Lismore City Council Mayor Steve Krieg calls for local leadership approach to flood recovery

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg has called on the NSW government to lock in a new approach to help the flood-stricken regional city recover. Here’s what he has proposed.

Lismore was smashed by record flooding last year. Picture: Dan Peled

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg has called on the state government to commit to a local leadership approach to end flood recovery “delays, misinformation and uncertainty”.

It comes after Planning Minister Paul Scully and Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib visited the Northern Rivers last week.

“I would like to thank the ministers for visiting our region and their commitment to re-set the approach for the design and delivery of Lismore’s reconstruction efforts,” Cr Krieg said.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg, Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib, Lismore MP Janelle Saffin and Planning Minister Paul Scully at Lismore. Picture Savannah Pocock

“The way forward must put the community at the centre, recognise basic physical and mental needs, and have local leadership.

“We need a locally led vision for our city, a homes program that meets the needs of individuals and families, a focus on jobs creation and investment into our community over the long term.”

Cr Krieg said the regional city hammered by the floods early last year has “waited long enough for the state government to bring answers and solutions to the table following the impact of the largest flood in modern Australian history”.

He said residents have been impacted by further trauma and the slow recovery has prevented people from moving on with their lives.

“Lismore City Council now calls on the NSW government to back the people of Lismore by committing to a local leadership approach that is appropriately resourced and supported to create certainty and a future that meets the needs of our community,” Cr Krieg said.

“We believe, Council is best placed to take the lead and partner with the community in our recovery and rebuild.”

Sally Newham. Picture: Cath Piltz

Cr Krieg has written to Labor Premier Chris Minns and the ministers, asking for a meeting to discuss the local plan.

Lismore grassroots advocacy group Reclaiming our Recovery (RoR) has also said there’s a “pressing need for community-led recovery and for funding promises to be kept”.

RoR spokeswoman Sally Newham said: “Right now, so few of the worst impacted by the disaster are recovered at all due to faulty processes that lack transparency and real community involvement.”

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg. Picture Savannah Pocock

The council has aired a five-point plan:

Homes

A review of the Resilient Homes program to ensure it takes into consideration the impact of the 2022 natural disaster and socio-economic factors.

Funding for the adoption of a case-management approach and concierge service to guide people through the available housing options.

Funding for critical infrastructure to accelerate the opening up of flood-free land for much needed housing.

Jobs

Funding for critical essential road infrastructure to facilitate the development of flood-free land identified for jobs.

Community Investment

Extension of funding for local organisations to provide essential support to individuals and families including temporary accommodation, relocation and mental health.

Human Impact Report and Strategy

Funding to undertake a Social Impact Report to examine how the disaster affected the lives of individuals in the community.

Mr Minns and the ministers have been contacted for comment.