Ipswich homeowners impacted by flooding earlier this year should consider registering their interest for the Queensland and Australian governments’ Resilient Homes Fund sooner rather than later.
Local Disaster Management Group Chair Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the $741 million fund applied to directly flood-affected residential properties.
“The trail of destruction left behind when the flood waters receded earlier this year was devastating, including damage to almost 600 homes and 300 businesses,” Mayor Harding said.
“In response, the jointly funded Resilient Homes Fund will provide assistance to rebuild and raise homes to improve their flood resilience or, in severe cases, voluntarily buy-back properties.”
Flood-impacted property in Ipswich, March 2022.
“So far, 384 homeowners in Ipswich have been deemed eligible for assistance through the fund,” Mayor Harding said.
“This includes 76 people interested in raising their home, 88 interested in a resilient rebuild, 143 in the voluntary buyback program and 77 people who are, understandably, still unsure about which option to pursue.
“More Ipswich homeowners may be eligible to receive assistance and while it’s not too late to register, homeowners do so sooner rather than later.
“The fund is an important step in helping residents impacted by the flood events to not only get back into their home sooner, but to do so in a way which improves resilience to future flood events.
“What is important right now is that people impacted by the flooding register for the fund to help the government gather all the data necessary to schedule assessment interviews.”
Queensland homeowners who experienced damage to their residential property as a result of flooding in 2021–2022 can register their interest in accessing assistance through the Resilient Homes Fund.
The Resilient Homes Fund applies to directly flood-affected residential properties within 39 local government areas activated for Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Funding will be used to repair, retrofit, raise or buy-back eligible properties. The program recognises there is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach.
Different options for homeowners will be considered on a case-by-case basis, which will be specific to their level of flood damage, future flood risk and property type.
More information or to register interest in the Resilient Homes Fund, visit qld.gov.au/resilienthomes
Local Recovery and Resilience Group Chairperson Councillor Kate Kunzelmann said the register of interest is helping to gauge community interest and determine the scope of works required.
“Once people register their interest, trained assessors discuss eligibility and which options will suit homeowners’ individual properties and circumstances,” Cr Kunzelmann said.
“Council commends the Queensland and Australian governments for working together and jointly funding this program to promote flood resilience in our community and across the south-east.
“Through all levels of government working collaboratively with our community to promote resilience we can ensure a quicker recovery from any future flood events.
“While not administered by council, this fund is an important part of our community’s recovery from these most recent flood events and mitigates against future events.”
If you have been impacted by the flood or have been helping others and need emotional support, it can be accessed through Lifeline’s crisis support by calling 13 11 14.
The Ipswich Flood Recovery information webpage can be accessed at Ipswich.qld.gov.au/floodrecovery
A range of support and information is also available for Ipswich businesses impacted by recent rainfall and floods.
Visit Business Ipswich for information to help you get back on your feet.
Council has partnered with GIVIT to manage all offers of donated goods and services, including corporate offers of assistance, after disasters. To see what is needed or to donate, please visit GIVIT.org.au and look for the Storms and Flooding Appeal.
Members of the public can donate through www.givit.org.au/storms-and-flooding with 100 per cent of donated funds received by GIVIT going to affected communities.
