Lismore News

Northern Rivers Community Groups Advocate for Strengthening NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022

Published

4 weeks ago

20 August 2024

JeffG

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Northern Rivers Community Groups Advocate for Strengthening NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022

Prominent community organizations from the Northern Rivers region have united in presenting evidence to the Joint Select Committee during the statutory review of the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022. The public hearing, held on Friday, August 16th, saw these groups share their perspectives on the Act’s terms and objectives, emphasizing the crucial need for community-led recovery and resilience in the face of disasters.

The organizations presenting evidence included:

Resilient Lismore
Community Disaster Action Group (CDAG)
Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre (NRCLC)
Nimbin Neighbourhood and Information Centre Inc (NNIC)

In their submissions, these groups identified key areas of the NSWRA Act that require strengthening and improvement:

Genuine Democratic Community Engagement: A call for active involvement and inclusion of the community at all stages of disaster preparedness, adaptation, and recovery.
Trauma-Informed Communication: Addressing challenges in communicating with affected residents during the implementation of programs.
Inadequate Eligibility Criteria and Slow Processing Times: These have caused widespread concern within the community.
Transparency in Decision-Making: A need for greater openness in how decisions are made.
Support for Community-Led Resilience Activities: Advocating for government-backed initiatives that recognize and leverage local expertise.
Long-Term Community Wellbeing: The need for sustained mental health services and consideration of social impacts.

The community groups are advocating for amendments to the Act, with a focus on placing the community at the heart of decision-making processes. They argue that engaging the community is crucial for efficiently allocating resources and enhancing the overall capacity of the disaster management system.

The scale of the ongoing recovery efforts is highlighted by the fact that over 5,000 of the 6,000 homes that applied under the Resilient Homes Program are still awaiting assistance. With only $890 million delivered out of the promised $1.5 billion for recovery through the Resilient Homes Program, there remains a $610 million shortfall, underscoring the need for robust community engagement.

“In the Northern Rivers, many community members say there were two disasters; first the flood, then the bureaucracy,” said Miriam Torzillo from the Community Disaster Action Group, who presented evidence at the NSWRA Act Review.

The groups emphasized that without effective preparedness programs and activities, the community remains vulnerable to future disasters. They also highlighted the importance of community involvement in decision-making, echoing sentiments expressed by the Prime Minister in a letter dated February 13, 2024, to the Byron Shire Mayor: “I share your view that government agencies should operate transparently, communicate sensitively, and prioritize community control of disaster recovery.”

By presenting their evidence, these organizations aim to underscore the importance of community-led recovery and resilience initiatives. They hope that this review will lead to a more effective, community-centered approach to disaster management, setting a precedent for how Australia responds to the growing challenges posed by climate change.
Quotes from the Hearing:

Dale Emerson, Community Disaster Action Group:
“Democracy dies in darkness, thank you for giving us the opportunity to share some light.”

Chels Hood Withey, Community Disaster Action Group:
“The NSWRA Act, in its current form, fails to recognize the importance of community-led recovery. By sidelining the very people it aims to serve, the Authority is perpetuating the trauma our community has already endured. We’re calling for genuine co-design processes that place disaster-affected residents at the heart of decision-making. This isn’t just about recovery; it’s about preventing further harm. When our community’s voice is heard and our local expertise is valued, we can build true resilience and avoid the re-traumatization and disempowerment that comes from top-down, disconnected approaches.”

Elly Bird, Resilient Lismore:
“As our community moves through recovery and strives to reduce disaster risk, the importance of the Reconstruction Authority cannot be understated. And neither can the importance of good community engagement and partnerships between government and community that can enhance resilience. We value the Reconstruction Authority and their role, and we strongly advocate for community engagement processes and governance structures that include the people who are affected by the decisions that are being made; we also want to see meaningful support for place-based communities that are working hard to build local resilience through community-led initiatives.”

Natalie Meyer, Nimbin Neighbourhood and Information Centre:
“The Act would be improved by clearly providing for collaboration with communities in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Disasters on the scale of the 2022 floods are not something that government agencies can manage on their own. It takes a team effort involving many people, most of whom are already on the ground and have existing community connections. Recovery is enhanced by effectively harnessing and resourcing local strengths and know-how. Establishing and maintaining strong communication mechanisms between the community and the Reconstruction Authority before, during, after, and between disasters is key to this.”

You can read the full written submissions to the Joint Select Committee.

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Lismore News

Lismore Basketball Stadium Reopens Thanks to State and Federal Grants

Published

4 days ago

12 September 2024

Liam

Janelle with Lismore Basketball Association Life Member Cheryl Amor at the Lismore Basketball Stadium

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Lismore Basketball Stadium Reopens Thanks to State and Federal Grants

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has celebrated the return of the Lismore Basketball Stadium, with players back on the court after extensive post-flood refurbishments. Following the devastating floods in 2022, the stadium has been rebuilt with over $580,000 from the Sport Infrastructure Recovery Fund, part of the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package (CLIRP) funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.

