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 Update
The $40 million Resilient Homes Program - Central West is being developed to support residents impacted by the 2022 Central West floods. The Program aims to reduce the impact of future floods by creating more resilient housing in the region.
RA has been working closely with local councils, community leaders, technical experts and the local community to design the Program. Feedback from over 450 surveys and community information sessions in February has been considered in the design of the Program.
From July to August 2024, RA held community information sessions across the Central West to seek feedback on the proposed approach for the Program, including the potential measures and participation requirements. RA shared prioritisation maps that were produced for the program. Flood engineers were on hand to discuss how they were developed.
The consultation period for the Resilient Homes Program – Central West has now closed. RA will consider all feedback raised at information sessions and in submissions while finalising the Program guidelines. In the meantime, you can find out more about the proposed Program including mapping and fact sheets provided during the consultation at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/resilient-homes-program-central-west or send an email to CentralWest.Recovery@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au
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 (CLF) 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 (RA) 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.
Meeting Agenda – 14 February 2024
Meeting Summary – 14 February 2024
Meeting Agenda – 15 March 2024
Meeting Summary – 15 March 2024
Meeting Agenda – 10 April 2024
Meeting Summary – 10 April 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.