THE State and Federal Governments have announced a $50 million Housing Support Package to assist eligible homeowners, renters and primary producers impacted by recent severe flooding.
Ashlee Abbott, Acting Head of Preparedness and Recovery at the NSW Reconstruction Authority said, “We understand the community has been anxiously awaiting this package and we have been working hard with local community and organisations, State Government and Homes NSW to pull together a package that is able to help homeowners, landlords and renters.”
Caravans and self-contained pod homes will be deployed for eligible flood-hit residents and primary producers whose homes were uninsured and uninhabitable so they can stay on their property during repairs.
This is an additional support to the Primary Producer Self Contained Pods Program already announced to support farmers to continue farming while repairs take place.
Support is also being rolled out to help renters facing financial hardship and uncertainty to relocate their family or set themselves up in a new place – delivered through new rental grants.
Introduced in response to the record-breaking flooding in May, these new grants provide one-off financial assistance to help households return home quickly, covering urgent costs such as removalists, rental bonds and other costs related to setting up a new home.
These will be delivered alongside grants to help homeowners with the costs of repairs, which will also be available to landlords to make repairs to private rental stock.
The housing support package will be offered to flood-impacted residents whose homes were rendered uninhabitable across the 25 local government areas hardest hit by the May event, where no insurance was in place to cover the damage.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the new package is a “vital step” in helping people regain stability and rebuild their lives.
As part of the package, a dedicated Housing Recovery Service will operate for residents across impacted areas, providing a one-stop shop for assistance and to assess eligibility and guide them to access support that best meets their individual recovery needs.
“The Housing Recovery Service will provide a no wrong door approach for households and community organisations, removing the guesswork for residents trying to get back on their feet,” NSW Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said.
Member for Lyne Alison Penfold thanked the governments for delivering this “much-needed” package, but continued her call for greater assistance.
“While this is a positive step, it doesn’t go far enough,” she said.
“Small businesses are still waiting on Category D funding, and our region needs serious investment in CBD revitalisation, flood mitigation, and long-term community recovery.”
As recovery continues in earnest across impacted regions, Hunter and Mid North Coast Recovery Coordinator Dave Owens warned of “disaster fatigue”.
“If you are struggling in any way please come forward and ask us for assistance,” he said last week during more torrential rain in Taree.
“We are here to assist the community.
“We have had over 13500 people through recovery centres.
“Thirty-nine households are in emergency accommodation and the Reconstruction Authority has spoken individually with those people, assessed their needs and will make sure that through the housing package we can address those needs wherever possible.
“Recovery support services are operating out of Taree and Kempsey with local land services and rural financial counselling.”
From Monday, 25 August, residents can contact the Housing Recovery Service on 1800 695 043 or visit nsw.gov.au to check their eligibility, apply for assistance, and access tailored housing recovery support.
By Pauline CAIN
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