New role in flood recovery for police superintendent

RICHMOND Police District superintendent Scott Tanner has taken on the role of recovery coordinator for the region following widespread damage from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Mr Tanner played a critical role in the 2022 floods, serving as the local emergency operations controller and assisting recovery efforts across the Northern Rivers.

He will retain his role in the police force with access to its resources while coordinating government agencies.

The state government appointed Mr Tanner before full recovery services were in place in the region.

Mr Tanner said he will call on his experience from three years ago to help better serve the community and those impacted by the damage.

“Not only do I know what worked, I know what didn’t work,” he said.

“I’ve already started discussions with our partner agencies, SES, public works and most importantly, the Reconstruction Authority.

“I assure you that I will get all this work done as quickly as possible.

“Three main focuses for me will be around the three R’s. That is the road network, rubbish removal and resupply.

“If we get those three things done quickly, we can get this community back to where it needs to be.”

Last year, Mr Tanner was awarded the Australian Police Medal for his role during the 2022 floods.

Emergency services continue to deal with the impacts of the extreme weather and were expecting to begin damage assessments during the week.

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said Tanner understands the need to move quickly in response to disasters.

“I worked closely with Superintendent Tanner when I served as recovery coordinator myself after the 2022 floods and I can think of no one better placed to begin recovery in the region,” Mr Lanyon said.

“Appointing (him) provides a dedicated focus on the ground to ensure recovery progresses quickly.”