NSW Premier Chris Minns in Lismore with raft of politicians on back of flood recovery budget funding

Premier Chris Minns has visited the flood-stricken Northern Rivers and again called on the federal government to fork out more to help the region recover 18 months on. Here’s the latest.

Premier Chris Minns has visited flood-stricken Lismore and again called on the federal government to fork out more cash to help northern NSW recover 18 months on.

It comes after the state announced a long-awaited second portion of funding for the Resilient Homes Program in the 2023-24 budget, with a cash injection of $100 million flagged for much-needed property buybacks, house raisings and retrofits.

Mr Minns has been in Lismore, the recovery focal point, alongside Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib, Resilient Lismore director Elly Bird, state Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, Planning Minister Paul Scully and North Coast Minister Rose Jackson.

A relatively small $5 million funding boost was announced towards the repair of hundreds of Northern Rivers homes as part of Resilient Lismore’s Two Rooms project.

It coordinates skilled tradies, labourers and volunteers to help rebuild – particularly for vulnerable people or those in particular strife.

NSW Premier Chris Minns (right) and state Lismore MP Janelle Saffin on the streets of Lismore on Tuesday morning. Picture: Gianni Francis

Director Elly Bird said funding would allow them to restore kitchens and bathrooms for about 100 homes, and partially restore another 250 homes to a liveable state.

“We make sure that the home is safe, lockable, that the bathroom is functional and that it’s a dignified place to live,” she said.

Mr Minns said he wanted to get “as many houses as we possibly can” liveable as quickly as possible.

Resilient Lismore Project manager Grant Huggins, director Elly Bird, NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Simon Draper and Andrew Bell with the Winsome.

“I'm not pretending for a moment that this $5 million dollar investment will be everything that this community needs or the end of the financial contribution from the New South Wales government,” he said.

Mr Minns has already said budget funding will not be enough to prop the region up for the long-term.

He said he has been “demanding” more from federal counterparts.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg (third from left) is optimistic about the future of his regional city.

“We are going to partner with this community to get it back on its feet,” he said.

A spokesperson for Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said the federal government “was aware” of the NSW government’s budget commitment and will continue to work with them “on what assistance the Commonwealth may provide”.

“Meanwhile in partnership with the Minns Government we have been getting on with delivering the buyback program in the Northern Rivers,” the spokesperson said.

“As at the end of last month more than 500 offers had been made to residents in affected areas with nearly 100 properties already settled.”

Mr Minns said the community has “gone through so much” and “two-way communication” was crucial for a ramped up recovery.

Optimistic Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said he was reminded: “Lismore isn’t forgotten.”

“With the backing of the state and federal governments Lismore is going to be the best regional centre in Australia,” he said.

“We‘re moving forward and we’re rebuilding and we’re going to be stronger than ever.”

During the visit, Mr Minns and fellow politicians joined former premier Mike Baird to announce the opening of HammondCare’s brick and mortar regional HQ on Molesworth St, Lismore.

Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib, Resilient Lismore Director Elly Bird, NSW Premier Chris Minns, Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, Planning Minister Paul Scully and North Coast Minister Rose Jackson.

Mr Baird is the chief executive of not-for-profit HammondCare, which provides aged care and health services including home care.

The organisation will provide 25 care workers to 360 clients across the Northern Rivers.

Ms Saffin said the opening showed confidence in Lismore as it recovered.

“There’s no separation between business and community – we’re one and the same, we’re all together,” she said.

Mr Minns and other politicians were also due to tour the new Lifeline Northern Rivers facilities – more crucial than ever after last year’s traumatic disasters.