Resilient Homes Program
Is Your Property Located in a High-Risk Flood Zone?
If your home is in flood-prone areas of the Northern Rivers or Central West regions that were impacted by the devastating 2022 floods, you may be eligible for the NSW Government’s Resilient Homes Program. This program offers vital support, including voluntary home buybacks for properties in the highest-risk locations where there is a severe risk of future flooding.
Navigating flood recovery programs can be overwhelming, but with expert legal advice, you can understand your options and secure the best possible outcome for your unique situation.
What is the Resilient Homes Program?
The Resilient Homes Program is an $800 million Government initiative designed to help homeowners build greater resilience to future flooding in communities devastated by the 2022 floods.
The program operates across two key regions: the Northern Rivers (covering Ballina, Byron, Clarence, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed LGAs) and the Central West (including Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan, Parkes LGAs and Euabalong in Cobar LGA).
Key features of the program include:
- Home Buybacks – Voluntary purchase of homes in the highest-risk locations where future flooding poses severe danger to life and safety
- Resilient Measures – Grants of $50,000 to $100,000 for home raising, rebuilding, or retrofitting with flood-resilient materials
- Home Relocation – Options to relocate existing homes to safer locations
- Independent valuations to determine fair market compensation
- Ongoing support throughout the assessment and decision-making process
This program may result in the compulsory acquisition of your land if it is located in a high-risk area.
What is Compulsory Land Acquisition?
Unlike traditional compulsory acquisition for infrastructure projects, this program is designed to assist property owners whose homes face ongoing flood risks that pose serious threats to life and safety.
The government buyback process typically includes:
- Assessment and Eligibility: Properties are assessed using flood modelling to identify homes in the highest-risk locations with severe flood danger and limited evacuation time.
- Property Evaluation: Independent valuations determine the fair market value of your home and land, considering pre-flood conditions and market rates.
- Voluntary Participation: Homeowners can choose whether to participate in the buyback scheme – it’s not compulsory, giving you control over the decision.
- Negotiation and Agreement: The NSW Reconstruction Authority makes a buyback offer based on independent valuations, which can be reviewed and negotiated if necessary.
- Settlement and Support: Once agreed, compensation is paid, and additional support may be available for relocation and transition costs.
- Dispute Resolution: If disagreements arise over valuations or terms, legal assistance can help resolve issues through proper channels.
Understanding your rights and options under the buyback program is essential to making informed decisions and securing fair compensation for your circumstances.
How Does Hones Lawyers Help Property Owners?
At Hones Lawyers, we specialise in guiding property owners through the compulsory acquisition process for major government programs. If your property is being considered for the Resilient Homes Program or Northern Rivers Buy Back Scheme, we can provide expert legal assistance at every step:
- Understanding the Process: From the initial notification to the final settlement, we’ll keep you informed and help you navigate the complex acquisition process.
- Securing Fair Compensation: We’ll work to ensure you receive the full market value of your property, along with additional compensation for relocation costs or financial losses
- Representation and Negotiation: We advocate on your behalf during negotiations with government authorities to secure the best possible compensation for your land.
- Dispute Resolution: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we’ll guide you through mediation or legal proceedings to protect your rights and interests.
Property acquisition for flood resilience programs like the Resilient Homes Program can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. If your property is being considered for buyback under the program, contact Hones Lawyers today to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve and the legal support you need.
Customer Testimonials
We’ve helped thousands of clients throughout NSW with their legal matters.
