The relatively new but heavily criticised Resilience NSW - a government agency designed to assist in natural disasters and emergencies - is transitioning to the NSW Reconstruction Authority as part of the NSW Government’s response to the recent flood inquiry. 

With flooding devastating the Western Plains and beyond over the last 12 months, the implementation of a new authority could be critical or crucial, but what led to the original agency's downfall?



Resilience NSW was formed following a praised response to 2019-20 bushfires that ravaged the NSW coast, with the mission to provide immediate assistance to those affected by disaster, including the management of evacuation centres. 

The ink had barely dried on their newly branded letterhead when the floods struck the north coast of NSW.

Since its formation, the flood inquiry reflected deep criticism of the agency, with multiple agency representatives describing Resilience NSW as ‘chaotic’, ‘shambolic’, and ‘disorganised’.

The organisation was accused of being underprepared and in some cases, a hindrance to protecting the community, including instances of established charities such as the Australian Red Cross and St Vincent De Paul being delayed from offering assistance. 

The most common criticism of the lead agency for maintenance and implementation of the NSW Recovery Plan was slowness and even unresponsiveness. 

Member for Barwon Roy Butler was amongst the masses who called for a more structured and transparent body. 

“For two years Resilience NSW operated but no one really knew what it was doing. Some accused it of just being another layer of bureaucracy,” Mr Butler said. 

“There have been complaints that…during a crisis its members were treating the work like a nine to five job,” he said. 

Since the inquiry, the NSW Government has announced that Resilience NSW will transition to the NSW Reconstruction Authority, following recommendations to create an agency which is “more streamlined and agile to drive recovery in the first 100 days post disaster”.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority will be based on experiences drawn from the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation and their response to Northern NSW flooding this year, where over 10,000 homes were damaged. 

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the new approach to recovery will focus on the long-term rebuilding and risk mitigation. 

“Resilience NSW staff, led by Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons, have worked incredibly hard this year to support flood-impacted communities across our state. Commissioner Fitzsimmons has worked tirelessly for the people of NSW for more than 30 years, and I want to sincerely thank him and his entire team for their work,” Ms Cooke said. 

Functions, staff and budgets will be transferred from Resilience NSW “in a way that will maximise the Government’s response and recovery capability in the current storm season,” according to the NSW Government.