Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Grants and funding arrangements

46

Chapter Five – Grants and funding

arrangements

Summary

This chapter outlines stakeholder feedback received throughout the inquiry about the

grants process and broader issues relating to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements

(DRFA), including complexity of applications, timing delays and issues with reimbursement.

Opportunities to standardise and streamline grants processes

Recommendation 16

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.

5.1 As outlined in Chapter Two, the Authority administered a range of disaster relief

funding, including Disaster Relief Grants, following the May 2025 East Coast

severe weather event. Timely grants are vital to helping disaster affected

communities during recovery.

277 However, the Committee heard mixed feedback

on the Authority's administration of these grants.278

5.2 Stakeholders highlighted community concerns and frustration about inconsistent

eligibility criteria and short application timeframes during the recovery period.279

The Committee recognises that Service NSW is currently working to enhance its

efficiency in delivering grants.

280 However, there are further opportunities for the

Authority to standardise and streamline grants processes.281

5.3 The Committee recommends that the Authority improve grant processes,

particularly in relation to the clarity and consistency of eligibility criteria.

Consistency in grant criteria will provide greater support and certainty for

impacted communities. However, grant processes also need to have flexibility, in

light of the diverse and often unique circumstances experienced by people

recovering from a disaster event.

277 Submission 31, Financial Counselling Australia, pp 1-2; Submission 32, Mid North Coast Legal Centre, pp 2-3;

Submission 26, Port Macquarie Hastings Council, p 2.

278 Submission 31, pp 1-2; Submission 32, pp 2-3; Submission 18, Cabonne Council, p4; Submission 37, NSW Council

of Social Service (NCOSS), p 4; Submission 9, Mid Coast Outreach Incorporated, p 1; Submission 16, St Vincent de

Paul Society NSW, p 2; Submission 49, Legal Aid NSW, p 14.

279 Submission 31, pp 1-2; Submission 32, pp 2-3; Submission 18, p 4; Submission 37, p 4; Submission 9, p 1;

Submission 16, p 2.

280 Service NSW, Answers to supplementary questions, 25 March 2026, p 5.

281 Submission 19, Byron Shire Council, p 1.