Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin today joined Premier Dominic Perrottet and Deputy Premier Paul Toole in Lismore for the announcement of the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation to lead the flood rebuilding effort.
Ms Saffin has been advocating for a reconstruction commission every day since the February 28 flood disaster and she welcomed the Premier’s announcement.
“Today is a good day. Today we turn a corner in flood recovery.
“The Premier and Deputy Premier have announced what I have been calling for – a single, coordinated whole of government approach to the permanent recovery and rebuilding of our flood affected communities.
“The Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation will coordinate planning, rebuilding and construction work across multiple government agencies to help us rebuild our lives and communities. It will take account of mitigation and adaptation measures that are needed to rebuild back better and preparedness.”
“The NRRC will sit within the Department of Regional NSW and be led by David Witherdin, who currently leads Public Works and the Soil Conservation Service.
“I have met with David Witherdin and I have confidence he has the competence and confidence required for the role.
“The NRRC will be supported by a community advisory body made up of local representatives who have the requisite skill, knowledge and attitude required to undertake such a role.”
“I have stated that putting the community front and centre is recognition of the critical role the community played in the flood rescue and recovery and the Premier recognised that today in the announcement.”
“The Premier said that he has our back and will work with us for the long haul for this huge recovery job ahead. Today’s announcement has demonstrated that.
“ I thank The Leader of the NSW Opposition Chris Minns for the support he has extended to me, backing my efforts but leaving me to do what is best for our community, and for publicly now backing today’s announcement.”
“I am pleased to be able to report back to the community with this positive news, as we enter the eighth week of disaster recovery.
“I want to thank all who backed my sustained and strategic advocacy for this Northern Rivers reconstruction body to be established, including Business NSW and Southern Cross University.
“It shows that effective advocacy with local leadership for a common cause gets results.
Tuesday April 19 2022
