As reported by this masthead this morning, as much as 2000 owners devastated by the Northern Rivers floods in NSW earlier this yr can now voluntarily choose to have their residence purchased again at pre-disaster costs beneath a brand new $800-million program.
We’re anticipating to listen to from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet at a press convention simply after 8am, however the PM has informed Dawn this system would assist rectify “errors”, the place properties have been inbuilt unsuitable places for pure disasters.
The joint federal and NSW authorities funding will help residential owners hit within the devastating February and March floods throughout the seven native authorities areas of Lismore, Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Richmond Valley and Tweed.
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Albanese stated constructive discussions have been occurring with state and territory leaders to “cease growth in floodplains, for a begin”.
“What we all know is that these excessive climate occasions are extra intense and sadly, they’re extra frequent as effectively. The individuals of Lismore – the place I’m now – have been doing it actually robust,” he stated on Friday morning.
“I believe at present’s announcement actually does present a approach ahead and it additionally means higher planning. We don’t wish to buy properties after which have properties constructed again in the identical place.
“There can even be grants of as much as $100,000 to raise properties up, but additionally grants of as much as $50,000 for retrofitting areas to offer larger safety.”
Greater than 10,000 properties within the Northern Rivers have been broken when water reached document flood ranges in February and March, leaving 4055 properties deemed uninhabitable.
This group has been hit time and time once more. We have to cease growth on floodplains. A part of this settlement is we’re not going to fund the acquisition of properties and simply permit somebody again there within the years forward. It’s a extremely vital breakthrough.
My colleague Sarah Keoghan have extra particulars from the press convention as quickly as they arrive at hand.