The Nationals in NSW Government have begun construction of temporary homes and pods in Pottsville for Tweed locals rendered homeless by the floods.
The site situated on Crown Land next to Tweed Holiday Parks, Pottsville North is one of a number of such emergency construction zones across the Northern Rivers, Tweed Nationals MP Geoff Provest says.
“The temporary housing site will be up and running in a few short weeks and could remain in place for up to two years, depending on need,” Mr Provest said.
“The Government sees this as a much fairer solution for Tweed families who lost their homes than forcing them further away or even interstate.”
Mr Provest said the project would be led by the newly created Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation which was also starting projects in Lismore, Woodburn and Evans Head.
“We are mindful of the potential impact on the local community and have taken steps to mitigate this,” Mr Provest said.
New residents will have their own parking next to their new dwelling, and extra capacity for water, sewerage, power and garbage collection was being provided.
Once site establishment work and the connection of utilities is complete, each site will be handed over to North Coast Community Housing, who have been appointed as the Community Housing Provider, to allocate the accommodation and manage the site.
Further temporary accommodation sites are expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks and months. The NSW Government is also working on longer-term housing solutions for flood-affected communities.
Flood-affected community members seeking housing support are urged to contact Service NSW on 13 77 88, visit nsw.gov.au/floods or speak to Recovery Centre staff.