Forty motorhomes will leave Brisbane tomorrow bound for Lismore as more temporary accommodation for those that have been displaced by our record flood just over two weeks ago starts to build.

Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones was in Casino to make the announcement as people without a place to stay start moving into the newly arrived motorhomes.

"Can I first say that my thoughts are with the residents who have been impacted by the recent floods here in the Northern Rivers. We are here in Casino where last week we farewelled 20 motor homes that have arrived and yesterday we saw another 20 arrive here in Casino. Tomorrow 40 will be leaving Brisbane and be arriving in Lismore to support the people of Lismore that have been displaced," the Minister said.

"This is part of the New South Wales Government's $285 million investment in providing housing support, which covers motorhomes as well as pods and rental assistance for the people that have been impacted here in the Northern River.

"In addition, we've also announcing an extension on those that are staying in temporary accommodation from having to reapply after seven days. There will now be able to stay up to 28 days."

This is good news for someone like Bill whom we met in Casino today moving into one of the motorhomes with the help of two friends.

Bill was living in the Lismore Carvan Park as a permanent, someone who was improving his home each year. Not only did Bill lose his caravan and all of his possessions but when the water receded someone burnt his caravan to the ground! Talk about kicking a man when he is down.

Bill will stay in the motorhome for the next 28-days and maybe longer as he ponders his future.

(One of the 40 motorhomes like the one that Bill is using as his temporary home in Casino)

As for where the motorhomes will arrive to in Lismore? No one really knows at this stage. When the Lismore App asked the Minister replied, "It's my understanding it will be the campsite, but they've just been doing assessments to make sure it's safe and secure to be able to house the motorhomes."

Minister Maclaren-Jones was also asked about the timing of the 'pods' that will be available for people to move onto properties while they re-build or renovate to make their home habitable once again. "As quickly as we can to ensure that we get everything in place and particularly in a safe and secure way. And this is why the motorhomes were one of the first to be deployed because it could take one day to drive them from Sydney or even half a day from Brisbane."

In a welcome move today, Lismore City Council announced that people who have been displaced from their homes as a result of the flood can install a moveable dwelling, such as a caravan or pod, on land without Council’s approval for up to two years.

Lismore City Council understands that it will take our community a long time to recover from the 2022 floods.

To assist, our Built Environment team has prepared this fact sheet in relation to a temporary accommodation ‘option’ for residents who have been displaced from their homes as a result of the flood.

People who have been displaced from their homes as a result of the flood can install a moveable dwelling, such as a caravan, on land without Council’s approval for up to two (2) years in accordance with the Local Government (Manufactured Homes Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2021.

A moveable dwelling is defined under the Local Government Act and may include a tent, caravan or van or other portable device (whether on wheels or not), used for human habitation. This can also include a manufactured home, but this is not our preferred option on flood prone land, unless it has mobility on a trailer (or something similar) that allows for its timely relocation in the event of a flood emergency.

Example: Peter and Sue are unable to live in their home after it was significantly damaged in the flood. Peter and Sue can install and stay in a moveable dwelling, such as a caravan, on their own or their neighbours, friends or family members land (provided they have given owners consent) without Council approval for up to two years while they repair or rebuild their own home. If Peter and Sue wish to stay beyond two years, they will need to get Council approval.

The installation of a moveable dwelling shall be subject to the following requirements/criteria:

1. the moveable dwelling shall be removed within 2 years after it is installed.

2. the moveable dwelling shall be maintained in a healthy and safe condition, not negatively affecting the amenity of adjoining properties.

3. the moveable dwelling shall be relocated off flood prone land in the event of a flood. In particular: a. any moveable dwelling with wheels (i.e., caravan or van) shall be maintained in a road worthy condition and be able to be moved at short notice (i.e., have its tyres inflated). b. any moveable dwelling with wheels shall have access to a vehicle with a tow bar to facilitate removal in the event of a flood; and c. any manufactured home must have a plan in place for its removal in the event of a flood.

4. the moveable dwelling shall have installed at least one battery-operated smoke alarm, which is operational at all times.

5. a licenced plumber shall be engaged to connect any moveable dwelling to the sewer.

6. The moveable dwelling shall not be located on the road reserve and/or public land without Council permission.

Council may also consider the temporary occupation / habitation of sheds or garages. People seeking to convert an existing shed, garage to a dwelling or even construct a new garage for temporary occupation, should contact Council on 66 250 500, to discuss this option.

Should you require further information or wish to discuss the above, please do not hesitate to contact Council’s Built Environment team on 6625 0500. 

According to the NSW Government, an extension can be made to the two year limit if approved by council unless the council has extended the 2 year exemption period under their Local Approvals Policy. You can read more here.