Social Futures has welcomed a visit to Lismore by NSW Premier Chris Minns, along with Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully, Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib and Housing and Homeless Minister Rose Jackson. Social Futures Chief Financial Officer Michael Carter met with the delegation. Social Futures is a key homelessness support organisation in northern NSW and invested in the post-flood recovery of the region. “Social Futures supports the initiatives of state government to deliver more social and affordable housing to the Northern Rivers,” Mr Carter said. “And we look forward to future collaborations.”
Social Futures has welcomed a visit to Lismore by NSW Premier Chris Minns and parliamentary colleagues, talking about the new NSW Community Restoration Flood Fund.
Mr Minns was joined in Northern Rivers by the Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully, Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib, and North Coast and Housing and Homeless Minister Rose Jackson.
With Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, they spoke to how the new NSW Community Restoration Flood Fund of $150 million can be used towards future disaster preparedness and recovery, including more investment in housing.
The NSW treasurer announced the second portion of funding of $100 million for the Resilient Homes Program in the 2023–2024 Budget.
Social Futures Chief Financial Officer Michael Carter had the opportunity to meet the delegation. Social Futures is a key homelessness support organisation in northern NSW and deeply invested in the post-flood recovery of the region.
“Social Futures supports the initiatives of state government to deliver more social and affordable housing to the Northern Rivers,” Mr Carter said. “And we look forward to future collaborations.”
The visiting parliamentarians addressed the need for more housing assistance, explaining that future work will be developed with councils and community leaders.
Over the next two months, the NSW Reconstruction Authority will work closely with local community leaders to prioritise the additional funding and determine potential future funding which may be required.
Premier Chris Minns said:
“We know there are no simple fixes in the Northern Rivers. This package and our Community Restoration Flood Fund is an acknowledgement that we are standing by communities for the long haul.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“We know recovery is not a short-term fix and requires evidence-based planning and community leadership.
“That’s why we’ve reset the way we work and communicate with the community, bringing local Councils and groups together through the Community Leaders Forum so they have a say in how to shape and rebuild their communities.”
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“We’ve seen first-hand how flood recovery efforts are progressing and it’s critical that we continue to support communities who have borne the brunt of the 2022 floods.
“Local initiatives like the work led by Resilient Lismore are so important, by funding practical recovery programs like this we are ensuring the local community is involved in driving flood recovery in the Northern Rivers.”
Member for Lismore and Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
“Initiatives like the Resilient Homes investment and the additional injection from the Community Restoration Flood Fund are a welcome start on the wide range of recovery and reconstruction work that still needs to be done across the Northern Rivers.
“Like me, I know everyone who experienced the 2022 floods and is still dealing with the after-effects day in and day out understands we have a long road ahead of us and additional support will be required.”