Reclaim our Recovery forum to tackle community lead recovery and reconstruction

Northern Rivers residents fed up with the state government flood recovery have organised a forum to hash out a way forward. Here’s what’s to expect at tomorrow’s event.

A Reclaim our Recovery rally outside a Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) pop-up stall on Carrington St, Lismore in June.

Northern Rivers residents fed up with the state government flood recovery have organised a community forum to hash out a way forward.

Community group Reclaim Our Recovery has been pushing for the forum after meeting with Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib, state Lismore MP Janelle Saffin and Planning Minister Paul Scully last month.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg has also called on the state to commit to a locally-led recovery to help end “delays, misinformation and uncertainty” for flood survivors still in the lurch after the early 2022 disasters.

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

A Lismore City Council spokesman said the council has been in regular contact with both the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) and NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSWRA).

The council has raised the need for a recovery “reset”and improved communication and engagement with the community.

“Council is discussing with NRRC and NSWRA the need for a greater locally driven and Council-led approach to the development, delivery and community consultation and communications across all three levels of government,” the spokesman said.

Lismore in March last year. Picture: Dan Peled/Getty Images

The forum will hear from grassroots community groups, regional council representatives, politicians and impacted Northern NSW residents.

Reclaim our Recovery, the event hosts, state the forum is a “much needed” conversation and the announcement it would be held was met with relief and gratitude from Northern Rivers residents demanding a “real say”.

Founding member Sally Amber said the event has attracted community groups from across the region including Bungawalbin, Byron, Coraki, Kyogle, Mullumbimby, Murwillumbah, Nimbin, Woodburn and Wardell.

State Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, who was impacted in the floods, say she has been lobbying for more help. Picture: Cath Piltz

“Many in our community have been crying out to have input in the design of recovery and reconstruction for the entire time since the floods and we say it has been this lack of participation that has led to the process failing,” she said.

Ms Aber said the forum would be a space where mistakes could be aired in hopes of finding a way forward.

“While we recognise that the Northern Rivers recovery is highly complex and challenging, we hope this event is a positive experience for everyone who comes,” she said.

Last year’s floods impacted much of the Northern Rivers, including Woodburn. Picture: Tessa Flemming

Groups speaking include Hearts and Hands, Be Visible, Relocate Our Homes, NRRC Watch, East Lismore Flood Action Group and Lismore Drains Community Action Group.

Ms Saffin, Sue Higginson MLC and staff from the various local councils and recovery organisations have also committed to attending.

The Recovery Re-set: A Conversation with Community forum will be held at the Star Court Theatre on Molesworth St, Lismore from 5pm on Friday.