Communities and Justice

Lismore residents return home after flood repairs

12 July 2022

Tenants of social housing in Lismore are returning to newly refurbished homes, as work progresses to repair and rebuild flood-damaged properties across the Northern Rivers.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said tradespeople and construction workers were moving as quickly as possible to complete the repairs.

“There’s no place like home and for residents in Lismore it’s been a really tough few months since the devastating floods. I am pleased there’s some good news and that we are seeing the first social housing tenants get back into their own accommodation,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“Seventy-three social housing properties, deemed uninhabitable after the floods, were prioritised by the NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) and the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO). I am so pleased to see that they are now ready for residents to move back in.

“I want to assure everyone that we will continue to support social housing residents as they return to their homes and will respond to their needs as they evolve.”

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the repair works form part of the NSW Government’s $168 million package to repair and replace social housing.

“Housing is one of the biggest flood recovery challenges we face, which is why the NSW Government has worked together with the Commonwealth to deliver housing relief for Northern Rivers residents displaced by the unprecedented flooding,” Ms Cooke said.

“Over the weeks and months since the flood event we’ve seen local tradies including carpenters, electricians and plumbers carry out a range of repairs such as replacing kitchen kickboards and drawers, refitting bathrooms and relining plasterboard on walls.”

One resident, Roma Gooch, has just moved back into her Department of Communities and Justice housing complex for seniors in East Lismore.

The 88-year-old has lived there for more than a decade and her property was significantly damaged when the water levels reached 1.2 metres above her floor.

“After losing so much in the floods, it has been marvelous to come back home and see everything repaired and looking very nice,” Mrs Gooch said.

“The builders have done such a good job, stripping everything out and replacing the kitchen, the bathroom and the carpet. I am so happy to be back.”

Last updated:

12 Jul 2022