2022 Floods

Australian Greens Leader Adam Bandt visits to talk housing and buybacks

Published

1 year ago

13 July 2023

Liam

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Australian Greens Leader Adam Bandt visits to talk housing and buybacks

By Kate Coxwell.

Last Thursday night Adam Bandt addressed the Northern Rivers Times in an exclusive interview, detailing his views on the recent Buyback back-peddling saying “We need an end to the buck passing and the failure to follow through on commitments to buybacks, retrofits and house raising. We have a NSW Labor Government and Federal Labor Government that has just posted a giant surplus, so there can be no excuse for leaving people behind”.

“The Northern Rivers is the centrepoint for the housing crisis in Australia and last time I was here before the election, people were suffering from the aftermath of floods and fires and people were struggling to put an affordable roof over their head, and the situation has only got worse.”

Adam Bandt addressing the Northern Rivers Times

“The Federal Government needs to take the housing crisis seriously, especially in the Northern Rivers where rents are skyrocketing, people are finding it hard to find a place to rent, people are struggling with increased Mortgage repayments and Labour has no plans for renters and is leaving renters and the Northern Rivers behind”

In response to the social media campaign run by Justine Elliot in recent weeks stating “Greens are voting against Labour to stop more affordable housing”, Adam said “The Greens are pushing Labor to take the housing crisis in the Northern Rivers seriously; at the moment Labors policy is enough to get a headline, but not enough to make a difference.”

At best, the only guarantee that Labor has been prepared to offer is 1200 homes, per state, that will be built after the next election. That works out on average about 20 homes per electorate in NSW.”

“Richmond deserves better in a housing crisis, than maybe 25 homes being built after the federal election, and their plans have no plans for renters, renters who will continue to suffer continued rent increases under Labor’s plan. We are pushing Labor to do better, we have deferred the bill until after October when the Prime Minister and all of the State Premiers will meet at National Cabinet to discuss rents. That is Labor’s opportunity to tackle the rent crisis to make unlimited rent increases illegal.”

“If Labor gets serious about the rent crisis and building more public housing now and not after the election, then their bill can pass.”

“We want to see money spent on social housing now, not after the next election, but now, Labor’s original plan had no new homes being built until after the Federal election, and then on average 25 per electorate is all they were guaranteeing. After Greens put pressure on Labor, we have seen $2 billion start flowing this year, that was never in Labors original plan, so the Greens have got Labor to start spending $2 billion now, which has got to start helping around the country, but a big part of the reason we are in this crisis is that Governments haven’t built enough public, social and affordable housing, we are pushing the Government to build what is needed, including in the Northern Rivers.”

He also said in his address to the crowd attending the Housing For All- Mandy Nolan Campaign event “In Byron there has been a 46% rental price increase in the past 6 years, and there have been similar, big,double-digit increases in other parts of the electorate. [However] Labour and income support hasn’t gone up that much, but people are expected to find money to put a roof over their head and they just can’t do it.”

“That is coming off the back of these climate induced catastrophes that are pushing people to the brink, and the government is not acting. When the Government could be acting, but they are not.”

“Why are we in this situation, in a wealthy country like Australia, where people are struggling to put an affordable roof over their heads, that is just wrong, that is criminal!”

“In a country like ours, where Labour is just boasting about posting a $19 billion dollar surplus last year, and can find $30 billion a year to give politicians and billionaires and the wealthiest in this country a $9000 a year tax cut, if there is $19 Billion for a surplus and there’s $30 billion a year for Labour to give politicians and billionaires a tax cut, then there is enough money in this country to put a roof over everyone’s heads!”

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2022 Floods

Resilient Lismore Urges Flood-Affected Residents to Access Repair to Return Project

Published

2 months ago

30 August 2024

Liam

Resilient Lismore Repair to Return Project

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Resilient Lismore Urges Flood-Affected Residents to Access Repair to Return Project

By Robert Heyward

Resilient Lismore is proud to announce the ongoing success of the Repair to Return Project, a vital initiative aimed at supporting homeowners devastated by the 2022 Northern Rivers floods and landslides. This project, supported by the NSW Government, the Diocese of Lismore, the Winsome Soup Kitchen, and the Rotary Club of Goonellabah, has already restored over 600 homes to safe, secure, and liveable conditions—all at no cost to the homeowners. Now, Resilient Lismore is calling on more members of the Northern Rivers community to seek assistance through this program.

