Woodburn residents displaced by flooding are being offered at-home caravans in a new program from the NSW Government providing medium-term housing solutions for flood-affected communities.
Caravans will be located on residents' private property at no cost. Each private property will be assessed during the face-to-face application process with Resilience NSW to ensure the property can safely accommodate a caravan.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the NSW Government has opted to provide at-home caravans to Woodburn residents, instead of a 'pod' village, as a result of extensive community feedback.
"Housing is one of the biggest challenges facing communities in the Northern Rivers following the devastating flooding and with the colder months now upon us, we are pulling out all stops to provide medium-term housing solutions for residents," Ms Cooke said.
"The at-home caravan program will provide a safe and secure roof over the heads of locals so they can remain on their properties while they repair and rebuild.
"The NSW Government is constantly looking for ways to better meet the needs of flood-affected communities as the flood recovery evolves."
The first caravans will be secured through Camplify, an accommodation company that matches caravan owners with holidaymakers, but is now helping the flood recovery effort.
Camplify CEO Justin Hales said the partnership project means Woodburn residents will be able to remain in their community as the recovery continues.
"By repurposing our caravan supply in this pilot program we can give people a place to stay on their own properties while they manage the difficult task of repairing and rebuilding from the floods," Mr Hales said.
The at-home caravan program is being launched in Woodburn after further review of the proposed temporary housing site at Wagner Street and Uralba Street found it was unsuitable due to future flood risks.
From Monday 20 June, Woodburn residents can register for a caravan by visiting the Woodburn Recovery Hub, at McGearys Bros, 9630 Pacific Highway, between 9am and 4pm on weekdays. Resilience NSW staff will be available to assist with information and applications related to the at-home caravan program.
Progress of the at-home caravan program in Woodburn will inform whether the NSW Government rolls out the at-home caravan program to other flood-affected communities.
For more information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/floods/recovery/temporary-housing.
