Member for Orange Phil Donato pictured with Premier Chris Minns.
The funding comes from the new $150 million Community Restoration Flood Fund announced by the NSW Government in the September budget to support disaster impacted communities in the Northern Rivers and Central West. The Fund is an acknowledgement that the NSW Government is standing by communities for the long haul.
Premier Chris Minns said “The 2022 floods were an unprecedented disaster and we remain focused on helping communities recover and rebuild. It’s clear there needs to be a sustained effort and there is more we can do to continue the reconstruction program. That’s why we’re committed to practical action on the ground to help people get back on their feet, with involvement of local leaders.”
The 2022 floods exposed several ongoing risks across the State due to our changing climate and long-standing land uses. The NSW Government recognises that recovery is not a short-term fix and requires evidence-based planning and community leadership.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said “When we visited the Central West we were impressed with the work undertaken by communities rebuilding, and this investment is a further step towards that recovery. This funding package will support the social and economic recovery of this important region devastated by floods”.
While the former government made unfunded commitments to communities, the Minns Government is taking a considered approach to ensure that the commitments made are adequately funded and informed by community leaders.
Member for Orange Phil Donato said “This additional injection from the Community Restoration Flood Fund is a welcome start on the wide range of recovery and reconstruction work that still needs to be done across the region.”