A retired Australian Army brigadier will lead the Hunter's flood recovery.
Retired Brigadier Darren Naumann will serve as regional recovery co-ordinator, an appointment made by premier Mike Baird.
The appointment comes as the Baird government introduces legal protections to protect volunteers and flood-bound residents are not penalised by employers.
"The recovery work of the State Emergency Service and other agencies since the ravaging storms that gripped the eastern parts of our State last week has been outstanding,” Mr Baird said.
“But there are still communities under severe duress, and I want to make sure that the recovery effort is as coordinated and effective as possible.
“Brigadier Darren Naumann is the ideal person to make that happen, and I am deeply thankful that he has accepted this appointment.”
Serving for 34 years, Brigadier Naumann has worked in military engineering and infrastructure management as commanding officer of the Australian Army's 19th Chief Engineer Works.
He spent four years on exchange with the US Army's Corps of Engineers and another two with the British Ministry of Defence.
He retired from the military in March.
Brigadier Naumann's new role will include chairing a regional recovery committee with representatives from affected councils, the SES, police, health and transport officials.
He will establish recovery centres in Maitland and Dungog and make recommendations on future centres and measures to help the Hunter's communities.
A report will be prepared after three months on the recovery's progress.
