Meeting summary

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin chaired the meeting and opened with an introduction and welcome to Councillor Dianne Randall. Cr Dianne Randall is the North Coast representative for the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, presenting 13 Local Aboriginal Land Councils. She is now a member of the Community Leaders Forum, and attendees all welcomed Dianne on board.  

The RA staff also briefed attendees on the meetings and interactions they had with community members and groups.

During the meeting, updates were provided – followed by discussion and agreed actions. 

Review of actions

Progress on actions was noted, with further information available out of session.  

Premier’s Citation Awards

The NSW Premier’s Citation Emergency Awards have been previously available for volunteers and service agency personnel for their service in a disaster. This is broadening to cover community organisations and local community members. It will provide an opportunity to recognise a wider group of people who have played a significant role in supporting their communities during and following disasters.   

Discussion items

Dynamic risk assessment to assess the risk of potential disasters, season by season

Discussion about opportunities to have a seasonal outlook update from the Bureau of Meteorology as well as hazard/risk specialists from NSW (e.g. NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service).  As we go into each different seasons, this would be helpful for disaster preparation.  

Retaining continuity through the September Local Government Election period 

It was noted that there may be changes in membership to the Community Leaders Forum with upcoming Council and Mayor elections, with a potential for loss of knowledge and history that has been gained through membership of the Community Leaders Forum. There was discussion about the value of General Managers from councils attending the meetings.   

Regional Vision Workshop

A workshop has been scheduled with the Community Leaders Forum members on Monday 5 August to develop a regional vision that reflects community values and is economically and environmentally sustainable. It will kick off the Regional Masterplan that will of course be done in collaboration with community. 

Disaster Adaptation Plan Guidelines consultation

The Disaster Adaptation Plan (DAP) Guidelines are currently out for consultation until 23 August 2024. They have been developed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, and have been informed by consultation including with councils over the last 8 months. Consultation is underway with councils across the Northern Rivers, and available online through ‘Have your say’ to 23 August 2024. 

Feedback through the consultation has been positive so far. It includes making sure the DAP is locally focussed, ensuring engagement is done in partnership with the rest of the work we are doing in the region. Planning for a regional workshop shortly which will include looking at the DAP’s collaborative governance. 

Resilient Homes Program update

The Resilient Homes Program is continuing to rollout with almost 800 home buyback offers made, and 470 properties that have settled to date.  

Within the Home Raising and Home Retrofit streams, 115 home assessments have been completed by a resilient homes expert. Home Assessment Reports are being distributed to homeowners for their consideration. An industry briefing was delivered on 4 July with 80 attendees from across the region, attended by tradies who can do this work.

Over 40 homeowners have stated that they will relocate their buyback homes to private land. We will also be looking to relocate some buyback homes to Mount Pleasant Estate under the Resilient Lands Program. Other reuse options are being explored with Homes NSW and Local Aboriginal Land Councils.  

The removal of 16 structurally unsafe and dangerous buyback homes, with further homes to be removed in the future. Where possible, these homes will re-used and recycled to the maximum extent possible. Communications have been undertaken with neighbours immediately surrounding the homes that are being removed including letterbox drops or door knocking. Signage has also been installed on these homes removed. 

Resilient Lands Program update

The North Lismore site was the sixth announcement on the Resilient Lands Program, and is adjacent to the proposed site for the Richmond River High School. There will be further announcements to come for the program.  

Other business

There was discussion about temporary housing, together with the potential extensions of leases or closures of individual pod villages and also the future uses of pod village sites, with some reverting to their owners.

It was noted that the NSW Reconstruction Authority is working with Homes NSW on this, working with tenants and councils/landholders on transition planning. Transitioning people from temporary housing to social or other housing options.