Councils in the Northern Rivers of NSW should have faster access to funding aimed at making it easier to rebuild vital roads and infrastructure after natural disasters thanks to an agreement signed this week.
The Tripartite Agreement between the NSW Reconstruction Authority, Transport for NSW and seven local councils will ensure a speedier roll out of reconstruction funds after floods, fires or other natural disasters and has been welcomed by the Lismore City Mayor Steve Kreig.
“This is the most significant day in the rebuild and recovery of the Lismore LGA. It’s taken 18 months to get here but now this agreement is signed, all residents of the Northern Rivers should see significant progress toward flood restoration works being completed,” the Mayor said.
“Thank you to the NSW Government and all stakeholders for getting this across the line, it’s been a mammoth effort and will give a real boost to the recovery of our impacted communities.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns said prior to this agreement, councils had to finance the rebuilding of infrastructure before they could access additional funding from government.
He said now, councils can access critical funds upfront at each stage of reconstruction, easing financial burdens and making it easier to undertake reconstruction work more quickly.
“What we are doing through this agreement is providing certainty that these councils will receive the money when they need it,” the premier said.
“The agreement will accelerate reconstruction works and allow funds to flow quicker for future events.”
The councils taking part are Ballina Shire Council, Byron Shire Council, Clarence Valley Council, Kyogle Council, Lismore City Council, Richmond Valley Council and Tweed Shire Council.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW are now developing supporting documentation, administrative arrangements and some initial training to implement the agreement with the councils.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the agreement is aimed at a faster recovery.
“This agreement will help communities recover faster by giving councils access to the funds they need to get vital recovery work underway,” he said.
“Getting critical infrastructure rebuilt and in place to support the recovery effort as soon as possible is precisely what this agreement will facilitate.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said quick access to funding was vital for recovery.
“One of the lessons learned from the devastating floods of 2022 is that councils need an injection of funds immediately after a flood event so they can get to work straight away and get communities functioning again,” she said.
“This new approach is designed to get the money flowing to councils quicker, so they can get on with the work that needs to be done, fixing roads and bridges and essential public buildings and facilities.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said the deeds between councils and the NSW Government had been signed, and funding will soon start to flow, relieving the cashflow impacts on flood affected councils.
“Quickly restoring our roads and transport infrastructure is vital to setting up the regions for recovery from the floods,” she said.
“I have been personally meeting with these councils, alongside the Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW to help resolve their issues, and I am pleased this will see the quicker restoration of essential roads and transport infrastructure in Northern NSW.”
