Lismore locals displaced by floods now have a place to call home while they rebuild, with the Southern Cross University (SCU) temporary housing site officially operational and housing residents.
Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the site consists of 52 self-contained units which can accommodate up to 200 people.
"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," Ms 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."
Each self-contained unit is purpose-built and includes a kitchen, laundry and bathroom, and is fitted out with air conditioning, TVs and household appliances.
Temporary Housing Director for Resilience NSW, Kristie Clarke, said the site has been handed over to community housing provider, North Coast Community Housing, which is responsible for allocating units and managing day-to-day village operations.
"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.
A temporary housing site at Evans Head has now also been handed over, providing 34 caravans with capacity for 70 people.
The SCU and Evans Head temporary housing sites join Coraki, Pottsville, Wardell and Wollongbar as now being operational.
Construction is almost complete on a temporary housing site at Ballina which will consist of 53 units able to accommodate 186 people, and work is continuing on sites at Brunswick Heads, Kingscliff and Mullumbimby.
