Community organisations from the Northern Rivers region say they have presented evidence to the Joint Select Committee as part of the public hearing for the statutory review of the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022.
In a media release, the group say they comprise Resilient Lismore, Community Disaster Action Group (CDAG), Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre (NRCLC) and the Nimbin Neighbourhood and Information Centre Inc (NNIC).
The statement reads, ‘With over 5,000 of the 6,000 homes who applied under the Resilient Homes Program still awaiting assistance (Response to Questions on Notice – 26 April 2024), and only $890 million delivered of the promised $1.5 billion for recovery through the Resilient Homes Program, (leaving a $610 million shortfall), the program is one example of the considerable recovery still ahead of us and the need for strong community engagement’.
‘The groups are advocating for increased community involvement in decision-making processes, echoing sentiments expressed by the prime minister in a letter on 13 February 2024’.
‘As our community moves through recovery, and strives to reduce disaster risk, the importance of the Reconstruction Authority cannot be understated,’ said Resilient Lismore’s Elly Bird.
‘Neither can the importance of good community engagement and partnerships between government and community that can enhance resilience. We value the Reconstruction Authority and their role, and we strongly advocate for community engagement processes, and governance structures that include the people who are affected by the decisions that are being made; we also want to see meaningful support for place-based communities that are working hard to build local resilience through community-led initiatives.’
Natalie Meyer, Neighbourhood Neighbourhood and Information Centre highlighted that, ‘The Act would be improved by clearly providing for collaboration with communities in disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
‘Disasters on the scale of the 2022 floods are not something that government agencies can manage on their own. It takes a team effort involving many people, most of whom are already on the ground and have existing community connections. Recovery is enhanced by effectively harnessing and resourcing local strengths and know-how. Establishing and maintaining strong communication mechanisms between the community and the Reconstruction Authority before, during, after and between disasters is key to this.’
Chels Hood Withey from the Community Disaster Action Group said, ‘The NSW RA Act, in its current form, fails to recognise the importance of community-led recovery. By sidelining the very people it aims to serve, the authority is perpetuating the trauma our community has already endured’.
Read the full written submissions to the Joint Select Committee.
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