The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) say they are rolling out a new series of targeted information and industry sessions to help flood-impacted residents in the Northern Rivers and Central West move from the planning phase into active construction and relocation.
They say, ‘This immediate, face-to-face support is designed to help Resilient Homes Program participants navigate the transition from gaining planning approvals to starting actual building works, strengthening community preparedness against future severe weather events’.
‘By bringing together the RA, local councils, and building contractors, these sessions will provide direct support to help residents move forward with their resilient modifications, home liftings, or relocations.
‘As Australia’s largest climate adaptation initiative, the co-funded Commonwealth and NSW $880 million Northern Rivers and $40 million Central West programs are driving clear progress across both regions to reduce future disaster risks, already achieving:
- Nearly 1,000 buyback offers approved to help residents move away from high-risk flood areas
- Over 1,500 home assessments completed to identify practical measures to make properties more resilient to future events
- Over 420 grants approved for rebuilding, raising, retrofitting, or relocating.
- 146 homeowners currently scoping works and 66 projects already fully completed.
‘The upcoming drop-in sessions are specifically designed to bridge the gap between approvals and construction, connecting homeowners directly with the agencies, builders, and trades required to get works underway.
‘At the information session, homeowners can:
- Meet the NSW Reconstruction Authority team and explore retrofitting options and materials
- Connect with builders, relocation contractors, house lifters and managing consultants
- Speak directly with local councils for advice on planning, zoning and development approvals needed
- Attend live presentations detailing the steps required for successful relocation and construction.
‘Local builders, contractors, and tradespeople are strongly encouraged to attend the Industry sessions to connect with homeowners ready to build and help meet the growing demand for skilled trades across both regions’.
Northern Rivers Homeowner Information Sessions
May 27 | Lismore Workers Club | 12pm-6pm
June 30 | Broadwater Hall | 12pm-6pm;
July 22 | Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre |12pm to 6pm.
Northern Rivers Industry Connect Sessions
June 4 | Mullumbimby Civic Hall | 4pm-6pm
June 11 | Coraki Youth Hall | 4pm-6pm
June 16 | Condong Bowling Club | 4pm-6pm
July 8 | Mullumbimby Civic Hall | 4pm-6pm
July 14 | South Lismore Bowling Club | 4pm-6pm
Homeowners and industry participants are encouraged to register at: www.nsw.gov.au/rhpevents.
NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Kate Fitzgerald said, ‘This next phase is about delivery. We are focused on supporting homeowners to move forward confidently, while ensuring the local construction industry is fully equipped and ready to build.’
‘There is a strong, growing demand for builders and skilled trades as more projects move into active construction. This is a massive opportunity for the local workforce to partner with us in rebuilding a safer, more resilient Northern Rivers and Central West.’
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