Temporary homes will be located at Southern Cross University (SCU) Lismore Campus as part of the NSW government’s program to provide 800 temporary housing options for flood-affected people. The site is one of nine locations that have been selected to receive the modular homes and accommodation pods.
A soccer pitch and car park at the former Liverpool Football Academy grounds in Crawford Road, East Lismore will be used as the site locations for the temporary housing. Once site establishment work and the connection of utilities is complete, each site will be handed over to a community housing provider, who will allocate and manage the ‘pods’.
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said it is important that Crown Lands plays a part in the accommodation solution.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the NSW Government is working hard to deliver a range of housing solutions across the Northern Rivers region.
‘The types of temporary accommodation now in production include caravans, Minderoo pods, self-contained studio homes and one, two or three-bedroom modular homes, ensuring that a range of family sizes can be accommodated,’ Ms Cooke said.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Government is ‘committed to assisting around 25,000 households through our $350 million housing response including rental support, Disaster Relief Grants and the Back Home program’.
‘In the first instance we want to be able to get as many people as possible safely back into their own homes but we know for many people this is simply not an option.’
The Lismore campus at Southern Cross University has been playing a key role in response and recovery to the recent flooding. They are now home to two flood-affected schools, local Police headquarters as well as many health and community services.
‘Housing remains one of the most pressing needs for people in flood-affected communities and is why we’re using all of the resources at our disposal to get people the help they need now and in the months to come.,’ said Ms Cooke.
‘Each site was identified in partnership with local councils and I’d like to particularly recognise Southern Cross University, who have been a fantastic partner for us, hosting our recovery centre, the recent flood inquiry public meeting and now a temporary accommodation site.’
The Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation has been created and tasked with coordinating planning, rebuilding and construction work of essential services, infrastructure and housing beyond the immediate response and recovery phase.
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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