The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Nearly 6 months on, flood victims are still waiting to be housed. This is what Australia must do to be ready for the next disaster

  • Written by Mark Maund, WSP Team Lead Regional NSW & ACT / Adjunct Senior Lecturer, University of Newcastle

This year’s floods in South-East Queensland and Northern New South Wales devastated communities. The NSW flooding was on “a scale never seen before[1]”. More than 5,000 homes[2] were left uninhabitable. Many residents had nowhere else to go.

The NSW government promised[3] to provide temporary housing in the form of 2,000 modular homes. But delivery has been held up by the need for planning approval amid community[4] divisions[5] over some sites.

Flood victims’ continuing struggle to find suitable housing long after the February-March flooding subsided has exposed a critical gap in our plans for recovery from natural disasters. The planning system should be reformed to include temporary housing that provides effective options in the short term (weeks) through to the long term (years). Australia needs to develop a permanent reserve of temporary housing.

In developing this resource, governments must work with communities to avoid the conflicts over temporary housing sites we’re now seeing.

Read more: No, not again! A third straight La Niña is likely – here’s how you and your family can prepare[6]

What are the conflicts about?

In July, Lismore City Council considered a request[7] from Resilience NSW to lease part of Hepburn Park as a site for state-funded temporary housing[8]. The park is used for local sports such as cricket, hockey, soccer, school athletics, touch football and Oztag[9]. The motion lapsed as there was no seconder.

Councillors later did discuss[10] a further NSW government request to use the site for temporary housing. The minister for flood recovery, emergency services and resilience noted there were “no other suitable alternative sites”.

However, there has been a community debate[11] about the importance of retaining sporting grounds for local sports. The council decided this month[12] not to permit temporary housing at the park. This leaves displaced residents with no other options[13].

Read more: Homeless and looking for help – why people with disability and their carers fare worse after floods[14]

The NSW government promised[15] in April to send up to 2,000 modular homes to communities across the Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Richmond Valley and Lismore areas. Most sites required a lease arrangement with the local council.

By July, only one of 11 sites[16] identified as suitable for housing flood victims had opened at Wollongbar. Others are still being constructed.

The uncertainty about providing shelter for disaster-affected communities six months after the floods confirms the urgent need to co-ordinate policy on temporary housing at all levels of government.

Read more: 'Building too close to the water. It's ridiculous!' Talk of buyouts after floods shows need to get serious about climate adaptation[17]

Adding to the existing housing crisis

The disasters of recent years – both floods and bushfires – have added to an ongoing housing crisis[18] in many parts of the country.

After the 2019-2020 bushfires we saw some flexibility in our planning system to permit moveable dwellings without approval. Extended stays in caravan parks or camping grounds for temporary and emergency accommodation were also permitted. This flexibility has been extended[19] so temporary caravan parks or camping grounds can be set up by, or on behalf of, a public authority without planning approval.

The NSW government has committed[20] to providing temporary housing for up to three years after the floods. Yet, as we have seen in Lismore, existing local uses and temporary housing can come into conflict. Unless a long-term solution is found, this conflict will bedevil future disaster responses too.

Our planning system provides little flexibility in achieving this solution. Housing is generally seen as fixed, with temporary housing limited to specific locations such as caravan parks or camping grounds. This approach does not allow for the uncertain and catastrophic impacts of disasters that require immediate responses.

Temporary housing for thousands of people requires extensive infrastructure such as water, sewerage, power and communications. Housing on this scale may have long-term impacts on recreation areas and completely remove their availability for other uses in the short term. Ways to balance ongoing community needs and temporary housing are needed.

Aerial photo of flooded town
The NSW floods left more than 5,000 homes uninhabitable. Dave Hunt/AAP

Read more: Caravan communities: older, underinsured and overexposed to cyclones, storms and disasters[21]

What planning system changes are needed?

We need to reform our planning system to account for the level of need for temporary housing. We should construct and monitor a minimum number of safe and secure temporary emergency houses each year in at-risk locations across Australia to help meet this ongoing need. At the same time, the needs of communities to access these sites must be considered.

