A Shepparton housing task force is being established to help tackle the accommodation crisis across City of Greater Shepparton following last month’s devastating floods, with the Victorian Government pledging $13 million for immediate relief.
The money will help provide up to 30 new cabins at Aspen Lodge Caravan Park in Mooroopna over the next month to help house some of the 260 displaced households across the region.
More damage assessment still needs to be done at Aspen Lodge before the new cabins could be put in place.
Some 375 houses across City of Greater Shepparton were significantly damaged during the floods.
Victorian Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes said more than 100 people from Greater Shepparton were being housed in the Mickleham facility on Melbourne’s fringe, while others were staying with friends or in temporary accommodation across the region.
The task force, which will include representatives from emergency services, government agencies, council and local groups, will also explore creating a temporary village similar to the one set up for Rochester residents at Elmore.
“We know that many people went to family and friends whether locally or around the state and that’s not necessarily going to be a long-term option for most people,” Ms Symes said.
“We know that there will be more (funding) to come but $13 million for this community will be an important measure to make sure that those people that have been impacted by floods have somewhere to stay.”
She said the government was also unlocking funding to allow for more social housing to be brought into the region, to replace stock lost in floods and to provide more assistance.
“There might be a need to have further accommodation solutions here in Shepparton, and that’s what the task force will provide advice to government on,” Ms Symes said.
“Greater Shepparton has a large impact, a huge amount of people displaced.”
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali was thankful for the “desperately needed” funding.
“We made it very clear not only when the premier was here, but the multiple times that Minister Symes has been here as well that housing was clearly the top of our list,” Cr Sali said.
“We understand this is a marathon.
“And this is just another step in our recovery journey and we’re grateful for this financial support.”