NEARLY 500 flood-impacted families including many in Ipswich are now safer from future natural disasters, after having accepted an offer to have their home bought back under the Resilient Homes Fund.
The program, a jointly funded initiative delivered through Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), was established in May 2022 following the catastrophic 2021-22 rainfall and flooding events.
To date, 304 sale contracts under the Voluntary Home Buy-Back program have already settled, and 110 homes have been demolished or removed, allowing the impacted residents to move to a safer location, without the risk of future flooding.
In total, 497 homeowners have accepted offers for buy-back out of the 676 offers which have been presented to homeowners so far.
A total of 789 valuation inspections have been undertaken so it is expected that the number of homes purchased under the program will increase significantly.
Minister for Emergency Management Senator Murray Watt said the program has now exceeded original estimates for homes identified and predicted to be settled for purchase.
“By helping people to relocate to less disaster-prone locations, we can help to defend against the horrific loss of life and property.”
