The NSW Reconstruction Authority has released a draft document, Protocols – exercise of powers and functions under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022, outlining its powers to act in relation to promoting ‘community resilience to the impact of disasters in NSW’.
The Authority has absorbed both the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) and Infrastructure NSW’s Hawkesbury–Nepean Valley Flood Risk Management Directorate (HNV).
The ‘NRRC retains its Northern Rivers identity and continues to focus on rebuilding communities in the Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed local government areas. This includes delivering the Resilient Homes Program,’ states the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
While the draft document outlines that it seeks ‘transparency and engagement’ with stakeholders, the ‘Overview of NSW Reconstruction Authority’s key powers’ clearly identifies that no consultation is required by the authority with councils, landowners (and therefore individuals) etc for them to act. However, notice is required in most circumstances when the authority is seeking to implement any activities or development.
Feedback on the draft Protocols document is open until Friday July 14, 2023 and can be found at www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/about-us/our-agencies/nsw-reconstruction-authority.
You can provide your feedback by emailing: [email protected].
