Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Findings and recommendations

ix

Recent changes to Emergency Grant Reliefs have seen an increase in complexity and decrease

in the upfront payment for farmers which was impactful after the May 2025 flooding events in

particular.

Recommendation 17 _________________________________________________________ 49

That the NSW Government, in consultation NSW Farmers and other agricultural stakeholders,

streamline the Primary Industry Grants and other assistance, with particular attention being

paid to streamlining the application and approval process.

Recommendation 18 _________________________________________________________ 49

That the NSW Government raise the upfront primary producer grants from $5,000 to provide

more fit-for-purpose immediate support for farmers to aid the recovery process.

Finding 11 __________________________________________________________________ 52

Local councils highlighted significant financial pressures, delays in reimbursement, and

administrative burdens associated with the current Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Finding 12 __________________________________________________________________ 52

The current Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements application process has proven overly

bureaucratic, complex and time consuming, all at a time when council efforts should be

directed to recovery.

Recommendation 19 _________________________________________________________ 52

That the NSW Reconstruction Authority consider opportunities to improve and increase the

consistency of guidance and resources provided to local councils about eligibility criteria under

the current Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, particularly regarding evidence required

in support of Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements applications.

Finding 13 __________________________________________________________________ 56

The Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements category system is too complicated and there is

a lack of clarity on what can be claimed under each category.

Recommendation 20 _________________________________________________________ 56

That the NSW Government continue to advocate to the Australian Government through

relevant intergovernmental forums for reforms of the Disaster Recovery Funding

Arrangements to:

- expand eligibility criteria to include water and sewer infrastructure as essential public

infrastructure

- streamline application and assessment processes, and

- incorporate betterment.

Finding 14 __________________________________________________________________ 59

Financial pressures under the current Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements are further

compounded by the cumulative impact of successive natural disasters, particularly for smaller

local councils and more geographically isolated councils.