WARD CALLS FOR ‘BETTERMENT’ AS PART OF NATURAL DISASTER FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has used a speech to Parliament to call for the implementation of recommendations from the Royal Commission into Natural Disaster Arrangements to enshrine ‘betterment’ so that disaster-impacted communities ‘build back better’.

In commending the Minns Government for its appointment of Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, Mr Ward told Parliament the first task of the new Minister must be to safeguard NSW public assets and build resilient communities.

Given that parts of the Illawarra and South Coast have been declared Natural Disaster Areas nine times since 2021, Mr Ward said taxpayers should expect governments rebuild public infrastructure so it can withstand the growing frequency of natural disasters.

“We shouldn’t be replacing goat tracks with newer goat tracks,” Mr Ward told Parliament.

“Under current arrangements, government funding only provides for the reconstruction of public assets to its pre-disaster condition. But with so many roads originally built as far back as the 19th century, the current guidelines don’t ensure we rebuild infrastructure for the next 50 years rather than simply the next flood.

“Taxpayers deserve betterment. When rebuilding after a natural disaster, governments, at all levels, need to consider how we can not only prevent essential infrastructure succumbing to mother nature, but how can we use this opportunity to futureproof public assets.

“Betterment funding, for a relatively small additional investment, will save millions of dollars in years to come by making sure that infrastructure is rebuilt to withstand more extreme bushfires, cyclones, and floods.

“The Queensland Government has enshrined betterment in so many of its programs. I have faith that our new Minister is the right person to take up this task and secure a better deal for disaster-impacted communities,” Mr Ward concluded.