Northern Rivers MPs, mayors send joint letter to Chris Minns demanding buyback funding

A Labor MP has urged her own party leader and state premier to fast-track buyback funding for the Northern Rivers in a cross-party letter calling for a hurry-up on flood relief.

Northern Rivers leaders have demanded more funding sooner for flood recovery.

A Labor MP has urged her own party leader and state premier to fast-track buyback funding for the Northern Rivers in a cross-party letter calling for clarity, and the second tranche of cash to help residents following last year’s floods.

As thousands remain in limbo a year on from the disaster, Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has written to NSW Premier Chris Minns pleading for more immediate funding.

“Our communities need to know that the funding they believed would come is definitely coming and that the Resilient Homes Program will be completed,” Ms Saffin wrote to the premier on Thursday, alongside other Northern Rivers elected officials.

Residents stand by a flooded street on March 1, 2022. Photo: Saeed Khan.

The letter is signed by Ms Saffin, Tweed MP Geoff Provest, Ballina MP Tamara Smith and Clarence MP Richie Williamson, alongside the mayors of Lismore, Kyogle, Ballina, Byron, Tweed, Clarence and Richmond.

“Some nearly 16 months on from the humanitarian disaster that engulfed our communities we need to know that as promised we will not be forgotten and that we can recover to bring more stability into our communities,” the letter states.

The letter called for clarity and funding to help rebuild efforts. Picture: Toby Zerna

It comes after it was revealed the number of homes expected to be eligible for buybacks under the $700 million Resilient Homes Program was slashed from 2000 to just 1100 when the long awaited flood mapping showing which homes would be prioritised across the region was released on Wednesday.

About 6500 homeowners have applied for a buyback or other support. But as at June 8, only 296 buyback offers were approved, and 131 of those accepted.

“It is fair to say we were disappointed with their maps’ release,” the joint letter says.

A 2022 aerial image of Lismore in northern NSW shows extensive flooding as the region experienced the worst floods in a century. Picture: NCA NewsWire

The Resilient Homes Program was initially given funding of $750 million, but when officially drawn up and presented to cabinet, the figure stood at $1.5 billion.

“A decision was made by cabinet to fund the first tranche and any commitment to the second tranche would follow,” the statement said.

“You will recall this, as yourself as Opposition Leader, stated that you would back in what had been done and committed to the region we all represent and then again as Premier on your early visit to Lismore.

“We are now asking for tranche two to come sooner than later so that the Resilient Homes Program can be completed.”

Janelle Saffin MP wrote the letter with cross-party mayors and other state MPs.

A NSW Government spokesman said it was committed to the flood-recovery effort, “which doesn’t end once this buyback is complete”.

“Homes being prioritised represent the greatest risk to life in most floods – and (we are) currently prioritising close to 1100 home buyback offers along with another 340 Home Raising or Home Retrofit offers,” the spokesman said.

“This is the largest program of its kind in Australia.”

The NRRC has identified 15 potential sites to support 7800 homes as part of the Resilient Lands Program, he also confirmed.

This letter follows months of community anger and frustration surrounding the prolonged roll out of the buyback program.

A spokesman for NSW Premier Chris Minns’ government said the scheme was the largest ever seen in Australia. Picture: Adam Yip

The Northern Rivers Reconstruction Commission (NRRC) has pointed to worker shortages and other difficulties, but declined to respond to criticism about the process.

It follows the release of the Draft Resilient Lands Strategy on June 2.

The strategy outlined 22 development sites across Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed with potential capacity for up to 10,300 dwellings.

Land won’t be made available for those in need until “early” 2024 as the NRRC negotiates with landowners.

Ms Saffin has been contacted for comment.