The type and location of emergency and temporary housing needs to be agreed now. This will enable pods and mobile homes to be moved around the country at short notice. People left homeless after a disaster should not be left waiting months for solutions.

In addition, our planning system should provide for different time frames for housing need:

  • immediate: identify existing buildings across Australia that can be used as multi-purpose evacuation centres – while thousands of flood-stricken people are sheltering in schools, clubs and halls, we can do better[22]

  • short-term: identify all alternative forms of temporary housing as the people most affected by disasters are often least able to afford short-term accommodation in caravans parks, motels and Airbnbs – which should give first priority to those people with support from government

  • medium-term: locations should be zoned to allow temporary emergency housing and infrastructure so it can be provided there when needed with no further approvals, with sites managed by community housing providers or partnerships between government and agencies such as the reconstruction authority recommended by the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry[23][24]

  • long-term: the first priority in all planning decisions should be to avoid or minimise exposure to natural hazards[25] – this needs to be enshrined in all planning policies in Australia, as the inquiry recommended[26].

References

  1. ^ a scale never seen before (www.parliament.nsw.gov.au)
  2. ^ More than 5,000 homes (www.nsw.gov.au)
  3. ^ promised (www.abc.net.au)
  4. ^ community (www.abc.net.au)
  5. ^ divisions (www.theguardian.com)
  6. ^ No, not again! A third straight La Niña is likely – here’s how you and your family can prepare (theconversation.com)
  7. ^ considered a request (lismore.nsw.gov.au)
  8. ^ temporary housing (www.abc.net.au)
  9. ^ Oztag (oztag.com.au)
  10. ^ did discuss (www.lismorecitynews.com.au)
  11. ^ community debate (www.abc.net.au)
  12. ^ decided this month (www.lismorecitynews.com.au)
  13. ^ no other options (www.abc.net.au)
  14. ^ Homeless and looking for help – why people with disability and their carers fare worse after floods (theconversation.com)
  15. ^ promised (www.abc.net.au)
  16. ^ one of 11 sites (www.abc.net.au)
  17. ^ 'Building too close to the water. It's ridiculous!' Talk of buyouts after floods shows need to get serious about climate adaptation (theconversation.com)
  18. ^ added to an ongoing housing crisis (www.news.com.au)
  19. ^ been extended (www.planning.nsw.gov.au)
  20. ^ committed (www.nsw.gov.au)
  21. ^ Caravan communities: older, underinsured and overexposed to cyclones, storms and disasters (theconversation.com)
  22. ^ can do better (theconversation.com)
  23. ^ recommended (www.nsw.gov.au)
  24. ^ 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry (www.nsw.gov.au)
  25. ^ avoid or minimise exposure to natural hazards (www.theguardian.com)
  26. ^ recommended (www.nsw.gov.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/nearly-6-months-on-flood-victims-are-still-waiting-to-be-housed-this-is-what-australia-must-do-to-be-ready-for-the-next-disaster-188883

The Times Features

Why Regional Small Businesses in Bendigo Deserve Better Access to Finance in 2025

In the heart of regional Victoria, Bendigo has long stood as a beacon of innovation, resilience and community spirit. As we step further into 2025, the importance of nurturing sm...

Is It Time for a Deep Cleaning? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Most people know they should visit the dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning every six months. But sometimes, a standard cleaning isn’t enough. When plaque and tartar build...

The Hidden Meaning Behind Popular Engagement Ring Cuts

When it comes to engagement rings, the cut of the diamond is not just about aesthetics. Each shape carries its own symbolism and significance, making it an important decision for...

Annual Health Exams in the Office: How They Can Reduce Sick Days and Healthcare Costs

Regular health check-ups, especially annual health exams in the office, can significantly impact the overall well-being of your workforce. A proactive approach to employee health...

Best Deals on Home Furniture Online

Key Highlights Discover the best deals on high-quality outdoor furniture online. Transform your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable oasis. Explore a wide range of d...

Discover the Best Women's Jumpers for Every Season

Key Highlights Explore lightweight jumpers for spring and summer, ensuring breathability and ease. Wrap up warm with cozy wool jumpers for the chilly autumn and winter season...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping