Emergency Housing has been very much in the news in the past two months as more brand-new micro-communities are completed so people desperate for housing can move in.

The first keys to ‘pods’ at the Coraki temporary housing site have been handed over to flood-affected residents today.

Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the newly established site at Spring Street consists of 56 units of various sizes, which have the capacity to house up to 240 people.

“These keys unlock more than a physical structure. They are a safe and self-sufficient space for residents to live while they undertake the personal journey of rebuilding and deciding what’s best for their future,” Ms Cooke said.

“This village has been designed to provide displaced locals with accommodation as close as possible to their home community, with community housing provider Baptist Care providing all the necessary services residents need.

“It’s heartening to hear the stories of those who are moving into this new home, and see firsthand the relief it has given them after months of uncertainty.”

Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said 2022 has been a very tough year for Coraki residents and the new site will go a long way to helping those in need.

“The Coraki community has copped a lot of turmoil and uncertainty but the official opening of the village is a turning point for the hundreds of residents who will soon call this site home,” Mr Gulaptis said.

Other temporary housing sites in the Northern Rivers region include Wollongbar, which can accommodate more than 400 people, SCU Lismore campus, which can accommodate up to 220 people, and Pottsville, which can accommodate more than 70 people.

Construction is continuing on sites at Ballina, Brunswick Heads, Evans Head, Kingscliff, Mullumbimby and Wardell. Sadly, the worst hit community in the floods, Lismore, only has one site nearly completed with no more in construction or in planning. This is despite suggestions from the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation and the State Government to build Emergency Temporary Housing at Hepburn Park and Clifford Park in Goonellabah. The proposal met with community backlash and so far no further ideas have been brought forward.