NSW will go it alone on new cash handouts to help uninsured flood victims whose homes have been decimated and contents destroyed after the federal government refused to go halves in the cost.
Premier Dominic Perrottet will announce the new $112 million Back Home grants in Lismore on Monday when he returns from paternity leave.
A new funding package will be unveiled by Premier Dominic Perrottet after Lismore was hit by floods for the second time.Credit:Getty
The Back Home scheme provides up to $20,000 to residents whose homes have been declared damaged or destroyed and who are unable to claim on insurance or natural disaster relief.
The program will be open to the Hawkesbury, Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed local government areas.
Funds can go towards any clean-up costs to restore housing to a habitable condition such as the replacement or repairs to electrical, gas, water and hot water as well as damaged whitegoods.
IT equipment can be replaced, along with other essential household contents, or the money can be spent on the costs of renters moving to a new property.
NSW and Canberra have clashed over flood response and funding, including the issue of sending in troops to help with the clean-up as well as the funding to help people return home or rebuild.
The state government wanted to announce the package a fortnight ago however a senior NSW source, speaking anonymously, said their federal counterparts would not contribute to costs.
Ahead of his visit to Lismore on Monday, Mr Perrottet said the grants would help many residents with damaged dwellings get back to their homes sooner.
NSW to go it alone on flood funding after federal government refused
Source: Philippines Alive
