Six months in, flood assistance assessments continue

Five home buybacks have been offered and 125 home assessments completed in the six months since the $40 million Central West Resilient Homes package opened for applications. It's now two-and-a-half years since the devastating 2022 floods, and the Reconstruction Authority says it is working closely with home owners and councils in the region to deliver the program. Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin joined Member for Orange Phil Donato and Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon in Eugowra on 15 April to provide an update on the Resilient Homes Program. "The Reconstruction Authority has been on the ground undertaking home assessments and speaking with homeowners about resilient measures," Mr Lanyon said. "After a home assessment, eligible homeowners will get a report with information on resilience options they may be eligible for. "It's then up to the homeowner to choose the option that works best for them." To date, 200 applications have been submitted. There's also more consultation to come for both home and business owners affected by the flooding. "We will be holding a Resilient Homes Forum in the region in the coming months to make sure the community gets its opportunity to ask questions and have its say," Mr Lanyon said. "Homeowners will be able to get the information they need on resilient building design, planning, and construction. "They’ll also get a chance to meet resilience experts, builders, and council staff while working with the Resilient Homes team for guidance." Mr Lanyon encourages anyone who may be eligible for the Resilient Homes Package and hasn’t applied, to call the Reconstruction Authority Concierge Team. Reconstruction is also planning Resilient Business briefings in Molong, Forbes and Canowindra. Business owners can get the latest information on resilience measures and talk with experts to decide which options might help protect them from future floods. Mr Donato, who chairs the Central West Community Leaders Forum, brought the matter back before NSW Parliament in March. "Will the Minister advise the house on the progress of recovery for Central West flood victims, many of whom are still living in pods more than two years after that natural disaster?" He asked. Minister Saffin, who also visited Eugowra for the first anniversary service of the fatal flood event in 2023, said at the time she had asked the Reconstruction Authority for some timelines. "There is always a caveat on them because we have some tradie issues and all sorts of things happening in the Central West, as elsewhere, but we can do it indicatively, and that helps communities," Ms Saffin said. "We have to communicate with them because I know people are still living in pods." The Minister acknowledged that recovery takes time - and that governments historically have not communicated well during "the long tail of recovery" - but said she was intensely aware of the impacts in the Central West. “We want to make sure 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," she said on 15 April. “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.” The Resilient Homes package is part of a $100 million Central West flood recovery package from the State and Federal governments. It is available to flood-affected residents of Cabonne, Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan shires. Households needing assistance to understand their options and consider next steps can contact the program's concierge service. You can call 1800 844 085 or can make an appointment with a member of the Concierge Service team by calling 1800 844 085 or email 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