The NSW Government will provide flood-impacted renters, landlords and homeowners with cash grants as part of a new $112 million Back Home grants that will help make their homes safe and habitable again by contributing towards the cost of replacing appliances, reconnecting utilities and making necessary repairs.
Under the Back Home grant scheme households that have been declared as damaged or destroyed and are unable to claim on insurance or natural disaster relief will be eligible for up to $20,000 cash grants. The program is available across the Hawkesbury, Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed Local Government Areas.
The funds can go towards any clean-up costs to restore housing to a habitable condition, such as:
- Inspection and safe reconnection of utilities, such as electrical, gas, water, hot water and sewerage equipment not otherwise the responsibility of utility companies;
- Necessary replacement or repairs to damaged essential household goods such as refrigerators, ovens, washing machines and microwaves;
- Necessary replacement or repairs to damaged equipment such as computers and tools;
- Replacing other essential household contents;
- Moving to a new property;
- Necessary structural repairs including roof, flooring, walls, fittings (owner-occupier/owner).
The grants will go live in the coming weeks. Applicants can register to be notified via www.nsw.gov.au/floods.
In Lismore today, Mr Perrottet said the grants would help many residents with damaged dwellings get back to their homes sooner.
“Our overriding priority is to get people into safe housing, and we are looking at every possible avenue to do that,” Mr Perrottet said.
“For those people who have properties or homes that can be repaired, this grant can be the cash that they need to make urgent repairs such as fixing roofs, making properties watertight, connecting back to electricity and replacing furniture and fridges.”
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the grants would provide residents with money to address immediate needs.
“These grants will be delivered to the people who need it fast – we have lifted the red tape to ensure the money is delivered and homes can be repaired as quickly as possible,” Mr Toole said.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the NSW Government had already contributed more than a billion dollars to the flood recovery efforts, with today’s package worth more than $112 million.
“From the day the floods hit, our focus has been on getting important funding and support where it’s needed as quickly as possible to help people get back on their feet,” Mr Kean said.
The Back Home grants are in addition to a series of other clean-up programs and work under way. Waste levies have been waived for flood-affected local government areas, about 17,000 truckloads of waste have been removed, and free structural assessments are being conducted under the Property Assessment and Demolition (PAD) program.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the Back Home grants were the latest addition to a range of resources and grants available to help people during the flood recovery.
“The Back Home grants will help flood-affected communities return to their homes quicker by allowing them to make vital repairs and replace damaged white goods, equipment and crucial household items,” Ms Cooke said.
“The NSW Government is continuing to work closely with local government, government agencies and stakeholders on housing solutions to make sure people have a roof over their head while they try to rebuild their lives.”
Eligibility:
- Eligible owner-occupiers and landlords will receive up to $15,000 through the Back Home grant program, to repair and refit damaged homes;
- An additional payment of up to $5,000 per property can be accessed for the replacement of essential household items. This is only available to renters and owner/occupiers;
- A maximum of $20,000 will be available for any one property;
- The program is available across the Hawkesbury, Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed Local Government Areas;
- Those who have received the means tested Disaster Relief Grant are not eligible for this package;
- The property must be assessed as damaged, destroyed or uninhabitable by the SES.
- The owner or renter must be uninsured or unable to claim insurance.
