New rental aid for New Lambton landslip residents

newy.com.au – New Lambton residents directly impacted by the landslip will be offered rental assistance for up to 12 months from May under a new NSW Government support package announced on Friday.

The NSW Government said the NSW Reconstruction Authority would provide funding for eligible residents to help cover alternative accommodation while the City of Newcastle and the authority consider longer-term options for the site following the geotechnical report and engineering assessments into the landslip.

The government said it had been working with the City of Newcastle since the landslip, previously providing emergency accommodation, one-off financial assistance for renters and personal hardship grants of up to $900. Newcastle council has also been granted $1 million through the Community Recovery Support Fund for immediate clean-up and make-safe works on community assets not covered by standard disaster funding.

Representatives from the NSW Reconstruction Authority met council and affected residents this week to discuss the geotechnical report. Residents eligible for the new rental assistance will be contacted directly by the authority.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said: “Safety and certainty are two of the most important things people crave after a disaster. This rental assistance will take the immediate pressure off New Lambton residents while we work alongside them and the City of Newcastle on the next steps for recovery.”

Ms Saffin said: “There is no quick fix, but we’re committed to sitting at the table with the community and Council and to navigate these challenges together.”

Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison said: “We have listened and understand the financial stress that the affected New Lambton residents are facing.”

Ms Harrison said: “I’m pleased that this additional rental assistance is now being offered and it will go some way to supporting residents, as the government works through the findings of the geotechnical report and next steps.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority chief executive officer Kate Fitzgerald said: “We know recovery takes time, especially with complex events like the New Lambton landslip, and I’d like to thank residents and Council for the open discussions we’ve had.”