Elly Bird, Executive Director of Resilient Lismore, is urging residents still living in flood-damaged homes across the Northern Rivers to reach out for help. “It’s been more than two years since the 2022 floods, and many people are still living in affected homes while trying to carry on with their daily lives. We are deeply committed to partnering with homeowners to understand their individual needs and assist them on their recovery journeys,” Bird said.

“Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every flood-affected home in the region is safe and liveable. That’s why I’m encouraging anyone in need to get in touch with us. We’re dedicated to building a stronger, more resilient Northern Rivers,” she added.

The Repair to Return Project, formerly known as the Two Rooms Project, mobilises professional tradespeople and trained volunteers to restore flood-affected homes using flood-resilient materials.

The comprehensive range of services offered includes:

Reinstating bathrooms and kitchens
Electrical support
Re-sheeting walls
Installing or repairing stairs for safe access
Repairing or replacing floors
Providing lockable windows and doors

In addition to these core services, Resilient Lismore also offers tools and equipment, assistance in sourcing furniture and whitegoods, and referrals to community services such as mental health support, legal assistance, and financial counselling.

One local resident, Carlie Daley from East Lismore, was among those who benefited from the program. With no insurance and ineligible for grants or the home buyback program, Carlie faced an uncertain future until she connected with Resilient Lismore. The organization helped her restore parts of her kitchen, install a new bathroom, and replace damaged glass. “I had no money, so Resilient Lismore really came to my rescue. I’m so thankful because I wanted to live in my house with my kids—they go to school locally, and this is their home,” Carlie said.

“It’s been a challenge to ask for help, but once you realise you’ve got your kids to think about, you find that Resilient Lismore makes it really easy. They’re one of the best sources of help out there, and they’re coming from a place of genuine community support,” she added.

Resilient Lismore is also encouraging local businesses to contribute to the recovery efforts. The organisation welcomes donations of fridges, washing machines, new or near-new bedding and towels, and monetary funds.

“Every donation, no matter the size, makes a significant impact. By coming together, we can help our neighbour’s and strengthen our communities,” Bird emphasised.

Their Stories

Carlie Daley, East Lismore
Carlie Daley, whose family has lived in the region for six generations, bought a house in East Lismore a year before the floods. As a single parent with two children, she had experienced floods before but didn’t anticipate her home being affected given its location. “I bought the house based on where the 1974 flood lines were, and even my dad, who has been through a few floods, thought I’d be fine,” Carlie explained.

On the morning of 28 February 2022, at approximately 6 am, Carlie heard loud banging outside her house. When she opened her front door to investigate, water came streaming into her living room. The water rose to waist height rapidly, and Carlie and her children decided to evacuate. “Everything was floating in the house—it was not good,” Carlie recalled. “I managed to flag down a guy in a boat, and he took us out to Wyrallah Road one by one.”

After spending several months with family, Carlie returned to her home. With no insurance or access to the home buyback program, Carlie sought help from Resilient Lismore, who restored parts of her kitchen, replaced broken glass, and installed a new bathroom. “I had no money, so Resilient Lismore really came to the rescue. I’m so thankful because I wanted to live in my house with the kids—this is their home,” Carlie said.

Duran, Woodburn
Before 2022, Duran had never experienced a flood. When he heard about the impending flood in Woodburn, he packed a bag and left with his dog. After spending 11 days in emergency accommodation, Duran returned to find his home extensively damaged. “The scene was horrendous; it smelled like a pig farm. There was nothing you could do; you couldn’t blame anyone,” Duran said.

Many of Duran’s belongings were unsalvageable, doors and windows were broken, there was no electricity, and a large tree had crashed through his house. “I ended up putting together a makeshift kitchen and had access to a shower and toilet underneath the house. I was quoted over $25,000 to rewire the electricals, so that put me off doing anything for a while,” Duran explained.

Introduced to Resilient Lismore, Duran experienced an almost immediate transformation. After an initial visit, Resilient Lismore returned a week later with supplies, and a local construction business fitted his house with a brand-new kitchen and bathroom. “What Resilient Lismore did was amazing; there is no way in a million years I would have been able to do what they did. It has also allowed my son to come and live with me, which has been wonderful,” Duran said.

Susan, Lismore
Susan lived alone in her idyllic riverfront home, which provided everything she needed—until the 2022 floods caused significant damage to her property. With COVID-19 rampant, Susan moved between emergency accommodations and stayed with friends. When she tried to return to her home, the emotional toll proved overwhelming. “I went back a few times, but every time I tried, I burst into tears,” Susan said.

