The results of a recent community outreach Survey conducted by Resilient Lismore have highlighted the urgent need for the NSW government to proceed with Tranche 2 of its Resilient Homes program funding. Resilient Lismore are particularly calling for retrofit funding to be fast tracked, and for the current eligibility for retrofits to be revised.
Comments attributable to Elly Bird, executive director, Resilient Lismore:
“In early June, Resilient Lismore partnered with Red Cross, Social Futures, Uniting, and Headspace to undertake door to door outreach throughout the Lismore flood zone. Outreach teams canvassed 695 homes, with 295 homes representing nearly 600 people completing a survey that had a particular focus on understanding the living standards of people who have returned to flood damaged homes and the obstacles preventing them from restoring their homes.”
“Approximately 25% of homes are uninhabited or seemingly abandoned. Of the homes that were surveyed, more than 50% of responses regarding the condition of the bathroom and the kitchen reported ‘fair/poor/none’, and more than 50% of respondents were uninsured.”
“Respondents were asked about their barriers and challenges with recovery and rebuilding. As well as waiting on the outcome of the NRRC Resilient Homes program, there is a consistent theme of financial inability, mental and physical health challenges, and just not knowing what to do.”
“Our outreach survey shows that nearly 18 months after the 2022 floods, far too many people in the Northern Rivers are still living in substandard conditions. Of the 562 people covered by the survey, 126 (22%) are over 65 years of age. 65 people (11.5%) are living with a disability, and 32 (6%)
are living with chronic or terminal illnesses.”
“These are the most vulnerable people in our community and they need urgent help to live in safe, secure and warm housing. They are increasingly at risk of harm if there is no further government assistance being offered to them. Resilient Lismore has secured an election commitment to help as many people as we can which we are very grateful for, but without additional government programs there are just so many people that we won’t be able to get to.”
“For so many respondents to report that their kitchens and/or bathrooms are in poor condition – or worse, non-existent – shows the severity of the problem and underlines the urgency with which this needs to be addressed.”
