What is the Tripartite Agreement?

It is a new arrangement between the NSW Reconstruction Authority, Transport for NSW and local councils to roll out reconstruction funds after floods, fires or other natural disasters as fast as possible.

Seven councils are taking part including Richmond Valley Council, Kyogle Council, Lismore City Council and Clarence Valley Council.

State MP Janelle Saffin who is also parliamentary secretary for Disaster Recovery said: “One of the lessons learned from the devastating floods of 2022 is that councils need an injection of funds immediately after a flood event so they can get to work straight away and get communities functioning again.”

Before this agreement, councils had to finance the rebuilding of infrastructure before they could get funding from the government.

Now, councils can access critical funds upfront at each stage of reconstruction, easing financial burdens and making it easier to undertake reconstruction work more quickly.

“This new approach is designed to get the money flowing to councils quicker, so they can get on with the work that needs to be done, fixing roads and bridges and essential public buildings and facilities,” Ms Saffin said.

Premier Chris Minns said the agreement gives certainty to councils that they will receive the money when they need it.

This information was provided by the office of Janelle Saffin.

This article appeared on indyNR.com on 22 March 2024.