NINE flood-impacted home owners in the Logan local government area have accepted government buy-back offers.
To date, 19 offers have been given to Logan residents as part of a $500 million buy-back program to take people out of flood-prone territory.
Of those already accepted and awaiting settlement, three were at Logan Reserve, two at Waterford and one each at Waterford West, Bethania, Chambers Flat and Cedar Grove.
An additional $240 million is being spent statewide as part of the Resilient Homes Fund to raise homes, or to find ways to make them resilient to flooding.
A state government spokesperson said more offers might be made following further impact assessments in Logan.
The program, a joint state-federal disaster recovery effort, was established following the catastrophic 2021-22 rainfall and flooding events.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said the state and federal government were working together to make Queensland more resilient.
“For those whose homes were the most severely damaged in last years’ flood event and are at greatest risk of future flooding, the voluntary home buy-back program is allowing them to move on with their lives, out of the flood zone,” Mr Watt said.
“Work is also continuing with many homeowners who have expressed interest in the other program options of the Resilient Homes Fund, to either raise or retrofit their homes to make them as flood resilient as possible.”
Acting Premier Steven Miles said the acceptance of voluntary home buy-backs was a great outcome.
“Queenslanders are no strangers to natural disasters. While we can’t stop natural disasters from coming, we can ensure we’re more prepared when they do,” Mr Miles said.
“This is a significant milestone and very welcome news for the homeowners who were impacted by devastating floods last year.
“For most of these homeowners, it’s been less than a year since their home was inundated and devastated by flood waters.
“The sale of the flood-affected properties will hopefully signal a brighter 2023 for homeowners and their families.”
Of the total number of homeowners who’ve registered for the program, about three quarters have been assessed.
The fund remains open to more people who still want to register.
Three options are available to applicants: retrofitting to a more resilient standard, house raising, or in severe cases, voluntary home buy-back.
For more information about the Resilient Homes Fund, visit www.qld.gov.au/resilienthomes.
