Southern Cross University: Temporary homes open for flood-affected Lismore residents

Drone footage has revealed new temporary housing for around 200 flood-affected Lismore residents as they continue to rebuild.

Around 200 flood-affected Lismore residents rebuilding their homes have access to new temporary accommodation.

The Southern Cross University (SCU) temporary housing site has officially opened.

Flood Recovery Minister Steph Cooke announced the opening of the Military Rd site on Wednesday morning with 52 self-contained units which can accommodate up to 200 people.

“I know it has been a long and difficult period for everyone who was forced from their homes by the devastating flooding earlier this year,” Ms Cooke said.

“This temporary housing site will provide relief for residents in the medium term, and is expected to be operational for around two years while the rebuilding and recovery process continues.

Resident are continuing to rebuild after the devastating floods. Picture: Dan Peled

“This type of medium term housing is absolutely vital to helping the community recover from what was the most destructive natural disaster this region has ever experienced.”

Ms Cooke said the community would have been “worse off” due to the short supply of land without the help of SCU.

Each self-contained unit is purpose-built and includes a kitchen, laundry and bathroom. It is also fitted out with airconditioning, TVs and household appliances.

Resilience NSW’s temporary housing director Kristie Clarke said the site has been handed over to community housing provider, North Coast Community Housing, which is responsible for allocating units and managing day-to-day village operations.

The SCU site will include 52 self-contained units.

“The houses are a private safe haven while outside barbecue facilities, landscaped gardens and green space help keep communities together while they navigate their ongoing recovery,” Ms Clarke said.

A temporary housing site at Evans Head has also been handed over, providing 34 caravans with capacity for 70 people, while sites at Coraki, Pottsville, Wardell and Wollongbar are also operational.

Construction is almost finished on a temporary housing site at Ballina which will include 53 units able to accommodate 186 people, while work is continuing on sites at Brunswick Heads, Kingscliff and Mullumbimby.