Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Communication and community engagement

27

3.52 Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and MidCoast Council both advocated for

embedding CROs at the local council level, with MidCoast Council identifying a

need for two dedicated positions over two years within its LGA alone.170

Stakeholders identified impracticalities with a JO-level model, noting challenges

for a single CRO to achieve meaningful community outcomes across a broader

geographical region that has experienced multiple disasters.

171

3.53 Enhancing the visibility of Authority personnel and their improving collaboration

with local stakeholders would strengthen accountability, shared learning and

local recovery capacity, particularly in smaller councils. These improvements may

also help address challenges in transitioning from response to recovery and

mitigate concerns raised about Authority staff turnover.

3.54 The NSW Government acknowledged that Community Resilience Networks,

underpinned by previously funded and deployed CROs, played a critical role in

disseminating recovery messaging and mobilising local support following the May

2025 East Coast severe weather event.

172

3.55 The Authority advised that there are limitations on CROs undertaking

preparedness work under current DRFA funding guidelines. For example,

combining disaster preparedness and recovery functions within a single role

would present challenges given the different technical expertise each function

requires.

173

3.56 However, Byron Shire Council raised concerns about the CRO program's

guidelines under the DRFA, which 'prohibit work streams that may be perceived

as disaster prevention, preparedness or adaptation'.

174 It argued that separation

of these activities is problematic and undermines effective recovery.175 Issues

relating to the DRFA are further explored in Chapter Five.

3.57 The Committee acknowledges the complexities of the current funding

arrangements for CROs under the DRFA. However, it also recognise the

importance of an ongoing, embedded recovery role within local councils to

improve coordination between the Authority and local communities to effectively

build long-term community resilience.

3.58 The Committee therefore recommends that the NSW Government fund

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 local councils and relevant eligibility criteria, such as

prioritising local councils most heavily impacted by disasters.

170 Submission 26, p 4; Submission 45, p 2.

171 Submission 26, p 4; Submission 24, p 5; Submission 45, p 2; Hunter Joint Organisation, Answers to

supplementary questions, 26 March 2026, p 4; Submission 33, pp 11-12.

172 Submission 50, p 12.

173 Susie George, Executive Director, Regional Delivery, NSW Reconstruction Authority, Transcript of evidence, 20

February 2026, p 31; Ashlee Abbott, Transcript of evidence, 20 February 2026, p 32.

174 Submission 19, p 4.

175 Submission 19, p 4; Deborah Stafford, Transcript of evidence, 20 February 2026, p 11.