Victorian residents who lost their homes in the 2019-20 bushfires will have the option of moving into modular homes as they work to rebuild, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services has announced.
The Minister, Lisa Neville said the government had placed an order with Victorian manufacturer, Modular Spaces, to provide one and three-bedroom modular homes for fire victims.
“In the aftermath of the fires, the Victorian Government worked to ensure everyone who lost their homes could access a roof over their head that was safe and secure, with some individuals choosing private arrangements,” said Ms Neville.
“With the bushfire clean-up powering ahead, many families are now seeking to return to their land to live and rebuild.”
“These quality homes will be manufactured to withstand tough Victorian conditions and last the test of time while families progress their permanent rebuild.”
“Thankfully, everyone who needed emergency accommodation after the fires was able to access it, and this solution is another way we can support families in need over the coming months and years of recovery.”
She said the modular housing would be delivered in line with planning permit exemptions announced by the Victorian Government.
“Short-term modular housing will be an option available for households identified as currently being in emergency accommodation or in private accommodation arrangements.”
“They will be able to live in these homes for a period of up to three years while they progress their permanent rebuild.”
She said eligible households have had a needs-based assessment completed by case support officers and site inspections had begun.
While the housing will be installed and built at no cost to the resident, recipients of the housing will pay hiring fees benchmarked to public housing rates, with hardship arrangements put in place if needed to ensure that fees do not exceed 25 per cent of a household’s total income.
The short-term modular housing is being jointly funded by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments as part of the $86 million Community Recovery Package.
