NRRC FLOOD RECOVERY PLAN

ROWAN HOWARTH NORTHERN NSW INFRASTRUCTURE FLOOD RECOVERY PLAN

Rowan Howarth, Director at the Northern Rivers Infrastructure Coordination Office, spoke at the State of the State on 26 October, and in more detail at our Flash Conference on 24 November. He shared the vision and mission of the authority tasked with the rebuild following the deadly floods, and what you need to know to help.

The Northern Rivers region of NSW is facing an unprecedented civil clean-up and infrastructure reconstruction effort following the devastating floods in February and March of 2022. Early estimates have the repair bill of public infrastructure tipping over $1.3 billion. Coordinating how that work is going to be contracted out is largely the task of the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation (NRRC), which came into effect 1 July 2022.

A Director of the NRRC, Rowan Howarth, has been tasked with leading reconstruction activities for essential assets and infrastructure. It is a mammoth brief, so how does the NRRC plan to roll out the rebuild?

Rowan explained, “The NRRC was established to lead and coordinate reconstruction activities for essential assets and infrastructure, as well as housing in the Northern Rivers. It’s about setting priorities around what projects are needed first. “It’s not just about rebuilding communities as they were before – it is making sure the community is thriving; building it stronger, better and more resilient than it was – and making sure we drive that rebuilding in the most efficient way we can. “This is a long-term effort and transformative program of work, and as a coordinating body, the NRRC is working with communities, councils, multiple government agencies, industry and stakeholders to prioritise, sequence and enable the significant reconstruction effort across the region.” Initial focus and timeline

The NRRC is still working on a resourcing and supply chain analysis. A working group has been set up and is structured to maximise cooperation with the agencies and councils involved in the rebuild. “We now have a list of $5.4 billion of public infrastructure over three years, including all asset classes – transport, all the local government pipelines, health infrastructure, school infrastructure, all in the one space,” said Rowan.

“We’re set up under a three- to five-year horizon, with potential for this to extend out as the work program gets underway. Work is already underway and has been since the floods on 28 February 2022. Packages have been released and you’ll continue to see them being rolled out over the next 3 -5 years.”

Forecast reconstruction program for the Northern Rivers

The asset classes of the Regional Public Infrastructure Program being coordinated by the NRRC include roads, bridges and other transport, water and waste water, buildings. Many projects and contract sizes are between $100,000 – $500,000, with more substantial projects estimated up to $10 million. The volume and range of project sizes and values represent significant opportunities for contractors of all sizes.

Regional Master List Of Public Infrastructure Projects - $5.4B Asset Class Break-up of Total Regional Public Infrastructure Program

The flood recovery and reconstruction related infrastructure projects are being delivered in partnership with the seven Northern Rivers Councils – Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed Shire Council, Transport for NSW, Rous County Council, the EPA, NSW Public Works and Department of Communities and Justice.

Rowan added that it is important to note the NRRC is continuing to gather data from across the region. “The information outlined is a work-inprogress, reflecting only what has been captured and recorded to date,” he said. “We anticipate the picture will continue to evolve and we look forward to updating the CCF over the coming months.”

Procurement

The NRRC is not, Rowan points out, the procurement agency for the rebuild. Rather, they are tasked with bringing together coordinated procurement.

Many CCF NSW Members are willing to help with the rebuild – but one burning question is that of when we will see tenders to market.

“You’ll see tenders and procurement activities from the agencies that do them … by councils and state agencies. However, those packages may include other areas/assets that traditionally would not be in the individual agency or council,” said Rowan. CCF NSW was keen to see the local region contractors locked into activity, to which Rowan responded, “Local contractors are critical, but because of the volume of work and time sensitivity of the projects we will need some out-of-region contractors to be involved.”

The NRRC is keen to engage with contractors and suppliers in our industry and harness expertise and insights to make the rebuild easier. CCF NSW will continue to keep Members advised of any definitive steps the NRRC takes to register employers.

“We are taking enquiries,” said Rowan. “I’d also encourage everyone, in the absence of the formal registration portal, to keep registering with the councils and agencies for pre-qualification.” CCF NSW has passed on to Rowan that many civil contractors who are very competent contractors are not prequalified. Even for those that are, not all have done so for all the different agencies and each and every council. He made the point that the application process is very lengthy and reportedly getting longer. The concern is many contractors – particularly small to medium-sized businesses in regional NSW – may feel that, with no certainty of work, it is too late to embark on the pre-qual path.

We sincerely thank Rowan and the NRRC for their generosity in providing their time and information, and engaging with our civil community, who are eager to support this ravaged region.

Regional Break-up of Capital Works Programs – Council/Agency ($M)

Please note that these charts are a work-in-progress and are a status of the data captured and recorded to date only. The charts and the associated dollars/percentage break ups should not be shared outside of the NRRC. Caution should be exercised in relying on this information until the complete data capture has been confirmed.

Civil Flood Repair Works Civil Flood Repair Works by Project Size

Circular Construction Solutions