$40m Resilient Homes Program to help Central West homeowners rebuild and repair

The program has been developed after intensive community consultation and in partnership with the Central West Community Leaders Forum. It is part of the broader $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience package, jointly funded by both governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Residents who meet eligibility criteria and are prioritised for inclusion in the program will be offered a home buyback or a grant towards improving the resilience of their home through measures such as relocating, raising, rebuilding or retrofitting.

Building on lessons learned in the Northern Rivers, the program will take 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.

Eligible homeowners will also be provided with free home assessments and advice on the steps they can take to improve the resilience of their homes, which can help reduce the time and cost involved in recovering from future flood events and mean that people can get back into their homes sooner.

The Program has three streams that include:

• HomeBuybacks - for homes in areas of very high flood risk, where properties may be eligible for voluntary purchase.
• Resilient Measures - grant funding of between $50,000 and $100,000 to eligible homeowners to assist with raising liveable areas of their home, relocating their home, rebuilding a more resilient home or retrofitting their home with more resilient materials and innovative design features. Additional funding through a co-contribution option may also be available if the costs of works exceed the grant funding.
• FreeHome Assessments - a flood resilience expert will help identify opportunities to increase the resilience of a home and provide advice to the home owner.

Eligibility for the program is informed by flood maps that identify future flood risk in each LGA. These are based on flood studies, updated data and input from technical experts, in consultation with councils, SES and others.

Both the eligibility criteria and consideration of individual circumstances will be used to determine whether households are prioritised for assistance under the Program, and to ensure that support is directed to those whose needs are greatest.

The Program covers the Local Government Areas of Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes. Homeowners in Euabalong in Cobar may also be eligible.

For more information visit the NSW Reconstruction Authority website, with applications opening on Monday 28 October via an online form at nsw.gov.au/resilienthomesprogram

Homeowners can also visit one of the locations listed on the website to get support with their application.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said:

"We want to make sure that Central West communities are more resilient the next time they face a disaster of this scale. This program has been co-designed with the community, to help residents rebuild, repair or relocate."

"The development of this program has really been driven by the local community and I want to thank them for working so collaboratively with both our Government and the Minns Government."

"This is the next step in making sure the Central West is better prepared for future flood events. I encourage eligible homeowners to apply for this funding so we can minimise the impacts on homes and families going forward."

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said:

"We've designed this program with the community in mind following time I have spent in the region and time spent working with community leaders which is why it offers a range of options to reduce the impact on homes in higher risk locations, if disaster strikes again."

"As we near the second anniversary of the 2022 flood event, this is a major step forward to building back communities to be stronger than before."

"I encourage residents impacted by the 2022 floods who may be eligible to apply for assistance under the Central West Resilient Homes Program."

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

"During my visits to the region I could see the importance of implementing this program to better protect the community against future floods and that is why the Minns Labor Government has made this a priority."

"I'd like to thank everyone who has shared their story and their insights which have helped shape a locally driven program which will reshape these communities."

"This program will help communities better prepare for future disasters and we want to encourage homeowners to apply."

NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

"These are important and welcome measures for our flood impacted communities of the Central West. Buybacks will help more vulnerable people to relocate from high risk flood areas, while the grants will allow people to stay in the communities they love in safer, more resilient homes."

"Free professional advice and home assessments are also essential so people can make informed decisions that best suit their personal circumstances."

"I commend the NSW and Commonwealth Government for responding to the needs of the community and extending this vital support."

Member for Orange Phil Donato said:

"This program will provide eligible homeowners with the support they need to make their homes more resilient as they continue to rebuild their lives."

"This will help people to be better able to withstand future flooding and will mean communities can stay together."

"We also want to reassure anyone applying that we are here to help and will be providing you with the support you need to participate in this program."

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