Help for damaged homes

RESILIENT Lismore will provide extra support to flood-affected homeowners across the Northern Rivers as part of an expanded state and federal recovery program.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) has engaged the local organisation to assist property owners eligible for the Resilient Homes Program (RHP), which offers funding to raise, retrofit, relocate or rebuild homes damaged in the 2022 floods.

Support is available to residents in the Ballina, Byron, Clarence, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed Valley local government areas.

NSW Reconstruction Authority chief executive Mal Lanyon said the new service was designed to make the process easier for homeowners facing the greatest flood risk.

“We want to make sure that homeowners across the Northern Rivers who face the greatest flood risk have access to additional support,” Lanyon said.

“They can navigate the process and their options when it comes to resilient measures and connect with trades people and industry professionals.

“I would encourage homeowners eligible for the RHP who need additional help to contact the RA to discuss if this service is right for them.”

Resilient Lismore executive director Elly Bird said her team brought valuable experience from its Repair to Return project.

“We have learnt a lot about people’s needs and challenges over the past three years through the delivery of our Repair to Return Project, and we are looking forward to bringing

that understanding to this program,” Bird said.

“This will enable us to provide more hands-on support to the people who need it, who are eligible for grants under the RHP, and we will do everything we can to help them achieve outcomes that will increase their resilience to future flooding events”.

The Resilient Homes Program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Residents can still access help via the Resilient Homes Concierge on 1800 844 085.

For more information, visit the NSW Reconstruction Authority website.