2022 Floods
Flood affected residents in the Northern Rivers protest outside Labor MPs offices asking for more funding
Flood affected residents in the Northern Rivers protest outside Labor MPs offices asking for more funding
By Sarah Waters
Mullumbimby resident Noelle Maxwell is one of the thousands of Northern Rivers residents who have been left traumatised by the 2022 floods and now she and her fellow residents have banded together to demand more from the state and federal governments.
On Tuesday, December 12, a community protest was held outside the Tweed office of Federal Labor Member for Richmond Justine Elliot and the office of Lismore Labor MP Janelle Saffin.
The protest attracted dozens of residents and local organisations, which signed an open letter demanding a fully funded flood recovery.
It was backed by the Green’s Member for Ballina Tamara Smith and Greens candidate for Richmond Mandy Nolan.
Ms Maxwell said the floods were deeply traumatic for her and so many other people and they’ve been kept in limbo for nearly two years.
“To have no idea if you’ll ever receive the support you need to return home has needlessly compounded that trauma,” she said.
“My house was flooded so badly that I have not been able to return, but I’ve been told multiple times that I’m not eligible for house raising.
“So even if I did fix my house, it would be devastated in the next inevitable flood.
“All we’re asking for is certainty and the financial support we were promised to return to our homes.”
Protestors want to know if they will ever be able to return to their flood affected home at recent protest.
The open letter asks the state and federal governments to jointly provide funding to cover what has been identified as a $700m shortfall in the Resilient Homes Program, before the end of the year.
Cabinet figures suggested the delivery of 6000 home buybacks, retrofits and raises, indicated by the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Authority (NRRC), would cost $1.5 billion.
An initial round of $700m in funding was allocated last year through the Resilient Homes Program.
Three months ago, Labor revealed a new $150 million Community Restoration Flood Fund in its 2023-24 NSW Budget to support disaster impacted communities in the Northern Rivers and Central West.
$100 million of the Community Restoration Flood Fund will be go towards the second instalment of the Resilient Homes Program in the Northern Rivers.
The rest will go towards priority disaster adaptation plans, repair and replacement of critical community assets and improving the resilience of public infrastructure.
Frustration continues to build over the lack of transparency towards Northern Rivers flood victims in a protest.
The Greens have since been calling for the Resilient Homes Program’s second tranche of $700m in funding, to make up the $1.5 billion needed to cover the 6000 affected houses.
In addition, flood affected residents said they want clear and appropriate timelines for the delivery of 4000 retrofits and house raises and 2000 buybacks for homes affected by the 2022 flood event.
They also want assurance that the NSW Reconstruction Authority operates transparently and communicates sensitively with community members.
It is estimated three quarters of flood survivors have gone without any financial support from the Resilient Homes Program.
Member for Ballina Tamara Smith, who is also the NSW Greens disaster relief spokesperson, said she was proud to see flood survivors raising their voices.
“We were promised 6000 buybacks, retrofits and house-raises from the Resilient Homes Program, but thousands of people are missing out thanks to a $700m funding shortfall,” Ms Smith said.
“It’s been nearly two years, and over three quarters of flood-affected people are still living in fear and uncertainty after being denied the house-raises, buybacks and retrofits they need to protect their homes,” she said.
Member for Ballina Tamara Smith
Greens candidate for the Federal seat of Richmond Mandy Nolan further criticised the state and federal Labor governments.
“The Greens stand behind the communities demands for the state and federal governments to jointly fund the resilient homes program so that all 6000 applicants receive support.
“Our current federal Member is the only Northern Rivers politician who is yet to call for this additional $700m to be delivered.”
In response, Member for Richmond Justine Elliot reiterated the Resilient Homes Program is a NSW state government program that is part funded by the Commonwealth in partnership with the NSW state government.
“The NSW State Government fund the remainder of the program and is responsible for its delivery and operation,” Ms Elliot said.
“I know how hard Janelle Saffin, as the Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, is working to deliver assistance and support for our flood affected community.
“To date, the Federal Government and New South Wales Governments have collectively committed over $3.4 billion for disaster funding.
“In relation to additional recovery support, I’m advised that the Federal Government hasn’t received a formal request from the NSW State Government.
“We stand ready to assist and work with them,” she said.
Ms Elliot also took a swipe at the Greens and called the protest a desperate attempt to divert attention from the Greens’ recent ‘destructive actions’ in the Federal Parliament.
“Greens Party candidate Mandy Nolan is now shamelessly using flood victims to try and pretend that the Greens actually care about housing.
“Protesting outside Janelle Saffin and my offices, while at the same time continuing to block housing help, is just another cheap political stunt by the Greens,” she said.
Federal member for Richmond Justine Elliot
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, who was appointed NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, in August, has been widely recognised as a fierce campaigner for flood victims.
