Laura Jackel - Natural Disaster, No Help: Lambton Residents Fight for Recovery

In this powerful and emotional conversation, we hear directly from residents impacted by the devastating Lambton landslip, one of the largest suburban landslips ever recorded in Australia. An independent geotechnical report has revealed that the cost to remediate the site could exceed $130 million, with the landslip officially classified as a natural disaster caused by extreme rainfall and geological conditions. Despite this, residents say they are still waiting for meaningful assistance from the state government. Richard is joined by affected resident Laura Jackal, who shares firsthand insight into the human toll of the disaster, families forced from their homes with little notice, properties declared unsafe, ongoing land movement, looting concerns, and mounting financial stress as insurance-funded rental assistance nears its end. The discussion also covers tensions between City of Newcastle and the NSW Reconstruction Authority, questions around responsibility for recovery, and growing fears within the wider community as the danger zone expands to 19 affected homes. This episode highlights not just the scale of the disaster, but the urgent need for long-term support, clarity, and action for residents of Lambton and the broader Newcastle region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.