No State plan for emergency housing during disasters: Auditor General fnds no systemic improvements since 2022 Northern Rivers foods

The NSW Auditor General has today released their Flood Housing Response report along with 7 recommendations to reduce catastrophic housing crises as a result of natural disasters.

Among the fndings was evidence that; there was no plan for temporary housing at the time of the 2022 foods, the number of temporary dwellings did not meet forecast demand and that there was no long term plan for transitioning people out of temporary housing and into permanent housing.

The report also found that agencies have not formalised processes that were used during the 2022 foods and that there is no State-wide process to capture the knowledge gained by Government agencies that were involved in the disaster response.

Greens MP and North Coast spokesperson Sue Higginson said “This report will be cold comfort for North Coast residents and food survivors that have felt for years that there was no plan in place for catastrophic natural disasters. The simple truth revealed by this report is, there was no plan,”

“Even more concerning, communities across NSW are still exposed to a Government network that is unprepared for future disasters and that has not captured or formalised lessons and policy changes that would provide greater security to at-risk communities,”

“People that have been moved into temporary housing in the Northern Rivers still have no pathway to permanent homes and the pods that they are living in are just a few days away from reaching the end of their design-life of 2 years,”

“The treacle-slow actions of the Government since the initial emergency response mean that it could take another 6 months before a timeline to permanently house displaced people is even decided. The Government doesn’t even know how many people have been left homeless as a result of the under-delivery of temporary housing,”

“The Government must deliver on these recommendations, and they should do so urgently. Communities of the Northern Rivers, and particularly food survivors, should not have to wait until late this year to have the bare minimum of delivery standards. More than that, if the Government has not learnt from their mistakes, communities at risk of other natural disasters are currently exposed to a repeat of the ongoing trauma that my community is still experiencing,” Ms Higginson said.

Renovating your home can be a daunting task with the investment of time, money, and energy it demands. However, the numerous benefts that come with home renovations can far outweigh the initial inconveniences, offering long-term rewards that enhance both your living space and lifestyle. There is a myriad of advantages to renovating your home, from increasing property value to enhancing energy effciency, improving functionality, and boosting aesthetic appeal, and so much more! Let’s look at a few.

Increases Property Value

One of the most signifcant benefts of home renovation is the potential increase in your property’s value. This is especially important for homeowners looking to sell in the future.

Strategic renovations, such as updating kitchens and bathrooms, adding additional living space, or improving the home’s exterior, can signifcantly boost the market value.

According to real estate experts, even minor kitchen remodels can recoup an average of 81% of their cost in added value, making renovations a wise investment for those looking to increase their home’s marketability.

Enhances Energy Effciency

Renovating your home also presents an excellent opportunity to enhance its energy effciency. Replacing old windows or blinds with energy-effcient options, adding extra insulation, and upgrading to high-effciency appliances can reduce your home’s energy consumption. This not only helps in saving on utility bills but also contributes to a smaller carbon footprint. Energyeffcient homes are increasingly in demand, which can further increase your property’s value and appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.

Improves Functionality and

Space

As families grow and needs change, the functionality of a home can diminish. Renovations allow homeowners to customise their living spaces to better suit their current needs. This could mean knocking down walls to create an open concept living area, adding a home offce, or expanding the master bedroom. Improving functionality can also involve updating outdated features, improving lighting, or enhancing storage options, all of which can signifcantly improve the quality of daily life.

Boosts Aesthetic Appeal and Comfort

Aesthetic appeal is another critical factor that is signifcantly enhanced by home renovation. Updating the design and décor of your home can transform it into a more inviting and enjoyable space. Whether it’s through modernising fnishes and fxtures, repainting, or adding decorative details, renovations can breathe new life into your home. This not only makes your living space more pleasant but can also make it more comfortable. For instance, upgrading your HVAC system or improving insulation can enhance indoor comfort levels by regulating indoor temperatures more effciently.

Enhances Safety and Security

Renovations also provide an opportunity to address any safety or security concerns. This can include fxing structural issues such as cracks in the foundation, replacing old wiring to prevent electrical fres, or upgrading windows and doors to enhance security. Making these improvements not only protects your investment but also ensures the safety and well-being of your family.

Promotes Better Use of Space

Renovating your home can also lead to a more effcient use of space. By reimagining and reorganising areas, you can eliminate unused spaces or convert them into functional parts of your home. For example, an unused attic can be transformed into an additional bedroom, or shed can become a family entertainment area. These changes not only make your home more functional but can also add to its value.

Increases Comfort and Enjoyment

The comfort and enjoyment of your home are paramount, and renovations can play a signifcant role in enhancing these aspects. Upgrading your kitchen or bathroom can make these spaces more luxurious and enjoyable to use. Adding features like a deck or patio can also create outdoor living spaces for relaxation and entertainment, further enhancing your home’s comfort and enjoyment.

Encourages a Healthier Lifestyle

Finally, certain renovations can encourage a healthier lifestyle. For instance, creating a dedicated workout space can motivate you to exercise regularly. Similarly, renovating your kitchen with a focus on functionality can inspire healthier cooking and eating habits. By making your home more conducive to a healthy lifestyle, renovations can have a positive impact on your overall well-being. Get to renovating! The benefts of renovating your home are manifold. From increasing property value and enhancing energy effciency to improving functionality, boosting aesthetic appeal, and ensuring safety, the advantages are clear. While the process may require signifcant investment and patience, the end result can offer a more comfortable, enjoyable, and valuable living space. Whether you’re planning to sell your home in the future or simply looking to enhance your current living experience, home renovations can be a worthwhile endeavour.

Dignity to be & do…by

Nigel Dawe

“DIGNITY,” once said the Prussian stalwart of the Enlightenment period, Immanuel Kant, “is a value that creates irreplaceability.”

An unforgettable impressiveness, if not a deeply lasting impression too; it is the defning characteristic, and fuel with which a human head is roused to hold itself high, at all times.

As such, the quality of dignity is considered so sacrosanct by the United Nations that it is enshrined as Article One (of the 30 listed overall) in their Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which they drafted in 1948. Thus, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” If only every Head of State had this ‘one article’, let alone all 30 framed above their desk, so as to keep each one in sight at all times.

Fitting then, that Eleanor Roosevelt (who chaired the committee that drafted the above UN Declaration) once graciously said: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. Be confdent, not certain…[Because] it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.”

Which are all notions that lend themselves to the very essence of what the word ‘dignity’ means. It originated from the Latin ‘dignitas’, a term that referenced ideas of ‘worth, worthiness, proper, and ftting.’

Unlike many other traits of the human being, a prevalence, if not an unmitigated presence