Meeting summary

The Central West Community Leaders Forum met on Wednesday 10 April and received updates on the various programs that are part of the Recovery and Resilience Package for the region.

At the start of the meeting, the group had the opportunity to hear from CEO for the NSW Reconstruction Authority, Mal Lanyon. Mal joined the RA earlier this week and is known to many in the group from his previous work with NSW Police and recovery work across the state.

Regional Transport Resilience Fund (RTRF)

The $32 million RTRF was launched this week. The website is live and Councils are now able to start submitting potential projects. Submissions close on 31 May.

Community Assets Program (CAP)

Following its launch in March, the $25 million CAP is now open for submissions. Regional NSW has been briefing Councils on the program and working closely with them on potential projects.

Housing program

Community leaders received an update on the planning for the housing program. Flood specialists Rhelm provided an update on the risk mapping for the region and outlined the collection of data and risk assessments that are underway.

This flood mapping will inform the next phase of community engagement, likely to take place from late May/early June. Each LGA will have a different approach for the community engagement, based on feedback from local councils and needs of the LGA.

The group also heard that more than 160 “have your say” surveys for the Housing Program have been completed, with around 49% of these from Forbes and 33% from Cabonne LGAs. A full report on the survey findings will be available once the survey has closed at the end of the month.

RA will distribute a newsletter across the central west region this month which will be an ongoing quarterly update on key activities in the area.

The group received an update on the housing program guidelines. Community leaders also indicated they were supportive of exploring a damage assessment service for impacted residents to understand the mitigation measures that may be suitable to their homes. More details to be provided at the next meeting.

Over the upcoming month, RA will continue planning for the next round of community consultation and working on program design options as the flood mapping and risk assessment is finalised.