Following the appointment of Mal Lanyon as NSW Police Commissioner, the burning question for Lismore and Northern Rivers residents is who is going to be the new CEO of the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA).

Launched as the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation in April 2022, following the big flood in February that year, public servant David Witherdin was its first CEO before the organisation was broadened to the NSWRA with Mal Lanyon as its Acting CEO, while he was the NSW Deputy Commissioner.

The role is critical for flood-hit residents across the state, but especially here in the Northern Rivers, as there is still so much to do in the Resilient Homes Program and Resilient Lands Program space three and a half years on from Australia's most costly disaster.

When asked about who the new CEO might be and when they would start work, a spokesperson for Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin, said, "The Minister for Recovery extends her sincere thanks to Mal Lanyon for his exemplary leadership of the NSW Reconstruction Authority and conveys best wishes as he undertakes the significant responsibilities of the NSW Police Commissioner.

"The Minister acknowledges the importance of appointing a highly capable leader who can swiftly assume responsibility for guiding the NSW Reconstruction Authority through its ongoing preparedness and recovery initiatives across the State.

"In the interim, the Minister is considering an Acting CEO appointment from the NSW Public Service until we secure a permanent CEO. A decision will be made following appropriate consideration.

"The Minister conveys her thanks to the staff of the NSW Reconstruction Authority, who do wonderful work each and every day in support of their communities."