Former NSW Deputy Police Commissioner Dave Owens Appointed as Flood Recovery Coordinator for Hunter and Mid North Coast

In response to the catastrophic floods that have ravaged New South Wales’ Hunter and Mid North Coast regions, the NSW Government has appointed former Deputy Police Commissioner Dave Owens as the Recovery Coordinator. Owens will lead the state’s efforts to manage clean-up operations, coordinate government services, and liaise with community organisations to facilitate recovery.

Owens, who commenced his role today, will be based in Taree, one of the towns severely impacted by the recent flooding. His appointment comes as the state transitions from emergency response to recovery, with thousands of residents still isolated and significant infrastructure damage reported.

Premier Chris Minns expressed confidence in Owens’ capability to lead the recovery efforts, stating, “Dave Owens has a lot of experience helping communities after natural disasters, so I am grateful he has agreed to lead our recovery effort. He is on-the-ground in Taree, ready to go, to help the community recover from these terrible floods.”

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin echoed the Premier’s sentiments, highlighting Owens’ extensive experience in emergency management. “Dave Owens is the right person for this role. He has decades of experience in the NSW Police Force, including across emergency response, recovery and management; he knows how to get things done, and he’ll be a strong advocate for the community here,” she said.

The recent floods have caused widespread devastation across the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions. An estimated 50,000 people have been cut off due to rising waters, with at least four confirmed fatalities. Infrastructure has been severely affected, including the closure of a 20km section of the Pacific Highway between Coopernook and South Taree, leading to significant disruptions for motorists and an estimated $29 million economic impact.

In addition to Owens’ appointment, the NSW Government has established Recovery Centres in Taree, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Macksville, and Maitland. These centres provide assistance with financial aid, identification documents, accommodation, legal support, insurance, and more. Residents can access information about recovery support at www.nsw.gov.au/floodrecoveryupdates.

The Australian Defence Force has also been deployed to assist with recovery efforts, working alongside emergency services and volunteers to support affected communities.

Owens brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as the NSW State Recovery Coordinator for several severe weather events, including the East Coast Low in June 2016 and the Central Western floods in September 2016. He also served as the State Emergency Operations Controller from 2007 to 2011 and co-led the NSW Independent Bushfire Inquiry in 2020.

As Recovery Coordinator, Owens will oversee the coordination of clean-up and repair efforts, ensure NSW Government services are effectively delivered, and engage with non-government and local community organisations critical to the recovery process. He will also ensure that community voices are heard and that local priorities are addressed in the recovery planning.

The NSW Government encourages residents in affected areas to reach out for assistance and stay informed through official channels as recovery efforts continue.

For immediate assistance, residents can contact Service NSW at 13 77 88 or visit the nearest Recovery Centre.