The NSW Government is expanding its successful at-home caravan program for flood-affected residents to include the Byron Local Government Area.
The program was trialled in the Woodburn area, but is not available in Lismore at this time.
Caravans will be located on residential private property at no cost, with properties assessed during a face-to-face application process between owners and Resilience NSW, to ensure each property can safely accommodate a caravan.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the at-home caravan program would be extended to residents in the suburbs of Ocean Shores, New Brighton and South Golden Beach.
"Housing is one of the biggest challenges in the flood recovery effort, which is why we're looking at a variety of options right across the Northern Rivers," Ms Cooke said.
"The program, first trialed in Woodburn, has shown there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to temporary housing solutions after the devastating floods in February and March.
"The NSW Government is constantly working to provide the most suitable medium-term housing solutions for communities, whether that's a temporary housing site or an at-home caravan, so they can have a safe place to stay while they repair and rebuild."
Eligible Byron Shire residents, residing in Ocean Shores, New Brighton and South Golden Beach, can register for a caravan in person by visiting Resilience NSW staff at Ocean Village Shopping Centre, between 9am and 4pm from Wednesday to Sunday.
Residents will need to supply:
- proof of ownership of the property where the caravan will be placed or permission from the owner to place the caravan on their property; and
- photos to show where the caravan will be placed and the access route.
Caravans will be secured through Camplify, an accommodation company that matches caravan owners with holidaymakers, but is now helping the flood recovery effort in the Northern Rivers.
Camplify CEO Justin Hales said the at-home caravans were providing people in need with a reliable home and called on more caravan owners to consider registering their vans to the cause.
"Camplify is asking van owners around the affected areas who are interested in supporting the cause to submit their interest in sharing their van and the Camplify team will work with local partners and organisations to place vans with those in need," Mr Hales said.
"Camplify will work directly with Resilience NSW to coordinate the placement of the vans and cover the cost of the rental insurance for anyone who volunteers their van through the relief program."
Van owners can submit their interest online.
For more information about the at-home caravan program, pods, and other temporary accommodation in flood-affected areas, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/floods/recovery/temporary-housing.
