State government pledges $5m for Lismore’s Two Rooms project

The state government has pledged $5 million in funding for Resilient Lismore’s Two Rooms project.

The Two Rooms project began in the aftermath of the 2022 flood, as a practical way to get Northern Rivers people back in their homes. The idea was to build two rooms’ worth of walls to give people a safe, secure and warm place to live in.

The crews spend about 20 hours a week on each job, over three days, sheeting walls and making other running repairs to ensure the space is liveable.

They also provide outreach and referrals to community support services. Priority is given to vulnerable people and those who cannot afford to pay for repair work themselves.

The government says more than 350 flood-affected homes in the region will now be able to be repaired thanks to the additional funding.

Premier Chris Minns joined Minister for Planning and Public Places Paul Scully, Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib, Minister for Housing Rose Jackson, Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin and Resilient Lismore Executive Director Elly Bird in Lismore today to make the announcement.

‘We know there are no simple fixes in the Northern Rivers,’ Premier Minns said.

‘This package and our Community Restoration Flood Fund is an acknowledgement that we are standing by communities for the long haul.’

Member for Lismore and Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said the additional injection was a welcome start on the wide range of recovery and reconstruction work that still needed to be done across the Northern Rivers.

‘Like me, I know everyone who experienced the 2022 floods and is still dealing with the after-effects day in and day out understands we have a long road ahead of us and additional support will be required,’ Ms Saffin said.