Meeting summary

At their final meeting for 2023, the group discussed a range of subjects across both the resilient homes and lands initiatives through to business sentiment.

The group discussed the additional funding package for the Resilient Homes Program and support including both buybacks and raising/retrofit initiatives in the package.

Dr James Davidson, who was heavily involved in the Queensland flood recovery efforts, will provide technical expertise for the raise and retrofit program.  The RA also confirmed that those who are eligible under the program and have already completed their works will be reimbursed.  The RA will provide the Forum with a full briefing on the raise and retrofit program in early 2024, and this information will be shared with the community.

The RA also provided an update to community leaders on the Resilient Lands Program (RLP).  The RA has been investigating the feasibility of many sites for the RLP, and recommendations for government investment are underway.  There has been a great deal of due diligence undertaken to understand the preferred locations are for those relocating following a buyback.  A great deal of research has also been done on housing options.

Key considerations have also included:

• how progressed land sites are in terms of planning approvals and availability of critical infrastructure
• the affordability of the sites for buyback participants
• having sites available across the Northern Rivers region
• types and options of housing available.

The fundamental challenge has been producing affordable housing in preferred locations.

An update was also provided on the doorknock program across the region.  Over 3,900 homes have been doorknocked, and contact has been made with approximately 30% of these households.  People have been welcoming of the contact and the program has provided a good insight into the key issues still being faced by those across the region.  The doorknocks will continue into 2024.

Councils also asked the RA to provide an update on maintenance and future uses for buyback properties at a meeting early in 2024.

Finally, Business NSW provided an update on the business confidence survey which was recently completed. There has generally been an increase in business confidence and the Northern Rivers is tracking better than many other areas across the state.  This is due to a range of factors including ability to access finance, increased investment in capital equipment and an increase in employment.  Many construction companies are also feeling confident in terms of upcoming work, although business insurance continues to be a major challenge for businesses in the region.

The Community Leaders Forum will reconvene after the Christmas-New Year break.