During the floods, she had to swim to safety after the house she was staying in became surrounded by flood water and her husband had to be rescued from their home on the Wilsons River.
Ms Saffin said she remained absolutely committed to securing the full second tranche of NSW-Commonwealth funding to keep driving the region’s flood recovery.
“Together with fellow MPs and local mayors, I called for a reset of how things were being done, including the need for full funding and for greater transparency in how reconstruction is managed.
“I share local people’s frustrations at what has become a drawn-out disaster recovery process, but I’m in their corner every day, progressing better outcomes,” she said.
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin
Almost two years on from the February/March 2022 flood disasters in Northern NSW new data obtained by the Greens has revealed that just 11 per cent of the 5001 applicants in the Tweed, Byron and Lismore councils, under the government’s $700m recovery program, have been approved for a buyback. The cost of each buyback is on average $583,567.
For more 2022 floods news, click here.
$300,000 funding agreement to help deliver flood resilient land in the Byron Shire
The NSW Government is providing Byron Shire Council $300,000 through the Resilient Lands Program to provide safe, flood resilient land for new housing at the Saddle Road Precinct in Brunswick Heads.
The funding from the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) will allow Council to complete a Structure Plan, Infrastructure Priority Plan, technical studies, and community engagement to investigate suitability for new housing and public infrastructure in the precinct.
Located on the western side of the Pacific Motorway, the site is just five minutes by car to Brunswick Heads and eight to Mullumbimby. It is well above projected flood heights which will provide opportunities for new homes off the flood plain.
Saddle Road is the third site to be identified under the RA’s Resilient Lands Program (RLP). The site is also the first to be identified outside of the Lismore LGA under the program, and has also been flagged in Byron Shire Council’s Residential Strategy as a key site for future residential development.
It follows the recent announcement of 400 new lots in East Lismore and up to 50 new households in the Mount Pleasant Estate at Goonellabah.
While the final number of homes at Saddle Road will be determined following detailed planning and community engagement, based on site-specifications, it is estimated between 500-800 homes could be delivered.
The RLP is accelerating the delivery of new land and housing options, linking with the $700 million Resilient Homes Program (RHP), giving flood impacted homeowners a pathway to move to a safer location.
The RA will work with RHP buyback participants to secure suitable and affordable land and will provide further support to those eligible who wish to relocate their existing homes.
For more information, visit NSW Reconstruction Authority.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“This funding is a win-win for the community and Byron Shire Council.
“Not only will it help to unlock flood-resilient lots for people to build on, it also helps Council and the NSW Government deliver on its promise of more homes for our growing population.
“The land is positioned near existing services and an established community and will provide a beautiful, safe place to live for those affected by the nearby flood plain.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
“The announcement of this third site under the Resilient Lands Program is the first one outside of Lismore.
“Locals communities and Councils can be assured that the wheels of the RLP are starting to turn right across the Northern Rivers.
“This announcement will be followed by others in our local government areas and will see more land become available, giving people accepting buybacks in the Resilient Homes Program a variety of places to choose from.”
Byron Shire Council Mayor Michael Lyon said:
“We are thrilled to receive this initial funding support which will not only benefit members of our community displaced by the natural disasters in 2022, but also address the housing crisis that has existed since before the floods.
“Council can now get on with the important job of structure planning for this site on The Saddle Road and get the land ready for building flood-resilient houses more quickly which is a huge win.
“The work ahead includes an Aboriginal Heritage and Environmental Sensitivity Assessment, a Structure Plan that includes a vision and concept plan for the site, a Planning Proposal to amend Council’s LEP and an Infrastructure Priority Plan that addresses the infrastructure required to support a new community such as roads, sewer and water.
“As these works are progressed, we look forward to working with our community to achieve the best outcomes.”
For more Byron Bay news, click here.
Lismore’s Damaged Structures Demolished for New Facilities
In a significant development for Lismore’s recovery, demolition work has started on eight buildings that were critically damaged during the 2022 flood disaster.
This marks a pivotal step in the city’s efforts to rebuild and revitalise affected areas.
Brett Lee, the Council’s program manager, highlighted the necessity of these demolitions for public safety and the future reactivation of the sites. “These buildings have long served the community, but the extensive damage from the February 2022 natural disaster means it’s time to clear the way for new developments,” he stated.
Demolition activities kicked off last week with the takedown of the old Essential Energy building located at the corner of Ballina Road and Conway Street. The next structures slated for removal include the old Scout Hall on Wilson Street and the Humbley Oval Hockey Club Kiosk.
Plans are also set for the demolition of the toilet block and pumphouse at Lismore Lake, to be replaced by a new modular toilet to serve the lake park patrons.
