A new Government corporation has begun work to assist with long-term flood recovery in the Northern Rivers.
Announced by the Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole, the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) is to manage the rebuilding of communities in Lismore and the Northern Rivers region by coordinating planning, rebuilding and construction work across multiple Government Agencies.
“We have been working hard rebuilding community infrastructure and coordinating the delivery of innovative housing solutions,” Mr Toole said.
“The NRRC will continue this important work and ensure that we’re not only building back better for now but we’re building back better for generations well into the future.”
Chief Executive of the NRRC, David Witherdin said the Corporation was working closely with Government Agencies and key stakeholders to prioritise community needs and gather data and intel to deliver a detailed rebuilding strategy.
“The NRRC is focused on building for long-term prosperity and will be guided by an advisory board, made up of experts, community leaders and local residents,” Mr Witherdin said.
“We’re looking at the data, principles and strategic design for a housing program that may include buyback, house raising, resilient rebuilding and the potential for land swaps, and we’re working to get this program running as soon as possible,” he said.
“We will prioritise evidence-based decisions that put the safety of communities first but will also consider community sentiment and will continue to listen to what they need.”
Mr Witherdin said the NRRC would be able to compulsorily acquire or subdivide land, fast-track the building of new premises, and accelerate the delivery of planning proposals through the Department of Planning and Environment.
Further information on the NRRC can be accessed at this PS News link.
