This week, State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin will host NSW Minister for Local Government and Leader of the House in the Legislative Assembly Ron Hoenig for his first official visit to the Northern Rivers region.

Ms Saffin, who is also NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, says flood and bushfire preparedness and recovery are likely to be high on the agenda when Minister Hoenig meets with representatives from local councils in Ballina this afternoon (Tuesday, 20 February).

“Local councils are at the forefront of disasters, especially in terms of infrastructure repair and rebuild,” Ms Saffin says.

“Mayors and general managers, together with individual councillors, will have an opportunity to discuss a range of current issues related to the local government portfolio.”

Minister Hoenig and Ms Saffin will also hold discussions with the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation, the peak body representing seven councils in the region.

Minister Hoenig, who is the Member for Heffron, says: “Councils are the closest tier of government to the people and play an invaluable role in supporting their communities, especially during and following times of disaster.

“I look forward to meeting with mayors and councillors to discuss the local government issues impacting local communities.”

Tomorrow (Wednesday, 21 February), Minister Hoenig will receive further briefings on how Lismore is rebuilding its civic infrastructure and Central Business District from the devastating floods of February and March 2022.