Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Communication and community engagement

25

3.42 The Authority told the Committee that it acknowledges the need for a reliable

point of contact during recovery and that it is considering ways to enhance and

streamline communication with councils and communities.157

3.43 Stakeholders called on the Authority to strengthen community-led recovery

through genuine co-design at the strategic level with councils, Joint Organisations

and community representatives.158 MidCoast Council recommended that the

Authority adopt a formal community-led recovery framework, including place-

based decision forums co-chaired with councils and community leaders.159

3.44 The Committee recommends that the Authority consider opportunities to

strengthen community-led recovery by co-designing recovery strategies and

frameworks with local councils, Joint Organisations, and community

representatives. This would ensure that recovery is driven by meaningful,

community-led partnerships that utilise and build upon existing local

relationships with councils and community organisations.

Community Recovery Officers (CROs) play an important role in community-led recovery

Recommendation 9

That the NSW Government fund permanent Community Recovery and

Preparedness Officers within councils or at a regional level to coordinate

outreach efforts and ensure continuity in disaster recovery and preparedness.

Consideration should be given to the financial health and disaster risk profile of

councils and eligibility criteria that ensures support is provided to councils on a

needs basis.

3.45 The Committee received substantial evidence throughout the inquiry about the

importance of Community Recovery Officers (CRO) in enabling community-led

recovery.160

3.46 CRO roles were first established following the 2019 NSW bushfires and have been

found by local councils and other stakeholders to be highly effective in engaging

with local communities during recovery. However, funding for many positions has

since ceased, despite the ongoing need for recovery support in many

communities.

161 LGNSW described this 'stop-start' model as both ineffective and

inefficient in building long-term community resilience.162

157 Andrew Graham, Transcript of evidence, 20 February 2026, p 32.

158 Submission 24, pp 3, 5, 7; Submission 33, p 5; Submission 45, p 5; Submission 38; Wollongong City Council, p 2

159 Submission 45, p 2.

160 Submission 35, pp 8, 12; Submission 50, pp 12, 15-16; Submission 33, pp 11- 12, 14; Northern Rivers Community

Resilience Alliance, Answers to supplementary questions, 16 January 2026, p 2; Elly Bird, Transcript of evidence, 3

November 2025, p 30; Jill Samuels, RSS Team Manager, Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre, Transcript of

evidence, 3 November 2025, p 30; David Reynolds, Chief Executive, Local Government NSW, Transcript of evidence,

20 February 2026, p 15.

161 Submission 35, p 12; Submission 50, pp 12, 15-16; Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Answers to supplementary

questions, 26 March 2026, p 4; Elly Bird, Transcript of evidence, 3 November 2025, p 30; Jill Samuels, Transcript of

evidence, 3 November 2025, p 30; Submission 33, p 14.

162 Submission 35, pp 12- 13.