"Rebuilding from this catastrophic event will require a supreme effort and support from all levels of government....
After seven Natural Disaster Declarations in just three years, as well as a global pandemic, Council believes this latest crisis will stretch our Northern Rivers communities to their very limits.
There are strong connections across this region for employment, services and supplies and we are only just beginning to understand the potential flow-on effects of losing key industries, facilities and workers.
In a region already challenged with severe housing shortages, rising unemployment, and limited access to essential building materials and services, providing short-term assistance will not fix the scale of devastation the Northern Rivers faces.
It will take an enormous amount of effort and support for those affected to rebuild their lives"
[Richmond Valley Council, "Richmond Valley Flood", 5 April 2022]
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Coraki on the mid-Richmond River before peak flood on Monday night. Photo: Supplied. The Land, 1 March 2022
Richmond Valley Council, April 2022:
Richmond Valley Flood 2022 Response
Richmond Valley Council has responded to the recent flooding crisis with a detailed report outlining the extent of the recovery challenge and its plans to rebuild its infrastructure, economy, and community.
The Richmond Valley Flood 2022 Response, which was handed to NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet on Tuesday, outlines the measures Council is taking in immediate response, and breaks down the estimated $150 million cost to repair critical infrastructure throughout the Richmond Valley, as well as the cost to local homes, businesses, the natural environment and the wellbeing of our communities.
It also looks to the future with plans to restart our regional economy and build back better so our community is more resilient to future natural disasters.
The study found the Richmond Valley’s economy could expect to experience significant loss of production over the next two years – estimated at $250 million. The biggest impacts are forecast to be in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors.
The unprecedented flood levels of the past month had damaged homes, businesses, and public infrastructure across the Richmond Valley and the report called on authorities and the government to assist in the recovery. Council has played a strong role in the initial disaster response but rebuilding will take a supreme effort and support from all levels of government.
The report details the response needed across infrastructure such as roads, waste, water and sewer and property damage. It outlines Council’s strategy for economic and social recovery with plans for housing, business, industry, the environment and future-proofing our area from natural disasters.
Council and the community acknowledge the tremendous support from emergency response agencies, NSW Police, the Australian Defence Force, Council staff and the many community volunteers who stepped up to help in one of the most challenging times for the Richmond Valley and Northern Rivers region.
The report can be found here: https://richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Rebuilding-Richmond-Valley-Revitalisation-Plan-s.pdf
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