Saffin praised the efforts of the Lismore Basketball Association, which kept games going on a damaged floor until moving to the Goonellabah Sport and Recreation Centre for repairs. She acknowledged the work of Association President Aaron Simpson, Treasurer Kay Simpson, and Publicity Officer Cheryl Amor, who, alongside the Council and local tradespeople, helped bring the facility back to life.

The project was supported through:

$1 million for the floor replacement from the NSW Government and Commonwealth Natural Disaster Relief Assistance Program.
Over $580,000 from the NSW Office of Sport for sub-floor works and a further $50,000 from Local Government Recovery Grants.

Cheryl Amor expressed gratitude to Council, Bennetts, and Janelle Saffin for their steadfast support. She said the use of local tradespeople had been a priority, and the rebuilt stadium is a significant milestone for the association as it looks to attract new players and rebuild its community.

The NSW Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, highlighted the importance of repairing local sporting infrastructure to keep communities healthy and connected, especially after natural disasters. Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister echoed these sentiments, congratulating all parties involved in the successful project.

The rebuild involved:

Demolition, asbestos removal, and subgrade earthworks.
Installation of screw piles, the Waffle pod system, steel cages, and slab reinforcement.
Laying, sanding, and sealing of a hardwood timber floor from Kyogle.
Installation of a new grandstand and score bench, as well as repairs to the external driveway and footpath.

For those interested in taking up basketball, contact the Lismore Basketball Association at 0410 777 572 or via their Facebook page or Instagram.

The repair work was funded by Federal and State governments’ Natural Disaster Relief Assistance Program ($1 million), Local Government Recovery Grants ($50,000), and the State Government’s Office of Sport Grants ($236,853 and $344,510).

For more local Lismore news, click here.

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Lismore News

Lismore Gears Up for the Inaugural Lismore Cycling Festival

Published

5 days ago

11 September 2024

Liam

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Lismore Gears Up for the Inaugural Lismore Cycling Festival

Lismore City Council is thrilled to announce that hundreds of cycling enthusiasts will gather in Lismore for the first-ever Lismore Cycling Festival on the weekend of 5 and 6 October. Organized in partnership with the Byron Bay Cycle Club, the festival will feature competitive racing, participation rides, and fun ‘come-and-try’ sessions for children and adults, making it ideal for both seasoned cyclists and newcomers.

Tony Duffy, Lismore City Council’s Manager of Active and Liveable Communities, highlighted the event as a showcase of Lismore’s capacity to host both short and long-distance cycling events.

On Saturday, the action kicks off with criterium racing around the Oakes Oval complex, offering fast-paced, bunch-style racing on a closed-street circuit. Sunday will shift to Fondo events, which allow participants to ride at their own pace through the picturesque Nimbin, Woodlawn, and Numulgi valleys, with routes designed for different fitness levels and abilities.

Key Events:

Saturday (10am start): Cyclocross and Junior’s Crit-Cross events at the Lismore Regional Sports Hub, followed by criterium racing at 2pm around Oakes Oval.
Sunday: Fondo participation rides with three distance options:
- Gran Fondo (110km)
- Medio Fondo (70km)
- Piccolo Fondo (28km)

Cyclists can expect well-marked routes and officials patrolling the course to ensure safety. Some CBD roads will be closed for short-distance races, while most roads for long-distance races will remain open to traffic.

Safety is a priority, with marshals monitoring the course and ensuring that all bikes are road-legal. Helmets are mandatory for all riders.

The festival is expected to inject $45,000 into the local economy, benefiting local businesses, with proceeds supporting the Lismore Rescue Helicopter Service.

For more details and registration, visit the official festival page.

This event continues Lismore’s successful streak as a regional sporting hub, following major events such as the Australian Women’s Baseball Showcase and Masters Hockey.

For more sports news, click here.

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Lismore News

Visa options for employing overseas workers in regional Australia

Published

5 days ago

11 September 2024

Liam

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Visa options for employing overseas workers in regional Australia

This information session hosted by the Department of Home Affairs, in collaboration with Lismore City Council and RDA Northern Rivers, provides a great opportunity for businesses in regional Australia to explore visa options for employing overseas workers. The session is particularly valuable for businesses experiencing challenges in filling positions with local Australian workers, a common issue in many regional areas facing skills and labour shortages.

Key Details:

Focus: Visa options and migration strategies for hiring international talent in regional Australia.
Target Audience: Local businesses, HR professionals, and stakeholders in regional Australia.
Date and Time: Wednesday, 16 October 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM AEST.
Location: Gordon Pavilion, Oakes Oval, 144 Magellan St, Lismore NSW 2480.
Tickets: Available via TryBooking.

What to Expect:

Comprehensive Overview: Gain insights into various visa categories and migration programs tailored for regional employers.
Eligibility & Application: Learn about the eligibility criteria, application processes, and the benefits of employing overseas workers under these visa arrangements.
Expert Guidance: Receive practical advice on navigating the migration system, ensuring that your business can effectively address workforce needs.
Networking: Engage directly with experts and connect with other businesses facing similar challenges.

This free event is an excellent opportunity to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary to address labour shortages and support the ongoing growth and resilience of your business in regional Australia.

For more local Lismore news, click here.

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