After years of collating a myriad of local and regional socio-economic data, and observing the undeniable changes in on ground conditions, Our Future Northern Rivers has remained at the fore front of those calling for a Regional Masterplan. This essential missing piece of work is required to drive coordinated, long-term renewal.
In the aftermath of the largest flood in national history, this moment in time represents the opportunity to set a new direction.
According to the Insurance Council of Australia the 2022 floods alone caused $1.65b in Total Insured Loses in the Northern Rivers region where virtually no one could afford flood insurance. The NSW Reconstruction Authority estimates $9 billion of government asset damages. Over 200,000 tons of waste was removed and disposed of leading to industry standard calculations estimating an additional $7 billion in private sector losses. NSW Government Departments estimate $350-$500 million of losses in economic activity. Additional Queensland Reconstruction Authority studies carried out by Deloitte into Queensland's 2022 flood recovery estimates that 58% of their ongoing disaster costs will go into long term health, social and community impacts.
This is unsustainable and the Northern Rivers is a natural case study into what to do about resilience and growth strategies in regional areas of Australia. According to the productivity Commission report from 2015 Australia spends 97% of funds on recovery and just 3% on mitigation. This has been an issue of national significance for so long that finally, on the back of the 2019-2020 bushfires and the subsequent Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements, a stand alone federal department, was established to tackle the issue head on. This agency, NEMA, is mandated with not only reversing the 97% to 3% ratio but developing practical templates including long term recovery plans.
As is almost always the case the challenges the Northern Rivers region faces also represent a series of unrepeatable opportunities. To rebuild a community that is capable of facing the challenges of the future and improving State and National capabilities as an example of national resilience. This calls for a world class Regional Masterplan inline with the international best practice standards of, and to compliment and integrate, the CSIRO NRRI Flood Modelling project.
Of all of the problems faced by the Community, from Our Future Northern Rivers research, the Regional Masterplan must deliver on four key priorities:
- Water Management
- Land Use
- Economic Development
- Roads and Infrastructure
While the critical issue of housing remains a State responsibility, and largely driven by the private sector, these four fundamental project pillars must be addressed to unlock broader regional renewal.
After years of neglect and oversight, followed by multi billion dollar reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of the largest flood in National history, there is absolutely no doubt in the hearts and minds of stakeholders that now is the time to secure the future that the next generations deserve.
We have just 1 chance to get this right.