EPAR/EW/IRW Transition - Frequently Asked Questions

We are working to centralise the administration, oversight and assessment of EPAR, including funding for Emergency Works (EW) and Immediate Reconstruction Works (IRW), within the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA).

While Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and NSW Public Works (NSWPW) will continue to support Councils with their engineering and technical expertise, RA will manage EPAR, EW and IRW claims, assessment and funding. We are working to streamline the process to make it easier for you to get the help your community needs. This transition supports the DRFA Management System Review.

The NSW Premier’s Department completed the DRFA Management System Review in June 2024. The Review examined the end-to-end process of disaster funding, including how we record and acquit funding.

The Review made a series of recommendations to make disaster recovery faster, simpler and more effective, while also improving levels of government coordination and reporting.

The RA is now working with delivery agencies to make changes to how DRFA funding is managed. These changes will see the RA take on a centralised role in coordinating DRFA funding across the state. This will improve recovery outcomes for communities and businesses.

The RA will become the single point of accountability for EPAR, EW, and IRW assessments and administration from 1 October 2025.

Key objectives and expected benefits of the changes include:

• Clear delineation of duties between the RA, TfNSW and NSWPW.
• It will provide a single point of accountability (RA) for assessment of reconstruction estimates will enable clearer decision making, resolution of issues and consistency in policy advice.
• Improved governance over DFRA transactions; including separating the assessment and funding arrangements to  improve the evidence and governance over reconstruction funding applications.
• Improved knowledge of funding policy and mitigation of financial risks relating to reimbursement. 

All new, existing and in-progress projects will continue to be managed under the existing arrangements with TfNSW and NSWPW through to 1 October 2025.

We are committed to ensuring minimal disruption to your funding or project progress.

Specific guidance on the handover of these projects, including new contact points, will be provided as details are finalised.

The implications for existing Tripartite or Funding Agreements are being carefully assessed. Our intention is to ensure a seamless transition and ensure that councils are supported to remain cash flow positive during delivery of EPAR works.

You will receive clear communication regarding whether existing agreements will be novated to the RA, or if new agreements will be required for ongoing projects.

Yes, the RA is developing updated EPAR Guidelines and supporting factsheets to reflect the changes. Councils will be provided with these new guidelines and any associated forms or templates with sufficient lead time.

From 1 October 2025, the RA will be your primary point of contact for all new EPAR, EW, and IRW claims.

Details on revised submission processes, including any new forms and the online application platform, will be communicated proactively to all councils.

Councils are asked to be patient as RA works through the early transition tasks with TfNSW and NSWPW in the weeks following 1 October. For urgent matters that require attention during this period, please contact RA via email at: reconstructioncoordination@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au

For general enquiries regarding the transition of the EPAR, EW and IRW function to the RA, councils can contact: DRFA.Queries@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au

Over the coming months the RA will continue to communicate and engage with councils through a series of channels including:

• Factsheets
• Direct Email Updates
• Webinars
• Drop in Sessions

The engagement program was included in a mail out to Councils in late July. 

Yes. Each council will be assigned a regional coordination officer within the NSW Reconstruction Authority to support ongoing engagement, project queries, and funding administration. These contacts will be introduced closer to the transition date. Continuity of support is a priority for RA and Transport over this period.

RA will use the OneGMS SmartyGrants platform, the NSW Government’s standard platform for grants administration. This platform will manage submissions, assessments, payments, and quarterly reporting. Councils may continue using their own systems (e.g. Recover or Asset AI) for internal data collection and preparation, with future integration opportunities being explored.

No. From 1 October, all administration, assessment, and approval of Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) related Emergency Works (EW) and Immediate Reconstruction Works (IRW) will be managed solely by the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA). NSW Public Works and Transport for NSW will no longer be involved in these processes.

However, both agencies will continue to play a role in the emergency response phase of disasters through their functional area responsibilities under the State Emergency and Rescue Management (SERM) Act. If you require technical advice or support during disaster response activities you should continue to contact NSW Public Works or Transport for NSW as appropriate. 

Yes. While RA will provide a Standard Treatment Guide with regionally based rates to streamline submissions, councils may submit their own rates if supported by evidence. Acceptable evidence includes historical cost data, contract rates, or actual expenditure records. A cost estimation tool will be available to help councils prepare compliant submissions using either standard or custom rates. 

No major changes are expected. However, RA is working with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to clarify and expand acceptable evidence types. Updated fact sheets will be published to support councils in meeting audit requirements. RA will also assist councils in improving pre-disaster evidence collection practices and will implement a digital system to store documentation for long-term audit compliance.

Currently, these assets are not eligible under DRFA due to Commonwealth cost recovery rules. However, RA recognises their importance and is working to support councils through Disaster Adaptation Plans (DAPs) and other funding mechanisms. These plans help identify critical infrastructure needs and build strong business cases for future investment, even outside DRFA eligibility.  

Yes. RA will capture all approved variations, extensions of time, and project details through the Transition Attestation process and ongoing quarterly reporting. Councils will be supported to ensure no items fall through the cracks.