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Byron Shire
April 18, 2024

First residents move in to Wollongbar housing pods

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The first residents displaced by the flooding disaster have now received the keys to their temporary housing pods at Wollongbar, Ballina Council says.

A modular home in Wollongbar. Image: Ballina Council

‘These keys means so much more than the physical structure they unlock,’ said Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke.

‘They are a safe, private and self-sufficient space to live for flood-affected community members while they undertake their own personal journey of deciding what’s next and beginning to rebuild.’

The Wollongbar site has the capacity to house up to 220 people and is one of 12 locations across the Northern Rivers region slated to host ‘pod’ villages.

‘This housing solution enables us to transition people out of emergency accommodation and into a more stable setting which we expect will be used for up to two years,’ Ms Cooke said.

North Coast Community Housing is managing each ‘pod’ village and ensuring people have everything they need, from access to support and engagement workers through to functioning facilities.

Flood-affected community members seeking housing support are urged to contact Service NSW on 13 77 88, visit nsw.gov.au/floods or speak to Recovery Centre staff.


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4 COMMENTS

  1. I saw a movie about the pod people when I was young.

    You will never get enough of these over priced dongas. Let people make their own.

  2. I applaud the efforts to assist flood affected people but what about the other people and their pets affected by a variety of reasons that are also struggling in the community to have the most basic of human needs met , a “ safe affordable home “ let’s create a loving place for the community to live as a priority over tourism

  3. You mean you actually reside in this? Are there windows behind the white section. We are supposed to be an innovative country.

  4. A lot of these people were homeless before the floods and on disability pensions. They should have had this housing available years ago but this is not helpful for those whose houses have been damaged due to the floods that could have been managed by plans give has had for 25 yrs!!!

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