The Andrews Labor Government is helping residents of Greater Shepparton who were affected by the October 2022 floods get back on their feet and back to their homes with the Homes at Home program.
Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes visited Mooroopna today with Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) CEO Mariela Diaz to launch the initiative and get an update on how recovery is progressing in the region.
The $4.6 million program will be administered by ERV and will see temporary units delivered to up to 40 properties in the Greater Shepparton region.
It will allow flood-affected homeowners to live on their property while they carry out essential repairs to their homes. The caravans and units will be equipped with furnishings to help families feel at home.
Homes at Home will be available to property-owners whose primary place of residence was affected and made uninhabitable by the floods.
It will prioritise residents who were uninsured for flood and are facing financial hardship, and an assessment will be carried out on properties of those who apply to ensure they're suitable for the program.
The Government has been working closely with flood-affected communities across the state to come up with locally led solutions that meet the unique needs of each community.
The Shepparton and Mooroopna Housing Taskforce was formed to play a key role in the delivery of community-led solutions for the Greater Shepparton Region with Homes at Home developed in consultation with the Taskforce.
The Government continues to support flood-affected residents across the state, including through finding alternative accommodation for more than 1,800 people, including accommodation at the Centre for National Resilience, the Elmore Temporary Village, private rentals, social housing and hotel accommodation.
ERV's case support program is available to every Victorian who was affected by the floods, connecting them with a dedicated Recovery Support Worker. Recovery Support Workers act as a single point-of-contact to help with accessing information, advice and support with housing and other needs.
Interested residents in Greater Shepparton can visit vic.gov.au/homesathomeExternal Link to see the full eligibility criteria and register their interest.
As stated by Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes
"Six months on from this devastating event, we're continuing to back communities to recover - because we know this takes time."
"We're being guided by locals when it comes to their recovery - it's clear that staying close to home in a safe and stable way is critical to getting lives back on track."
As stated by Emergency Recovery Victoria CEO Mariela Diaz
"We know that following any disaster having a safe place to stay close to home is essential to recovery. Homes at Home will give people just that - safe accommodation on their own property - while their homes are repaired."
"ERV continues to support all flood-affected residents across the state with a range of programs to help them get back on their feet and return to their communities."
