Pod homes roll out for fire-affected families across Mid North Coast

This week, patient lobbying by local affected families and sustained advocacy by Kempsey Shire Council has seen six of the first 10 accommodation 'pods' rolled out to bushfire affected communities in NSW.

More than 100 temporary accommodation pods are being rolled out thanks to a partnership between the NSW Government and Andrew and Nicola Forrest's Minderoo Foundation.

The 7.2mx2.4m units are fully self-contained and allow people to stay on their land while they rebuild. They come equipped with a 2,300 litre water tank and can operate on the included generator or use mains connection. Internally they have a toilet, shower and small open kitchen with a two-burner stove.

The first residents at Kempsey had their pod installed on Friday.

"This is a huge step forward for some of those in our community who were hardest hit by the bushfires," Kempsey Shire mayor Liz Campbell said.

"These pods are a great resource for those people who have rural properties, who need to care for livestock. Some of those have been living with neighbours, some have been travelling long distances each day to work their properties.

"Now they can stay on their land, they can be with their animals, they can be on their farm and they can rebuild."

The Richardson family in Hickey's Creek have spent five months living with their neighbours since a bushfire destroyed their home.

"It's got everything we are going to need, we can actually move home," Ms Richardson said.

The pods will be provided for up to two years, and will then be kept by the Government to be used in future emergencies.

More than 22,000 residents and businesses in Cowper have been assisted by the Federal government since November last year when devastating bushfires tore through the region.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan welcomed the assistance totalling about $39 million and said residents can now make a submission to the Bushfires Royal Commission.

"While two to three months have passed since the bushfires went out, I know our community still has a long road ahead to recover from this," Mr Conaghan said.

"Impacts on some businesses have now been exacerbated as well due to the coronavirus pandemic and it saddens me to see some sole traders, industries and employees really struggling.

"Our support for 22,204 residents, more than 130 farmers and hundreds of businesses has helped our community start to recover from the bushfires and I encourage anyone who wants to share their opinion on the natural disaster arrangements and response that occurred this summer to do so by April 28."

Federal government assistance provided to the fire-impacted Kempsey Shire to date includes $3.1 million for 2961 disaster recovery claims; $3 million for 46 primary producer grants and $1.4 million in recovery assistance to council.

Residents and businesses severely impacted by bushfire and have not as yet applied for assistance can still do so by clicking here or calling 180 22 66.

To apply for a primary producer's recovery grant visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 678 593.

To apply for a business recovery grant visit www.service.nsw.gov.au or call 13 77 88.

The Royal Commission into National Disaster Arrangements has commenced and is being led by Commission Chair Mark Binskin.

The NSW Government has appointed Laing O'Rourke to coordinate the clean-up of bushfire-impacted properties across the state.

In delivering these works, the company is committed to supporting communities, businesses and jobs by engaging local subcontractors.

The clean-up of bushfire-impacted properties may include:

For more information about the project package and how to apply click here.

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