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Caravans available for home-owning flood victims

Meeting: Mitchell Shire Council staff at the flood recovery hub with Victorian Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes.

The Victorian Government’s ‘Homes at Home’ program is expanding in Campaspe and Mitchell shires to provide caravans for homeowners whose house was made uninhabitable by the 2022 floods.

Caravans are delivered to flood victims’ properties so they can keep living there while their homes are repaired. Renters are not eligible.

Priority is given to residents who were uninsured for flood damage and are facing financial hardship.

The caravans have amenities, including a kitchen and a television, and are available for up to three years, with certain conditions required to be met for eligibility.

Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes visited Seymour on Friday, July 28 to announced the expansion, after the program was piloted in Greater Shepparton earlier this year.

“We know a vital part of recovery is getting flood-affected residents living back in their communities,” Ms Symes said.

“The recovery journey is long, and every flood-affected resident has unique needs — that’s why we’ll keep supporting those who have been through so much.”

To be eligible, flood-affected residents must complete a free structural assessment through the state-co-ordinated Clean-up Program to find out the scale of damage to properties and whether they’re safe to live in or use.

The program is co-ordinated by Emergency Recovery Victoria, which is helping about 200 displaced Victorians in temporary accommodation across the state.

Residents can visit vic.gov.au/homesathome to see the full eligibility criteria and register their interest.

Standing together: Mitchell Shire Mayor Fiona Stevens, Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes, ERV chief executive Mariela Diaz and Cr Rhonda Sanderson.