Wardell temporary housing site
A temporary accommodation site has been established in Wardell for the Cabbage Tree Island community who could not return home because damage caused by the 2022 floods.
Following community consultation, Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council voted last year that the community of Cabbage Tree Island should return to the Island, after remediation and rebuild of homes and community infrastructure, along with a small number of spot purchases for those not wanting to return.
While these works are being planned and timelines developed, residents of Wardell Village will continue to be supported by the NSW government.
About the site
The Bath Street site is located within the Wardell Recreation Ground. It is used by residents of Cabbage Tree Island after the community were severely impacted by flooding.
Construction of the Bath St site commenced in June 2022 and was completed in November 2022.
Wardell is 1 of 6 temporary housing villages within the Northern Rivers region to be extended.
From 1 July 2025, Homes NSW will take over the operation of this village for flood-affected people.
Housing units will be available for Wardell village residents until they are able to return to Cabbage Tree Island, following the decision made by Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council.
The village will continue to be managed by an onsite Community Housing Provider, currently Uniting NSW ACT.
Site selection
Maintaining community connectedness is an important part of flood recovery. The Cabbage Tree Island community expressed a clear desire to remain close to Country, in acknowledgement and support of their connection to the area.
The site was identified as suitable for the community, as residents can remain together on Country. It was chosen in collaboration with Ballina Shire Council, Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council, Crown Lands and the Cabbage Tree Island community.
The site is owned by Crown Lands and is the subject to the provisions of the Crown Land Management Act 2016. The NSW government holds a Licence issued by Crown Lands to use the Wardell Recreation Ground for emergency housing.
The use of part of the Wardell Recreation area for emergency housing is only temporary, to assist the recovery of community members impacted by flooding. A requirement of the Licence is that the site is rehabilitated at the end of occupation.
Utilities and site services
The site includes utilities such as:
- power
- water
- sewerage
- garbage collection
- on-site parking.
Central BBQ facilities and shaded play areas are also available for communal use.
Managing the site
All residents have signed an occupancy agreement before moving into the Wardell village. This sets out appropriate behaviour and conduct for living in the temporary accommodation.
If someone is unable to comply with the terms of occupancy agreement, they may be required to leave the site.
Day-to-day management of the village and its residents will continue to be undertaken by an onsite Community Housing Provider.
The Community Housing Provider, Uniting NSW ACT, is responsible for:
- the day-to-day management of the site
- resident allocations
- on-site security.
Across all sites, the Community Housing Provider provides support for residents, including:
- mental and physical health
- financial support
- options for returning to a more permanent living situation.
All housing units are cleaned before residents move in. Residents are then responsible for all ongoing cleaning of the housing unit, as it is their private home.
Contact the project team
For more information, contact us by:
- emailing housingtaskforce@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au
- calling 1300 003 227.
Village layout
