Recovery efforts are ongoing one year after devastating floods ravaged South-East Queensland.
And things are looking up for some Logan residents eligible for funding under the Resilient Homes Fund program.
Sixty flood-affected Logan residents have applied for a home retrofitting, 28 for raising their home and 37 for a voluntary home buy-back program.
A further 33 applicants are unsure of what to choose.
So far, 20 home buy-back valuation inspections have been undertaken in Logan City with 20 offers presented to homeowners and 14 accepted.
There have been eight sales contracts settled.
As part of a joint initiative by the Federal and State governments, the Resilient Homes Fund was established to divert flood-affected homeowners away from flood-prone areas.
Essentially, the program aims to move homeowners to higher grounds or enable them to sell their homes at a pre-flood price.
As of 6 March, 158 registrations of interest have been submitted in Logan.
Flood affected homeowners are able to apply for retrofitting and home raising – managed by the Department of Energy and Public Works, or the voluntary home buy-back program – managed by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.
The resilient retrofit program provides successful applicants with the means of equipping their homes with flood resistant materials and other renovations to increase liveability.
The home raising option gives funding to those seeking to raise their house or even relocate it on the property (such as moving it to higher ground).
The voluntary home buy-back program will enable owners to sell their homes to the local Council at a pre-flood value.
Eligibility for the program depends on a the damage the home incurred, flood risk and socio-economic factors.
With a state-wide budget of $741 million, Logan residents are hoping to see their share of the funds.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt, said the program gave people a “tangible way out of high-risk flood zones” and allowed them to move on with their lives.
“I’m very pleased with the progress of the Resilient Homes Fund, and will continue to work hard to ensure more people are protected,” Mr Watt said.
Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles said although they would prioritise those most affected by the 2022 floods, the Government would also be seeking to support the “vulnerable applicants who are at greatest risk of future flooding.”
