Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Findings and recommendations

vi

Findings and recommendations

Finding 1 ____________________________________________________________________ 3

The May 2025 East Coast severe weather event was a historically significant natural disaster

that caused widespread damage and impacts for local communities, particularly in the Mid

North Coast region.

Recommendation 1 __________________________________________________________ 10

That the NSW Government, led by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, commence work to

standardise data collection and data sharing protocols relating to disaster impacts and

recovery, in order to improve interagency coordination and decision-making for future

disasters.

Finding 2 ___________________________________________________________________ 13

Throughout the events within the scope of this inquiry, challenges were regularly encountered

in the transition from response to recovery suggesting more work is needed to ensure that

roles and expectations are clear and consistent for government agencies and community

stakeholders during this transition.

Recommendation 2 __________________________________________________________ 13

That the NSW Government, led by NSW Reconstruction Authority and including all other

relevant agencies and stakeholders, develop guiding principles to ensure that roles and

expectations are clear and consistent for government agencies and community stakeholders

during the transition from response to recovery.

Recommendation 3 __________________________________________________________ 14

That the NSW Reconstruction Authority publish the report on the After-Action Review of the

May 2025 East Coast severe weather event within one month of the tabling of the

Committee's report.

Recommendation 4 __________________________________________________________ 14

That the NSW Reconstruction Authority implement a mechanism to revisit, track and measure

insights arising from past After-Action Reviews to demonstrate improvements implemented

over time, and that information from this process be published in the NSW Reconstruction

Authority's annual report.

Recommendation 5 __________________________________________________________ 17

That the NSW Reconstruction Authority consult with local communities to ensure that

Recovery Centres and Recovery Assistance Points set up in the immediate aftermath of

disasters are trauma-informed, culturally appropriate, and accessible to meet the diverse

needs of disaster-affected communities.

Finding 3 ___________________________________________________________________ 20

Strong community networks, including local community groups and organisations, were

essential to supporting local residents during recovery from the May 2025 East Coast severe

weather event.