Housing package announced in response to floods

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.

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 undertaking repairs.

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 to 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 where they are willing to commit to returning supply to the private rental market.

Meanwhile 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 toward the 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,” said NSW Minister for Housing Rose Jackson.

“It will allow Homes NSW and the Reconstruction Authority to work collaboratively to match eligible flood-impacted people to the right support, avoiding duplication and added stress.”

The 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 they don’t have insurance cover for the damage.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain told News Of The Area, “The devastation caused by the East Coast floods has left many families and communities facing distress and uncertainty.

“This new $50 million housing support package is a vital step in helping people regain stability and rebuild their lives.

“We know from past disasters that timely, targeted assistance makes a real difference.

“That’s why the Australian Government is proud to work alongside the NSW Government to deliver practical support – whether it’s helping people stay connected to their land, repair their homes or find safe accommodation. ”

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.”

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.