Free structural assessments for flood-affected NSW property owners
Following devastating floods that have affected the state’s north, the NSW government is helping property owners to move forward with free structural assessments.
Residential, small business and primary production property owners are all eligible for the service, which includes a demolition program if the structural report judges it necessary.
Bridget McKenzie, federal Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, said that the program was an attempt to speed up the recovery process for communities by covering the full cost of assessing and deconstructing damaged buildings.
“We know that the faster this recovery work can be completed, the sooner communities can start rebuilding and getting their lives back to normal,” Ms McKenzie said.
Australian building services company Johns Lyng Group has been identified as the managing contractor to provide the qualified assessors and demolition services necessary to deliver the program.
Johns Lyng Group Australia’s chief executive Nick Carnell said the business was committed to playing a part in community revitalisation following the natural disaster, including by partnering with businesses in the affected regions.
“We will work with local subcontractors and regional businesses across NSW to ensure they are engaged in the delivery of the clean-up process, which will help provide much needed stimulus to local economies,” Mr Carnell said.
NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole explained that the government was exploring multiple avenues to ease the burden of recovery on flood-impacted residents and property owners.
“Covering all costs related to the assessment of damage, and demolition if required, means uninsured owners will have one less thing to worry about, and people with insurance can put more money towards their rebuild,” Mr Toole said.
The Property Assessment and Demolition Program will be available to both uninsured and insured residential and commercial property owners in flood-impacted disaster declared areas.