Greater Shepparton residents impacted by flooding will receive access to safe and secure local accommodation with a new housing support plan and taskforce that will be focused on ensuring locals can access short- and medium-term housing options.
More than $13 million in additional Victorian Government support will be available for accommodation needs with a new Shepparton Housing Taskforce being established to find the best housing solutions for Shepparton and Mooroopna locals who have had their homes affected by the floods and are vulnerable to homelessness.
Early impact assessments show that at least 260 households in the Shepparton area are likely to need access to extended temporary accommodation while they figure out the next steps.
Further options to help people into homes include supporting the Greater Shepparton City Council to re-establish the Aspen Lodge Caravan Park for displaced residents with up to 30 new units, as well as extending the temporary accommodation program through motels and hotels across the region.
Everyone who was staying at the Shepparton Emergency Relief Centre have also been supported into alternative housing.
Homes Victoria will be adding to the amount of social housing in Shepparton and Mooroopna by leasing available properties and leasing or buying extra properties to build up the number of houses available.
The Taskforce will also start doing the groundwork to consider whether a temporary village in Shepparton is needed like the one set up in Elmore for Rochester residents. It will also work with council and key local groups to identify the ways people can get back into their houses as quickly as possible.
This complements previously announced support including more than $20 million to help councils assess the damage to houses and businesses, and expand the state-wide clean-up program to make houses including rentals and small businesses safe from hazards like asbestos or electrical faults.
The Taskforce will include Greater Shepparton City Council, multicultural and Aboriginal community groups and other local leaders to make sure help gets to the people who need it most and is culturally appropriate.
The impacts from October's heavy rainfall event continue to be felt in some regions and more rain is forecast this weekend. Emergency services along with the Bureau of Meteorology will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates to the public via the VicEmergency website and through emergency broadcast media.
There are additional flood support programs still in place for other areas of need. This includes emergency relief payments, support to businesses, the agriculture sector, kinders, education, sporting organisations, health and mental health support.
Calling the Flood Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 remains the best way to find out what can be accessed and to register for temporary accommodation.
As stated by Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes
"We're being guided by Shepparton locals when it comes to their recovery - it's clear that staying close to home in a safe and stable way is critical to getting lives back on track."
As stated by Minister for Housing Danny Pearson
"A safe roof over your head is one of the most vital steps in recovery - this extra funding will help people worry about one less thing and be able to focus on what else they need to recover."
As stated by Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Cr Shane Sali
"This is a very important step in our recovery for our community, and I welcome the investment along with the taskforce, to achieve a positive outcome."
