Lismore City Mayor, Steve Krieg, is calling on the NSW Government to commit to a local leadership approach to guide the city’s ongoing recovery from last year’s devastating floods.
The Mayor and Councillors met the Minister for Planning, Paul Scully, and the Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, last week and told them of the need for local leadership for Lismore’s recovery.
“I would like to thank the Ministers for visiting our region and their commitment to re-set the approach for the design and delivery of Lismore’s reconstruction efforts,” Mayor Krieg said.
“The way forward must put the community at the centre, recognise basic physical and mental needs, and have local leadership. We need a locally led vision for our city, a homes program that meets the needs of individuals and families, a focus on jobs creation and investment into our community over the long term.”
The Mayor said the Lismore Council and community had waited long enough for the State Government to bring answers and solutions to the table following the impact of the largest flood in modern Australian history.
“The delays, misinformation and uncertainty has caused further trauma, prevented people from moving on with their lives and has had a financial impact on their livelihoods.”
“Lismore City Council now calls on the NSW Government to back the people of Lismore by committing to a local leadership approach that is appropriately resourced and supported to create certainty and a future that meets the needs of our community.
“We believe, Council is best placed to take the lead and partner with the community in our recovery and rebuild.”
Mayor Krieg has written to the Premier and the Ministers requesting a meeting to discuss a locally-led plan.
