Resilient homes program hits next stage across Central West NSW

The assessments, which are done by an independent flood resilience expert, give advice to homeowners on how to make their properties more resilient to flooding. Since applications for the Resilient Homes Program opened on 28 October 2024, the Reconstruction Authority has received 200 applications and undertaken 125 home assessments, with more to be scheduled in the immediate future.

After the independent property assessment, homeowners receive a report with information on resilience options they may be eligible for. Then the homeowner is able to choose the option that works best for them. Five property buybacks have also been progressed with formal offers being made to owners.

The Resilient Homes Program was announced in October 2024 as part of the $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience package, which also includes funding to support the reconstruction of transport infrastructure and community assets and is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The Resilient Homes Program supports resilience and safety so that people can continue to live in the communities they love. The program has three streams:

• Home Buybacks - eligible homeowners in highest risk areas may receive a payment for the purchase of their home and land in areas that have a very high risk of future floods.
• Resilient Measures - grant funding of between $50,000 and $100,000 to eligible homeowners to raise liveable areas of their home, relocate their home, rebuild a more resilient home or retrofit their home with more resilient materials and innovative design features.
• Free Home Assessments - a flood resilience expert will help identify opportunities with eligible homeowners to increase the resilience of a home.
  

Eligibility for the Resilient Homes Program also takes people's individual circumstances into account, with priority given to those facing additional barriers and challenges that could increase their vulnerability or risk in future flooding events.

If you need assistance, you can call 1800 844 085 to make an appointment with a member of the Resilient Homes Concierge Service team. You can also visit or request face-to-face support from the Customer Engagement team at 45 Broad St, Eugowra, or by emailing resilienthomesprogram@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au. For more information on the Resilient Homes Program in the Central West visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/resilient-homes-program-central-west

Quotes to be attributed to NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
"We want to make sure that the homeowners in the Central West who face the greatest flood risk get the support and information they need to make the right decisions for them about their future."

"I'm committed to working with councils, local leaders and communities across the region. I am here to listen, and I want to make sure that the programs we are delivering here are tailored to the needs of the Central West and informed by the community's on-the-ground expertise and experience."

Quotes to be attributed to the Member for Orange Phil Donato MP:
"I welcome Minister Janelle Saffin MP on her first official visit as Minister for Recovery to communities impacted by the devastating 2022 Central West Flood Event.

"The flood recovery process and delivery of the Reconstruction Authority's Resilient Homes Program are continuing steadily, and with certainty.

"I will join Minister Saffin, along with Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon, to meet with impacted residents and businesses, along with community leaders to hear their perspectives on the recovery process and resilience measures."

Quotes to be attributed to NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon:
"The Resilient Homes Package for the Central West was developed after listening to the communities impacted in 2022, as well as lessons learned from the Northern Rivers, because we know every flood event is different."

"We acknowledge recovery since the 2022 floods experienced across the Central West can, at times feel slow, but we are working closely with councils and homeowners in higher risk areas. We want to provide them with certainty and with options that will enable them to continue to live in their communities, stay connected to family, friends work and other opportunities, and be better prepared for future floods."

"I would also encourage anyone who may be eligible for the Resilient Homes Package and hasn't applied to call the Reconstruction Authority Concierge Team on 1800 844 085 or email resilienthomesprogram@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au and find out what support is available."

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