A second tranche of $100m in government funds to help 2022 flood-affected residents is expected to rollout soon, says Ballina MP, Tamara Smith (Greens).
Ms Smith told The Echo the Byron shire could expect approvals for house raising and retro-fits of 60 homes in Byron Shire, while 50 could be approved for the Ballina shire.
‘There were 36 buy backs under tranche one, with five completed,’ she said.
Of the potential 110 house raising and retro-fits for both shires, Ms Smith has asked the Reconstruction Authority, who are tasked with flood recovery, to justify the selection process, given that flooded homes just metres away from each other are either approved or denied.
Subjected to oversight
Additionally, Ms Smith says that the Reconstruction Authority will finally be subjected to parliamentary oversight.
‘The terms of reference for the Reconstruction Authority Joint Oversight Committee are yet to be released,’ she said, adding that herself, and fellow Greens MLC. Sue Higginson, will be on the committee.
Lismore NSW Labor MP, Janelle Saffin, also told The Echo, ‘I got the Joint Parliamentary Committee built into the law as a point of negotiation for our support’.
Until now, NSW government corporations, such as the Reconstruction Authority, have enjoyed total immunity from public and media scrutiny.
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