It was always envisaged that the NRRC would be superseded when the legislation to establish the RA passed through Parliament in November 2022.
The change will help ensure future state-wide recovery efforts build on the lessons learned from the Northern Rivers, which was devastated by floods in 2022.
The transfer will not affect any work currently being delivered by NRRC teams, who already transitioned into the Reconstruction Authority on 1 July. Key programs – including the region’s Resilient Homes Program – will continue, bolstered by additional resources under the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
Earlier in the year, the NSW Government committed to a reset of the recovery program for the Northern Rivers. These efforts include the introduction of ongoing door knocks to connect with residents and regular fortnightly community leadership meetings to ensure future directions of recovery are informed by the Northern Rivers community.
The Resilient Homes Program is also progressing. In April, 69 buyback offers had been approved. Since then, more than 640 buyback offers have been approved.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority will continue the work of the NRRC, helping communities in the region recover, rebuild and adapt to future natural hazard risk.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority was established to better guide how NSW plans for disasters and to make sure communities recover from them faster.
CEO of the NSW Reconstruction Authority Simon Draper said:
“The NRRC was set up to begin the recovery process in the Northern Rivers and now that process is well underway, we can safely transition the corporation into the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which has the funding and powers it needs to prepare and adapt communities for future natural disasters.
“This transition means the work started by the NRRC can be strengthened under the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which has a broader scope along with greater capabilities and capacity.”
Deputy CEO for the NSW Reconstruction Authority Simone Walker said:
“Recovery and reconstruction in the Northern Rivers are top priorities for the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
“We are dedicated to a more proactive approach and committed to working alongside local community leaders. We are here for the long-term and look forward to seeing the Northern Rivers region thrive.”
