Residents of Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan, Parkes, and Euabalong are encouraged to apply for grants through the $40 million Resilient Homes Program. With applications closing later this month.
Homeowners who have not yet applied for the grants, which are designed to assist homeowners in protecting their properties against future flood events, are encouraged to apply with applications closing on 31 March 2026.
The program offers financial support to help families stay in their communities with greater peace of mind including:
- Up to $100,000 for home raising or relocation.
- Up to $50,000 for flood-resilient retrofitting.
- Up to $20,000 to cover upfront planning and professional costs.
Retrofitting isn't just about fixing what's broken. it's about rebuilding smarter so that if water does enter the home, damage is minimal and cleanup is faster.
Practical examples covered under the grants include:
- Raising Electrical Systems - moving power points, air conditioning units and switchboards well above historical flood levels.
- Using tougher materials - swapping standard plasterboard for water-resistant magnesium board or villa board, and replacing carpets with more water-resistant materials
- Installing hardier cabinetry - installing stainless steel or PVC-based kitchen and bathroom cabinetry that won't swell or rot if submerged.
Navigating a renovation or home-raising project can be daunting. To help residents move forward with confidence, the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) is hosting a Resilient Homes Expo on Wednesday 25 March at the Eugowra Multipurpose Centre.
This is a unique opportunity to get one-on one advice, providing an opportunity to meet directly with:
- Specialist Builders: Discuss technical requirements for raising or retrofitting.
- Council Representatives: Get clarity on planning permissions and local regulations.
- RA Case Managers: Receive personalised support to finalise applications
To find out more about the Program go to nsw.gov.au/resilienthomesprogram.
Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin said:
"We've committed $40 million to the Resilient Homes Program to help Central West residents recover, and we want every eligible household to access this support before the March deadline.
"I encourage any homeowner affected by the 2022 floods to contact the Reconstruction Authority to see if there is support to help protect your home for the future."
Member for Orange, Phil Donato said:
"The Resilient Homes Program has been a critically important element of the recovery process for the flood-impacted homeowners in the Central West."
"With the program deadline looming, I am encouraging all 2022 Central West Flood-impacted homeowners wishing support from this program to contact the Reconstruction Authority and lodge their application without delay."
NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO, Kate Fitzgerald said:
"There are several ways in which the Reconstruction Authority can help eligible homeowners, and we have achieved some great results for them over the last couple of years."
"But there's more to do and while the initial applications may be closing, our staff will remain on the ground to assist homeowners in the months ahead as they complete building work approved through the Resilient Homes Program."
Eugowra resident Lesley Smith, who rebuilt with her husband Brian after the 2022 floods, said:
"With the help of RA we have changed our lives.
"If you haven't applied for the grant, do it!"
