All-level government collab boosts resilient homes to $880M

THE federal government announced an additional $90 million for the region’s Resilient Homes Program (RHP) during a ministerial visit in Murwillumbah on Monday.

Matching the NSW government’s $90 million commitment in June, the funding boost brings the total program value to $880 million.

The program will prioritise Northern Rivers homes for buybacks in flood areas that present the greatest risk to life and upgrade eligible homes against flood events by raising, relocating, rebuilding, or retrofitting.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister, who was raised in the Tweed, said the region was one of Australia’s most flood-prone regions.

“We also know that the risk of future flooding is growing. That’s why this program is so important, moving people in areas of greatest risk out of harm’s way and where they can remain in their homes, ensuring that they are better able to withstand floods.

“Today’s investment builds on more than $1.2 billion jointly committed for the Northern Rivers through recovery support packages and more than $193 million in direct Commonwealth investment.”

Launched in October 2022 in response to the floods which impacted seven LGAs in the Northern Rivers, the RHP was jointly funded by state and federal governments.

As of 29 November, 836 offers have been approved, 708 buyback offers accepted, and 564 settlements completed under the RHP.

In addition, eligibility requirements for resilience upgrades have been revised to include a hardship provision waiving the co-contribution for eligible homeowners.

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot MP said the funding would ensure building back better and delivering more homes for the community.

“Working together with Janelle Saffin and Jenny McAllister, we have secured this vital support for our community,” Elliot said.

“The Albanese Labor Government and the NSW Minns Government have worked together to deliver more than $3.4 billion towards disaster funding in our region.”

NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin thanked residents for their patience as the RHP continued to grow.

“When the program was first announced at the end of 2022, we knew we would need more funding, and here it is,” Saffin said.

“By revising requirements for those eligible for resilient measures funding, more people will have a pathway for assistance.

“The continuous improvement in the RHP is a testament to government listening to community needs,” she said.