Reconstruction of Lismore and northern NSW communities hit by flooding will be co-ordinated by a corporation that will formally come into effect from July, the State Government says.

The Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation will set priorities and work with government agencies and departments to accelerate action, while also focusing on the longer-term.

“As we transition from recovery and clean-up the focus will shift to how we can make the infrastructure and homes of the region more resilient in the event of future natural disasters,” Deputy Premier Paul Toole said.

The NRRC’s work will extend to a three-to-five-year remit and will include working with councils to identify rejuvenation projects, with an emphasis on housing and social infrastructure.

The body will also have the power to compulsorily acquire or subdivide land, speed up and fast-track the building of new premises and accelerate planning proposals through the relevant department. The insurance, construction and infrastructure sectors will be among important contributors, the Government says.

The NRRC will also respond to recommendations from inquiries announced into the flooding.

The NSW Government last month said an independent inquiry into the state’s flooding catastrophe will be led by Mary O’Kane and Michael Fuller, while separately a NSW Parliamentary select committee is looking into the response.

The Insurance Council of Australia says it has been among peak bodies promoting the need for an overarching plan for the rebuild process, and the establishment of a high-level cross-sector leadership group.