Meeting Summary

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin chaired the meeting. The key issues discussed were as follows:

Terms of Reference

Janelle Saffin noted that the draft Terms of Reference had been provided to all CLF members. The TORs were endorsed. (link to attached (PDF 349.63KB))

Compact update

A meeting is to be convened to discuss the best approach to the Regional Vision exercise that will culminate in the Regional Master Plan. It will chaired by Cr Michael Lyon Chair of the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation of Councils (NRJO) and it will include about the development of the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan, and how this will interface with the Regional Vision/Masterplan.

The NRJO and Community Leaders Forum will be host a deliberative meeting  on Monday 25 March to determine the scope of the Regional Vision/Masterplan and the proposed Compact. The Compact put simply is an agreement on how all parties will collaborate on this work as it is progressed. The visioning, adaptation and planning process is an opportunity to reimagine and reposition the Northern Rivers post disasters and to better rebuild and be prepared for the future.

Resilient Homes Program – Home Raising and Retrofit streams

The RA provided an update on Home Assessments which are currently being rolled out, with 45 completed over the last month. It was noted that 90% of these homeowners have preferred a home raising, and 30% had already submitted development applications (DAs).

RA noted that 10 homes had been raised, and one retrofit completed. The RA are working with the Building Commission NSW to provide support and assurance to homeowners that works completed at their home through the program will be compliant and meet the requirements of the grant funding available. Community and industry briefings will be scheduled to commence in late April.

Infrastructure Pipeline and Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program (NRRRP)

The pipeline of infrastructure work is estimated at around $8b in the Northern Rivers, which includes recovery, reconstruction and planned works. Many projects are now moving into the design and delivery phases. This includes the NRRRP which has 36 projects including bridge and road projects, pump station upgrades and nature-based solutions to improve riparian vegetation.

RA has been working with councils on this work and has engaged Graham Kennett former General Manager Kyogle Council to support engagement with and work with councils.

Improvements have been made to the understanding and application of the disaster recovery funding (DRFA), including providing funds to councils upfront rather than after delivery of works.

RA and Councils are developing a variety of communication materials to make sure local communities are aware of this work.

Workforce Strategy

The Workforce Strategy is underway supporting the large pipeline of reconstruction work in the region. It is expected around 1,800 workers will be required to support this work.

The strategy includes a Workforce Response Network to respond to reconstruction specific workforce shortages, and Future Build Northern Rivers to drive the long-term development of the construction sector workforce in the Northern Rivers. It is expected to be finalised soon, and an update will be provided at the next meeting.

Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan (DAP)

Disaster Adaptation Plans (DAPs) are a legally mandated NSW requirement and it is the RA who is responsible for developing the Northern Rivers DAP by mid-2026.

The Northern Rivers DAP will be the State’s first regional multi-hazard disaster adaptation plan and is a new approach to reducing the costs and impacts of disasters on our communities. The plan aims to reduce risk where we can and to adapt where we can’t. An assessment of the region will identify priority risks, potential opportunities and a suite of actions to reduce hazards.

A council roadshow about the Northern Rivers DAP will be undertaken by April 2024.  Key NRRRP projects will form part of the evidence base for the DAP, including:

• Regional Floor Level Surveys – which are to be completed in coming months. More detailed and accurate floor level surveys provide a better understanding of the severity and impact of hazards (especially flooding).
• A Regional Evacuation and Infrastructure Assessment Project – which has commenced with consultation with all 7 councils.

Delivery of the DAP will be guided by local and technical expert reference groups, including the establishment of a Community Reference Group. There will be public information materials developed to ensure that communities understand the need and what it will mean in practical terms.

Pod Village transition

A working group has been established with RA and the NSW Department of Communities and Justice to consider the transition to long-term housing for residents and also the future of the villages and the pods.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin is organising a Housing Roundtable with the Minister for Housing to be present in April. It will of course consider the POD Villages but will consider more broadly housing in the Northern Rivers.

Community outreach schedule update

Janelle Saffin noted that all CLF members had been provided with the latest RA outreach schedule.