package for buybacks, house raising and retrofits.

Mr Draper said buybacks would be prioritised for residents most at risk of death or major property damage with the funding available.

Political graffiti on flood-cruelled homes in Lismore. Picture: Patrick Hamilton

Today, Planning Minister Paul Scully declared the Northern Rivers as a “formal reconstruction area” after last year’s devastating floods.

The reconstruction order allows the NSWRA to use its powers to subdivide land, demolish buildings, repair or renovate buildings.

“It will also allow the authority to set out and construct roads as well as use its powers to consider new homes and supporting infrastructure outside of traditional residential areas, helping address housing shortages and affordability in the region,” Mr Scully said.

Aftermath of the floods in Lismore. Photo: Patrick Hamilton.

The NSWRA also has powers to mandatorily acquire land, but Mr Draper said they would likely not be using these in relation to the Resilient Homes Program across the Northern Rivers.

As of June 26, there had been 392 evaluations, 320 offers, 158 acceptances and 12 settlements completed for residents looking for a buyback.

Thousands of residents left in limbo had expressed frustration towards the NRRC at the slow rollout since buybacks were announced last year.

The state and federal governments led the community to believe in October last year 2000 homes would be bought back under the program – but that number was quietly cut back to 1100 months later.

Aerial drone view of houses surrounded by floodwater on March 31, 2022 in Lismore. Picture: Dan Peled

But today, Mr Draper said 2000 homes were never going to be bought back with only $700 million – requiring closer to $1.3 billion to meet that figure.

Local state MP for Lismore Janelle Saffin earlier penned a cross-party letter to the state premier Chris Minns to fast-track buyback funding for the Northern Rivers.

Mr Minns said he was “willing to look at a second tranche of flood-funding”, but noted only $90 million had been spent so far.

Planning Minister Paul Scully. Picture: Scott Ehler

Mr Draper said it was a “matter for government” to find the money for buybacks, and said there was still a lot of work to do to use up the first $700m pot of funding.

The Planning Minister today has also announced the controversial Lismore planning panel has been dissolved.

The planning panel was imposed on Lismore council to expedite recovery efforts like house raising – but Lismore councillors criticised the move by former Planning Minister Anthony Roberts as an attempt to strip planning powers from council.