She began receiving counselling and eventually stayed with her son in Queensland for a period. When Susan returned to Lismore several months later, she connected with Social Futures, who informed her about Resilient Lismore. Initially hesitant to accept help, Susan was moved by the support she received. “I was brought up not to ask for help, so when Resilient Lismore immediately came around with tradespeople, I had nothing but tears of gratitude,” she said.

Within a few months, Resilient Lismore, with the help of tradespeople, built a new deck and stairs, added state-of-the-art dekkoplus wall cladding, and installed a new kitchen and bathroom. Susan hopes others living in flood-affected homes will reach out to Resilient Lismore. “The staff from Resilient Lismore were respectful and kind. I was scared and overwhelmed, but getting in touch with Resilient Lismore motivated and inspired me to move forward with my recovery,” she said.

About Resilient Lismore
Resilient Lismore is a registered charity and community-based organisation that was formed following the 2017 floods in Lismore, NSW. Powered by volunteers, the organisation supports Northern Rivers residents in rebuilding their lives by connecting them with qualified tradespeople, volunteer help, and essential recovery services.

For more local Lismore news, click here.

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2022 Floods

$928,350 GRANT AWARDED TO CLEAN REMAINING FLOOD WASTE

Published

3 months ago

7 August 2024

Liam

Flood Clean-up Grant given to Lismore City Council.

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$928,350 GRANT AWARDED TO CLEAN REMAINING FLOOD WASTE

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin has announced that the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has awarded Lismore City Council a grant of $928,350. This is to support the ongoing 2022 flood clean-up and recovery work.

“Natural disaster clean-up and recovery is a long-term process. Those with experience of disaster recovery will know that bulky and contaminated waste often remains for some time after the initial clean-up.

“Often this waste isn’t revealed until way down the recovery track so this money is very timely.

“The council has been awarded the grant under Round 2 of the EPA’s Illegal Dumping and Flood Waste Recovery Program, which is designed to help public authorities resolve flood waste issues remaining after the initial clean-up phase, including illegally dumped flood waste and bulky flood waste.

“Lismore City Council will use the grant money to safely remove and dispose of residual fragments of flood waste containing asbestos. The clean-up works will be project managed by the council using specially trained local contractors and are expected to be completed in 2025.

“Significant amounts of hazardous debris were generated by severe flooding events that inundated the Northern Rivers in the early months of 2022.

“The EPA has led several clean-up and recovery programs in the region to ensure waste left behind following the floods is removed safely and efficiently.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said:

“I would like to thank the EPA and State Government for this grant.

“As everyone knows the 2022 natural disaster did a great deal of damage to the natural environment as well as the built environment.

“The grant is specifically intended to cover the removal of flood generated waste containing asbestos that has been found on public land in the Lismore LGA which will make a safer place to live, work and raise a family.

For more 2022 floods news, click here.

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2022 Floods

Door Knock Survey in Flood Zone Your story is important

Published

3 months ago

31 July 2024

Liam

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Door Knock Survey in Flood Zone – Your story is important

Resilient Lismore Launches Community Survey with Red Cross, Social Futures, Uniting, and The Lismore Chaplaincy Network

Resilient Lismore, in collaboration with Red Cross, Social Futures, Uniting, and The Lismore Chaplaincy Network, is conducting a community survey to gather data on how residents are coping after the 2022 floods. Teams will be knocking on doors in Lismore this week, encouraging those affected to participate.

Why Participate?

If your property was affected by the 2022 floods, your input is invaluable. The data collected will help us understand the community’s progress, inform recovery programs, and enhance flood risk management. We also aim to ensure residents are aware of ongoing recovery support services.

How to Complete the Survey

You can participate in several ways:

In Person: Complete the survey when our team visits your home.
By Phone: Call the Resilient Lismore Hub at 0455 218 692 to complete the survey over the phone.
At the Hub: Visit us at 215 Keen St to fill out the survey in person.
Online: Fill out the survey on your phone, tablet, or computer using this link.
Ensure you select your address from the options provided when entering it. The online survey is open until midnight, 12th August 2024.

Thank you for adding your voice! The collected information from the flood zone survey will be shared with the government and other stakeholders to reflect the community’s needs accurately.

For more local Lismore news, click here.

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