NSW Government commits $50 million for Central West flood recovery

The NSW Government has committed $50 million for Central West communities impacted by last year’s devastating floods.

Households will be able to use the funding for house raising and retrofits, allowing the incorporation of designs and materials that can withstand future flooding events.

Over the coming 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.

When Planning Minister Paul Scully and Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib visited the Central West in August they identified more work was needed.

This funding package is a significant step forward and will help to boost the community-led recovery of the Central West. The new fund also responds to the strong positions put forward by the Member for Orange Phil Donato.

The cash injection will be an initial down payment towards measures including:

• Priority Disaster Adaptation Plans for the Central West so communities are better prepared
• Repair and replacement of critical community assets and improving the resilience of public infrastructure, including bridges and roads
• Assistance with housing programs, with work to be further developed with councils and community leaders.

The announcement adds to the more than $42 million in grants and subsidies paid by the Commonwealth and NSW Government to individuals, households, small businesses and primary producers across the Central West impacted by last year’s floods.

Other work undertaken to support local communities includes:

• 15 recovery assistance points set up across the Central West
• $40 million Pods on Private Property Program and $19 million At-Home Caravan program
• Community Recovery Officers for Cabonne, Forbes and Wentworth
• Community projects such as the rebuild of Eugowra’s pre-school with Cabonne Shire Council.

The funding comes from the new $150 million Community Restoration Flood Fund announced by the NSW Government in the September budget to support disaster impacted communities in the Northern Rivers and Central West. The fund is an acknowledgement that the NSW Government is standing by communities for the long haul.

The 2022 floods exposed several ongoing risks across the state due to our changing climate and long-standing land uses. The NSW Government recognises that recovery is not a short-term fix and requires evidence-based planning and community leadership. 

While the former government made unfunded commitments to communities, the Minns Government is taking a considered approach to ensure that the commitments made are adequately funded and informed by community leaders.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“The 2022 floods were an unprecedented disaster and we remain focused on helping the whole community recover and rebuild. It’s clear there needs to be a sustained effort and there is more we can do to continue the reconstruction program. That’s why we’re committed to practical action on the ground to help people get back on their feet, with the involvement of local leaders.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The government is being open and transparent about the process we are undertaking. At the same time, we acknowledge there are details to be worked through with the community.

“We appreciate that what people want most is to get back into their homes and on with their lives and we are committed to helping them do just that. This is not about a simple fix, it’s a concerted effort making sure that communities in the Central West can build back stronger.

“This is a significant step forward in making sure communities are better prepared for future floods and will allow community leaders to shape how recovery proceeds in the Central West.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“It’s critical that we continue to support communities who have borne the brunt of the 2022 floods. We’ve seen first-hand how flood recovery efforts are progressing and we know recovery takes time.”

“When we visited the Central West we were impressed with the work undertaken by communities in rebuilding and this investment is a further step towards that recovery. This funding package will support the social and economic recovery of this important region devastated by floods”.

Member for Orange Phil Donato said:

“This additional injection from the Community Restoration Flood Fund is a welcome start on the wide range of recovery and reconstruction work that still needs to be done across the region. 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.”