Over 300 residents from across the Central West region have participated in community engagement sessions, facilitated by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which were held across the Parkes, Forbes, Lachlan and Cabonne Shires over three weeks, giving residents the opportunity to view flood risk information, hear about proposed measures to make their homes more flood resilient and talk directly with flood experts about how new flood maps were developed.
Residents were encouraged to share their feedback on the proposed approach for the Program, with many supporting measures that will help them minimise future flood damage to their property.
Support services, including Legal Aid, Red Cross, Lifeline and Catholic Care, were also on hand to help residents navigate the more complex challenges many still face.
The Central West’s Resilient Homes Program aims to build stronger, safer communities with measures that help households most at risk from future floods.
Proposed measures include grants for a range of resilience measures, such as raising and retrofitting, home rebuilds and home relocations and a voluntary scheme to buy back properties in the highest flood risk zones.
Member for Orange Phil Donato said “Nothing will ever undo the damage caused by the 2022 floods, but we can make sure that we’re better prepared for future disasters. Community information sessions are one way we can empower residents to have a say about a program that will have a profound effect on their future.”