Furthermore, the weatherboard building at Sam Trimble Oval is due to be replaced with a new facility that includes an accessible toilet with timed locks, a large shade shelter, lockable storage, and utility access. The existing brick amenities block at this location will also undergo upgrades.
At Neilson Park in East Lismore, the canteen or old cricket shed will be razed to make room for a new modular toilet/changeroom. Similarly, the amenities block at Wade Park and McKenzie Park in North Lismore are scheduled for demolition to pave the way for the installation of modern modular toilets.
These developments are part of a broader initiative to not only enhance the infrastructure but also to ensure Lismore’s resilience and readiness for future challenges. The community looks forward to the completion of these projects, which promise improved amenities and a revitalized urban environment.
For more local Lismore news, click here.
Jewellery Design Centre Launches “Tell Our Stories” to Celebrate Lismore’s History
Advertorial by Daniel Pinkerton
The Lismore Jewel Centre, a beloved fixture in the community, has reopened its doors in the Starcourt Arcade under a new name: Jewellery Design Centre. To celebrate they are launching a heartwarming initiative to commemorate the history and cherished memories of Lismore and the old store.
“Since reopening, we’ve had so many come and tell us how happy they are we’re back and share their fond memories of the old Jewel Centre” says owners Gary and Mariska Pinkerton.
“We love it, and so we want to invite more people to share their stories with us!”
The old Lismore Jewel Centre. It will be missed dearly.
The ‘Tell Our Stories’ campaign invites locals to share their personal stories of connection, community and the special jewellery that has played an important role in their lives.
“The stories have played a special role in our lives too,” says Mariska.
“While we were closed after the flood, we did house calls and had customers come visit us at home which put a whole new light on the jewellery experience. All of a sudden the glitz was gone and our appointments were stripped back to just us and our customers. In this setting people naturally began to share their heart felt experiences with us, and we got to know them in a whole new way.”
It was this experience, they explain, that inspired the new Jewellery Design Centre in Lismore’s Starcourt Arcade.
“It’s smaller and not as ritzy as the old Jewel Centre was,” says Gary of the new store, “But for us it captures that feeling we felt when we would sit around dining tables with our customers.”
Just like home- a picture of the new interior’s cosy setting.
Gary and Mariska are now inviting community members to visit the store and share their own memories and experiences, with the chance to win exciting prizes.
Each person who shares their story online or in-store will be entered into a draw to win a $500 voucher, while those who have a piece repaired, remade, or custom-designed during the campaign period will have the opportunity to win a pair of $1,500 diamond earrings.
“We especially want to hear stories about the rich history of Lismore, memories of the old Jewel Centre or touching moments where jewellery has played a special part in your life.”
“More than the prizes, this is about celebrating the stories of the Northern Rivers and the memories that bind us together,” says Mariska.
Entries are open until May 24. For more information about the “Tell Our Stories” giveaway and how to participate, visit the Jewellery Design Centre in the Starcourt Arcade or follow the QR codes below to their social media channels.
For more business news, click here.
Why Travel Should Be an Essential Human Activity
Top Romantic Getaways to Explore with Your Partner
Saffin secures one-off grant for Thistles’ shower cubicles project
Rainbows Dragons have success at Kalang Regatta
Alstonville opens new sporting facility
Tough weekend of footy looms
A NEW TWEED HEADS
Toyota Supra: Get Ready For A Fully Electric Version In 2025
Northern Rivers Local Health District COVID-19 update
Northern Rivers COVID-19 update
Fears proposed residential tower will ‘obliterate’ Tweed neighbourhood’s amenity and charm
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic now open at Lismore Square
NSW Government to Modernise Planning with $5.6 Million AI Investment
NSW Government to Modernise Planning with $5.6 Million AI Investment The NSW Government has announced a $5.6 million initiative...
Nearly $1.4M in Grants Awarded to Strengthen Rural Communities Across Australia
Nearly $1.4M in Grants Awarded to Strengthen Rural Communities Across Australia In a significant boost for rural development, the...
National Parenting Survey Unveils Challenges of Modern Parenting Amid Economic and Social Pressures
National Parenting Survey Unveils Challenges of Modern Parenting Amid Economic and Social Pressures In a landmark survey, the Triple...
-
Tweed Shire News2 years agoA NEW TWEED HEADS
-
Motoring News1 year agoToyota Supra: Get Ready For A Fully Electric Version In 2025
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News3 years agoNorthern Rivers Local Health District COVID-19 update
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News3 years agoNorthern Rivers COVID-19 update
-
Northern Rivers Local News3 years agoFears proposed residential tower will ‘obliterate’ Tweed neighbourhood’s amenity and charm
-
Health News3 years agoCOVID-19 Vaccination Clinic now open at Lismore Square
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News3 years agoLismore Family Medical Practice employee close contact
-
NSW Breaking News3 years agoVale: Former NSW prison boss Ron Woodham
