Criticism is mounting that a board set up to advise the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) doesn't have anyone on it from the most flood-hit towns and cities in the region.
Retiring North Coast-based Liberal MLC Catherine Cusack described is as "bizarre and disappointing", while former Lismore mayor Jenny Dowell said it sent a "poor message" to the community.
Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader and business advocate Jane Laverty are the two most obvious locals among the eight-member board, which is set to guide the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC) in its major decision making.
Another with local connections is former Tweed Shire Council general manager Michael Rayner and it has been reported that Lismore GM John Walker has observer status.
Mayor Cadwallader was appointed because of her role in heading the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation (NRJO), which is the peak body for six local councils.
Jenny Dowell, who was mayor of Lismore for many years said she was "shocked" by the board's make-up.
"I'm not being critical of Sharon, as she is there because of her role in NRJO, but I was shocked when I saw that no one was on it from Lismore or any of the other harshly affected communities," she said.
"Just who was thinking about the make-up of this important committee, who's work is likely to continue for many years?
"It is not just about their skills or gender it should also be about the geographic make-up of this committee.
"This is the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation and it should be representative of the Northern Rivers. Lismore is the centre of the Northern Rivers and the centre which was worst hit in the flood."
Lismore mayor Steve Krieg knew early on that he wouldn't be included on the board as the didn't want mayors to take part, but nor was he asked to nominate anyone else.
"While there are some good quality people on the board there is very limited input from the Northern Rivers," Mr Krieg said.
"There is no one from Lismore, Kyogle or the Richmond Valley to give their input.
"Every different LGA has a different flood story, every LGA has very different needs in regards to what they want out of the reconstruction corporation.
"Lismore needs a strong voice on there to advocate on behalf of the Lismore LGA and we don't have that."
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said board members had the knowledge and practical skills needed to guide the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC).
"The board will advise on the flood recovery work already underway, providing on-the-ground feedback on the rebuild of large and complex infrastructure," Mr Toole said.
Members of the NRRC Advisory Board are:
1. Mr Gary Barnes, Chair, Secretary, Department Regional NSW
2. Mr Michael Cassel, Secretary, Department of Planning and Environment
3. Mr Peter Duncan, Commissioner and Deputy Chair, NSW Independent Planning Commission; Former CEO of Roads and Maritime Services
4. Mr Andrew Hall, CEO Insurance Council of Australia
5. Mr Darren Kershaw, Executive Chair, North Coast Aboriginal Development Alliance
6. Ms Jane Laverty, Regional Director Northern Rivers, Business NSW
7. Ms Sharon Cadwallader, Chair Northern Rivers Joint Organisation
8. Mr Michael Rayner, Former General Manager Tweed Shire Council, Tweed community member, Technical Expert.
I'm a media professional with over 34 years of experience in public relations and journalism, including a decade setting Lismore's news agenda as the editor of The Northern Star. I have proven track record in growing audiences and improving engagement by delivering quality local stories for and about the Lismore community.
I'm a media professional with over 34 years of experience in public relations and journalism, including a decade setting Lismore's news agenda as the editor of The Northern Star. I have proven track record in growing audiences and improving engagement by delivering quality local stories for and about the Lismore community.
