Is Your Home in a Flood Area? Applications for the House Raising Scheme Now Open

The NSW Office of Environment & Heritage has confirmed that the Voluntary House Raising Scheme deadline is now Thursday 28 April 2022.

The next round of funding for the Voluntary House Raising Scheme, 2022–2024, is open and Council is preparing an application for the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH).  

The scheme allows homeowners to access grant funding, provided by OEH through the Floodplain Management Program, to assist with raising the floor level of their dwelling to or above the Flood Planning Level. This is a floor level height established by the State Government that applies to houses. The height is defined as the flood level during a 1 in 100-year probability flood event plus a 500 mm freeboard. The grant funding is usually a 2:1 ratio (OEH pays two-thirds and the owner pays one-third).

To have your application put forward to OEH, you will need to provide your application form, an estimated cost of the works and a completion date. This is to be submitted to Council before close of business on 28 April 2022.

If funding is approved by the Office of Environment and Heritage (expected to be known by the end of June 2023), you will be required to provide the following documents prior to a formal offer being provided:

• Three quotes need to be obtained for the work as per Council’s Procurement Policy.
• You will need to indicate your chosen contractor and your reason for choosing them if they are not the lowest quote.

Further information is available on the ‘House Raising - Frequently Asked Questions’ Fact Sheet. This fact sheet addresses questions on the timing of payments, how high your house can be raised, what costs are covered by the scheme, and the like.

Please note that the number of dwellings able to be raised under the scheme, in this round, is dependent on the total number of applications made across the state, and each application requires OEH approval to go ahead. OEH approvals are expected to be received by Council by the end of June 2023. Those properties highest on the priority list will be given precedence. Any properties that miss out, can apply for the next round.

For more information, please contact Council’s Planning and Building Team on 6757 3222.