NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig made his first visit to the Northern Rivers Region in late February just a week before the second anniversary of the devastating floods.
He was hosted by NSW Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, the Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, and met with mayors from across the region in Ballina.
“Local councils are at the forefront of disasters, especially in terms of infrastructure repair and rebuild,” Ms Saffin said before the visit.
“Mayors and general managers, together with individual councillors, will have an opportunity to discuss a range of current issues related to the local government portfolio.”
Minister Hoenig and Ms Saffin also held discussions with the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation, the peak body representing seven councils in the region.
Minister Hoenig, who is the Member for Heffron, said “Councils are the closest tier of government to the people and play an invaluable role in supporting their communities, especially during and following times of disaster.
“I look forward to meeting with mayors and councillors to discuss the local government issues impacting local communities.”
During the visit Minister Hoenig also received further briefings on how Lismore was rebuilding its civic infrastructure and Central Business District from the devastating floods of February and March 2022.
