Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Findings and recommendations

viii

Recommendation 12 _________________________________________________________ 35

That the NSW Reconstruction Authority develop and publish clear guidelines and criteria for

invoking statutory planning powers and for buy-back interventions to ensure these are applied

transparently and consistently and communicated to communities effectively.

Finding 7 ___________________________________________________________________ 38

The Resilient Homes Program is performing significantly below community expectations and

needs, with stakeholders observing funding issues, restrictive eligibility criteria, and complex

and length application and approval processes along with limited or no rationale in relation to

unfavourable decisions, adding to community frustration and uncertainty during recovery.

Recommendation 13 _________________________________________________________ 38

That, in consultation with relevant councils, the NSW Government, led by the NSW

Reconstruction Authority, should make improvements to the Resilient Homes Program,

specifically including improvements to the timeliness, eligibility criteria and the application and

approval process.

Finding 8 ___________________________________________________________________ 40

Stakeholders consistently identified the importance of investment in disaster mitigation and

adaptation to reduce the cost and impact of natural hazards, both in advance of disasters

where risks are identified and during recovery.

Finding 9 ___________________________________________________________________ 41

The current funding framework for betterment represents a missed opportunity to reduce the

long-term costs of successive disasters as rebuilding to pre-disaster standards in communities

that have experienced repeated disaster events is neither efficient nor sustainable.

Recommendation 14 _________________________________________________________ 42

That the NSW Government implement ways in which betterment can be incorporated into

future funding frameworks and through the Authority should give consideration to

opportunities to work with local stakeholders to determine which betterment initiatives are

likely to deliver the greatest savings, in the event of future reconstruction costs following a

disaster.

Recommendation 15 _________________________________________________________ 43

That the NSW Reconstruction Authority invest further in preparedness initiatives to strengthen

community capacity and capability through a dedicated fund. These programs should be

informed by co-design with relevant stakeholders including insurers, local councils and

community organisations.

Recommendation 16 _________________________________________________________ 46

That the NSW Reconstruction Authority continue to improve grant processes to better support

impacted communities following a disaster, including clear and consistent eligibility criteria.

These processes should retain flexibility to consider individual circumstances.

Finding 10 __________________________________________________________________ 49