The biggest complaint about the NRRC (Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation) through the flood recovery process has been the lack of communication provided to the community.

This claim was made by Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan and the Lismore City Council, let alone the thousands of residents directly involved in the Resilient Homes and Resilient Lands Programs.

On July 1, the NSW RA (Reconstruction Authority) took over the running of the NRRC, so now there is one overarching body looking after flood recovery across NSW with the support of the NSW Government. The hope was that the communication process would improve so that the claim of 'clear and transparent communication' would be regular and meaningful. So far, that has not been the case.

In fact, it appears to have taken two steps backwards.

The Resilient Homes Fund Dashboard was to be updated on a fortnightly basis, it has not been updated since 6 July (see the screenshot below).

The Lismore App has had anecdotal conversations with homeowners who have registered for the Resilient Homes Program but have not received a clear direction as to what stream they are eligible for.

Remember that everyone who registered was to be contacted by June 30. If there is a delay, then why is the reason not being communicated? Instead, these homeowners are being told it will be next week and then the next week.

The community's disappointment and frustration continues to grow as each day and week goes by as they make yet another phone call or drop into a pop-up centre to be told, yet again, to wait you will get your answer soon.

The Lismore App used to have regular updates with NRRC CEO David Witherdin or his 2IC Kieron Hendicott, those requests are now politely declined.

NSW Ministers Scully and Dib were in Lismore on the 11th of July on a fact-finding mission so the NSW Government could perform a 're-set' on the whole recovery program.

The Lismore App asked each minister's office on Tuesday morning when the Northern Rivers will receive updates on the relevant Resilient Homes and Lands Programs, when the Tranche 2 funding announcement will be made and why the Resilient Homes Fund Dashboard has not been updated since July 6.

As this story was written, there was no response from Minister Scully or Minister Dib's media teams.

The Lismore App also asked for an update on the Resilient Homes Program, the Resilient Lands Program, why the Resilient Homes Fund Dashboard has not been updated since July 6, and why there has been no communication with media or the community for six weeks from the NRRC and the NSWRA on Tuesday morning.

An NRRC spokesperson responded:

“As of 7 August, 547 home valuations have been undertaken, 425 buyback offers have been approved (extended to homeowners), 228 home buyback offers have been accepted with 48 settlements completed. These numbers are expected to continually rise over coming weeks.

Over 200 submissions were received for the Draft Resilient Lands Strategy which are now being reviewed to inform preparation of the final Strategy for the Resilient Land Program.

We are committed to sharing information with the community and doing so in a timely and transparent way. We are currently reviewing the functionality of the NRRC website to ensure it’s accessible and user friendly. 

In the last six weeks, we have hosted numerous pop-up information sessions across all seven LGAs in the Northern Rivers, held meetings with local resident associations and community groups including Mullumbimby and Tumbulgum Residents Associations, and kicked off regular fortnightly forums with local community leaders including local MPs and Mayors.

There are also ongoing regular briefings with key community stakeholders including recovery support services, community recovery officers, community housing providers, legal and financial support services and councils.

CEO of the NSW Reconstruction Authority, Simon Draper, was also in the Northern Rivers in mid-July. This included meeting with Lismore City Council and Mayor Steve Krieg, Resilient Lismore, other community stakeholders and the first meeting of a new Reconstruction Steering Committee for the Northern Rivers, comprised of Councils, the Authority and other State agencies.”

While the response is welcome, there was no elaboration on timeframes, no detail on when registered participants will know what stream, if any, they will be eligible for and no detail on what the community feedback was on the Resilient Lands strategy. Is this transparent communication?

The Lismore App then approached Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, Member for Page Kevin Hogan and Lismore City Council to ask what communication they were receiving.

As stated above, all three have fortnightly contact with the NRRC and NSWRA and have input into the agenda.

It appears the only people that are missing out on detailed communication are the people of Lismore and the Northern Rivers and, especially, those that are directly flood-affected. Those that are living in a shell of their house or in caravans waiting for answers. The people who have always asked for the response to be community-led and to be given open and honest communication on the flood recovery warts and all.

When asked if it was fair to say that the NRRC and NSWRA communication with the public could be better?

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, "Yes, that is fair to say. There is nothing untoward about it."

"Our community has endured a humanitarian disaster. Yes, we are recovering; yes, we’re rebuilding; yes, there’s trauma, and there’s also confidence because we know we can do it. But the bodies charged with providing recovery, rebuild and support have to communicate on a regular basis."

"We need communication, not just statistics. We need to go beyond statistics."

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said, "In my discussions with the RA, I am emphasising two things. 1. flood mitigation, flood mitigation, flood mitigation. It needs to be part of our future, and 2. if the percentage of buybacks that they offer is lower than they think, what are they going to do?"

"In their calculations of buybacks, are they including the houses that have been presold? How many have been pre-sold?"

A spokesperson for Lismore City Council told the Lismore App they have been in regular contact with both the NRRC and NSWRA and have raised the need for greatly improved community communication and engagement.

"Council is negotiating with NRRC and NSWRA for a greater level of locally driven and Council-led approach to the development, delivery and community consultation and communications across all three levels of government."

If the NRRC and the NSWRA won't deliver the type of communication the people of Lismore and the NRs expects, can our MPs and council provide it? Or do we live in the hope that improved communication is on the way?