The Southern Cross University temporary housing site is now officially operational and serving as a home for flood affected Lismore locals. The site, which can host 200 people and includes 52 self contained units – each of which contain their own kitchen, laundry and bathroom (as well as household appliances, TVs and air conditioning), will join temporary housing sites operating at Coraki, Pottsville, Wardell and Wollongbar as medium term accommodation for locals who have been left homeless due to floods.
‘I know it has been a long and difficult period for everyone who was forced from their homes by the devastating flooding earlier this year,’ Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said.
‘This temporary housing site will provide relief for residents in the medium term, and is expected to be operational for around two years while the rebuilding and recovery process continues.
‘This type of medium term housing is absolutely vital to helping the community recover from what was the most destructive natural disaster this region has ever experienced. ‘I especially want to thank Southern Cross University for working with us to establish this site, with suitable land in short supply around Lismore. Without their help the community would have been worse off.’
The site has been passed to community housing provider, North Coast Community Housing, which will manage the day-to-day running and management of the site, said Temporary Housing Director for Resilience NSW, Kristie Clarke.
‘The houses are a private safe haven while outside barbecue facilities, landscaped gardens and green space help keep communities together while they navigate their ongoing recovery,’ Ms Clarke said.
Under construction
Another site at Evans Head has also been completed, while construction continues on sites at Brunswick Heads, Mullumbimby and Kingscliff.
Even with the progress that has been made, many victims of flooding in the area are still left in unstable, short-term accommodation. Renters who have had to move out of flood-damaged houses and homeowners with flood-damaged property are still needing support and assistance.
More accommodation is needed to house all of our community members who have been displaced by the floods, and more sites are needed to accommodate the sheer number of locals who have been affected by the unprecedented levels of flooding (in our area). However, progress can be at times challenging as seen when a potential site at Hepburn Park in Goonellabah was voted against by the majority of Lismore City Councillors earlier this month.
♦ Gryffyn Pelling is currently doing work experience at The Echo.