The NSW Reconstruction Authority has confirmed its deep commitment to the recovery phase after the devastating 2022 Central West flood with the opening of a dedicated space where residents can continue accessing support.
The premises are located behind the Eugowra Rural Transaction Centre (RTC) at 45 Broad Street, Eugowra, moving from temporary facilities at the nearby showground.
The regional office will be open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays operating on a drop-in basis, and highlights a successful relationship between RTC, the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Cabonne Shire Council.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority has now delivered more than 270 temporary housing pods and caravans to the Central West, providing medium term accommodation for flood-affected residents while they navigate their recovery from the deluge a year ago.
Funding for the $40 million Pods on Private Property program and the $19 million At-Home Caravan program has been in operation since January 2023 and has involved the installation of more than 135 pods and 137 caravans across the Cabonne, Forbes and Parkes local government areas.
Funding for recovery and building resilience in the Central West has now reached $100 million after the Federal Government’s announcement last month it would match earlier commitments by the NSW Government. The Reconstruction Authority has already begun meetings with officials at four affected councils – Cabonne, Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan.
To apply for the Pods on Private Property Program or At-Home Caravan Program, contact the NSW Reconstruction Authority on 1300 003 227 or email housingtaskforce@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au.
NSW Reconstruction Authority Head of Preparedness and Recovery, Joanna Quilty, said:
“The NSW Reconstruction Authority will continue supporting the Central West as the region passes into the second year since the devastating floods.
“We know recovery is long and can take years – and that the trauma of last year is still fresh in people’s minds. We continue to provide support and make personalised help available.”
NSW Reconstruction Authority Head of Adaption, Mitigation and Reconstruction, Amanda Leck, said:
“These housing pod and caravan options are doing their job, helping flood-affected people settle back into long-term housing such as rebuilding or repairing their home, relocating, or securing a rental property.
“The NSW Reconstruction Authority’s new office will continue its presence in the Central West, supporting communities to recover from disaster and building resilience to tackle future hazards.”