NSW Reconstruction Authority – Central West
The NSW Reconstruction Authority’s focus is to lead and coordinate the recovery and reconstruction of housing, essential assets and infrastructure following the devastating 2022 Central West floods.
Community is at the centre of the recovery effort in the Central West, with the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) engaging with flood affected locals to help build a shared understanding of risk in the region.
The Australian and NSW governments have jointly funded a $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience package which includes:
- $40 million for the Central West Housing Program and $2 million for consultation
- $32 million - Regional Transport Resilience Fund
- $25 million - Community Assets Program
- $1 million - Legal Aid Assistance Program.
Developing the Central West Housing Program
The RA is working closely with local councils, residents, businesses, and community leaders on designing the Central West Housing Program.
Flood engineers Rhelm have been commissioned to develop detailed flood mapping across the region to inform the Housing Program and manage future risk.
R0esidents have shared their experiences of the 2022 floods and their feedback on preferred housing programs through community information sessions and a community survey which closed on 30 April 2024. Over 400 responses have been received and this feedback is currently being collated.
The next step is detailed community consultation mid-year, which will involve sharing the flood technical data with community to gain a shared understanding of preferred housing options in each area. This feedback will inform the design of the Housing Program.
Community Assets Program and Regional Transport Resilience Fund
$57 million in funding has been allocated to two Programs to help repair and restore vital community and transport infrastructure in the Central West regions. Applications will be open for Councils to apply in the coming months.
The Regional Transport Resilience Fund will see vital transport infrastructure like bridges and flood crossings replaced and roads repaired and improved to be more flood resistant.
The Community Assets Program will focus on the repair and restoration places that bring communities together, like sporting fields, parks and playgrounds, recreational centres and libraries damaged during the floods.
Importantly, both programs focus on building back better to ensure communities are better prepared and more resilient in the face of natural disasters.
Community Leaders Forum
To help oversee delivery of the landmark $100 million package, a Community Leaders Forum has been established with the Mayors of the Central West Councils - Cabonne, Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan as well as representatives from the Australian and NSW Governments (NSWRA) with the Member for Orange, Phil Donato, as Chair.
The CLF meets regularly to help guide future decisions about recovery and reconstruction and ensure discussions are informed by community needs and driven by local community leaders.
Meeting agendas and summaries can be viewed below with the next meeting scheduled for 22 May in Forbes.
Meeting Agenda - 14 February 2024
Meeting Summary - 14 February 2024
Community Updates
Pods on Private Property and At-Home Caravan program
Funding for the $40 million Pods on Private Property program and the $19 million At-Home Caravan program has been in operation since January 2023 across the region.
To find out more, including how to apply contact the NSW Reconstruction Authority on 1300 003 227 or email housingtaskforce@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au or visit Central West temporary housing.
Keep up to date
Community information sessions were held in February 2024 and a survey of residents’ experience of the floods closed on 30 April 2024.
Results of the survey will be shared here – https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/Central-West-Recovery, with the Community Leaders Forum and directly with the community.
Community members who would like to receive regular updates on the program are encouraged to sign up for updates by emailing CentralWest.Recovery@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au or call NSWRA on 1300 003 227.
To see the latest newsletters, distributed through the region, go to Central West Recovery Centre - April 2024 (PDF 1.07MB)
Factsheets from the recent community information sessions can be found here:
Have Your Say
You have the opportunity to share your thoughts on the Central West housing program by completing the Have Your Say survey.