25.4 C
Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

New grants on offer for flood damaged homes

Latest News

Blue skies for Bluesfest day 1

If yesterday at Bluesfest was anything to go by, it's going to be an incredible event and with the weather holding, (so far) the Easter weekend's future is looking bright.

Other News

Save Wallum finalist in NSW 2024 environment awards

The Save Wallum campaign has been named as a finalist in the Nature Conservation Council of NSW Environment Awards 2024. The award ceremony will be held in Sydney tonight, and Save Wallum spokesperson and ecologist James Barrie will be attending with Tegan Kitt, another founding member of the group.

Workshop in Creative Writing For Beginners

Have you always felt like you have a novel in you, but don’t know where to start? Or have...

Resilient Lismore’s ‘Repair to Return’ funding

On the eve of the second anniversary of the second devastating flood in 2022, Resilient Lismore has welcomed the finalisation of its funding deed with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which will enable the continuation of its ‘Repair to Return’ program.

Breakfeast, Bluesfest weekend

Victoria Cosford Oh to be a cow with a four-chambered stomach system! Farmers’ market, Bluesfest long weekend, a spot of...

Coveted Wollumbin Art Award open for young and old

Are you an artist in the Northern Rivers? Now is the time to get your art ready and submitted to the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre’s coveted biennial Wollumbin Art Award.

Could the future of the Richmond River be a clean and healthy one?

Imagine a drinkable, swimmable, fishable Richmond River? That is the aim of the Richmond Riverkeepers Association.

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 contribute to the cost of replacing appliances, reconnecting utilities and making repairs.

Under the 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.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet.

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 yesterday, NSW Premier Dominic 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,’ he said.

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.

Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Retired local professor launches book on grief

A leading international thinker and researcher in the development of innovative sport coaching and physical education teaching has returned home to Byron Bay and is launching his first non-academic book, 'Grief and Growth', on April 4 at The Book Room in Byron. 

Resilient Lismore’s ‘Repair to Return’ funding

On the eve of the second anniversary of the second devastating flood in 2022, Resilient Lismore has welcomed the finalisation of its funding deed with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which will enable the continuation of its ‘Repair to Return’ program.

Editorial – Joyous propaganda! 

The NSW Labor government marked its one year in office this week with a jubilant statement of achievements issued from Macquarie Street HQ.

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.