One home buyback has been offered and 66 home assessments completed in the five months since the $40 million Central West Resilient Homes package opened for applications.
It's now two-and-a-half years since the devastating 2022 floods, and the Reconstruction Authority says it is working closely with home owners and councils in our area to deliver the program, two-and-a-half years on from the devastating 2022 floods.
"The Reconstruction Authority has been on the ground this week undertaking more home assessments and speaking with homeowners about resilient measures," a spokesperson said.
"After a home assessment, eligible homeowners will get a report with information on resilience options they may be eligible for.
"It's then up to the homeowner to choose the option that works best for them."
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To date, 190 applications have been submitted. Another 60 home assessments were to commence on 24 March.
There's also more consultation to come for both home and business owners affected by the flooding.
"We will be holding a Resilient Homes Forum in the region in the coming months to make sure that the community gets its opportunity to ask questions and have its say," a Reconstruction Authority spokesperson said.
"Homeowners will be able to get the information they need on resilient building design, planning, and construction.
"They’ll also get a chance to meet resilience experts, builders, and council staff while working with the Resilient Homes team for guidance."
Reconstruction is also planning Resilient Business briefings in Molong, Forbes and Canowindra.
"Business owners can get the latest information on resilience measures and talk with experts to decide which options might help protect them from future floods," the spokesperson said.
Member for Orange Philip Donato, who chairs the central west community leaders forum, brought the matter back before NSW Parliament in March.
"Will the Minister advise the house on the progress of recovery for Central West flood victims, many of whom are still living in pods more than two years after that natural disaster?" he asked.
Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin, who visited Eugowra for the first anniversary service of the fatal flood event in 2023, said she had asked the Reconstruction Authority for some timelines.
"There is always a caveat on them because we have some tradie issues and all sorts of things happening in the Central West, as elsewhere, but we can do it indicatively, and that helps communities," Ms Saffin said.
"We have to communicate with them because I know people are still living in pods."
The Minister acknowledged that recovery takes time - and that governments historically have not communicated well during "the long tail of recovery" - but said she was intensely aware of the impacts in the central west.
She also said would visit the region in her capacity as the Minister for Recovery.
"I assure the people of New South Wales, wherever they live, that I will passionately support the recovery with the competence and compassion they deserve," Ms Saffin said.
The Resilient Homes package is part of a $100 million central west flood recovery package from the State and Federal governments. It is available to flood-affected residents of Cabonne, Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan shires.
Households needing assistance to understand their options and consider next steps can contact the program's concierge service.
You can call 1800 844 085 or can make an appointment with a member of the Concierge Service team by calling 1800 844 085 or email resilienthomesprogram@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au
For more information on the Resilient Homes Program in the Central West visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/resilient-homes-program-central-west
