From disaster to hope: NSW Public Works’ rapid efforts support Eugowra’s flood recovery
NSW Public Works is collaborating with local councils and partners in Eugowra to deliver temporary housing in record time, supporting the community’s flood recovery.
On 14 November 2022, a catastrophic flood hit the town of Eugowra in central west NSW. Around 90 per cent of the buildings in the area were damaged, displacing many residents from their homes.
"I was very surprised when I came down here the day after [the flood] and found the family house 50 metres down the road and full of mud and slush,” said local Brian Moon. “I never, ever thought [flooding] would affect this area.”
Pods on Private Property Program: Supporting flood recovery in Eugowra
To support flood recovery, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is providing community members with temporary housing through the $20 million Pods on Private Property Program.
“Housing includes pods placed on private properties and caravans at home,” said Sharryn Lewis, Program Manager – Central West Housing Taskforce, NSW Reconstruction Authority.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority engaged NSW Public Works to lead this work to deliver temporary housing.
“Our role in Eugowra is to help procure the temporary housing and manage the demolition of flood-damaged buildings,” said NSW Public Works project manager Troy Collins.
Quick roll out
When the work started in February 2023, NSW Public Works quickly saw an opportunity to reduce typical project delivery timeframes.
“We had been delivering the Northern Rivers temporary accommodation program for eight months, so we leveraged those resources, processes, and lessons learned,” said Andrew Cruckshank, Director of Construction Procurement and Social Benefit, NSW Public Works.
“Lipman, the managing contractor, also had much expertise from supporting flood remediation work in Lismore. “So, we were able to adapt quickly and utilise Lipman staff experienced in disaster recovery,” he said.
Caravans and pods were installed in Eugowra in record time.
“In the first nine weeks, the program delivered 22 dwellings for occupation—including all furniture, service connections, and customised access—and demolished eight dwellings enabling residents to start to rebuild,” said Adam Monaghan, project manager, NSW Public Works.
“To put this into perspective, the same process for residential construction projects typically takes around 18–22 weeks for a single comparable dwelling.”
By the end of the work in August 2023, it is expected that more than 80 pods will be installed, and 17 houses will be demolished in Eugowra.
Working together for the best results
Cooperation has been key to the program’s success.
“Collaboration right the way through with councils [from Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Shires] and other authorities has removed the red tape and expedited the work as quickly as possible,” said Andrew Middleton, Central West Regional Manager, Lipman.
“This has been through local relationships with stakeholders and the trust and respect we all have with each other.”
Lipman engaged local suppliers, such as electricians and plumbers, to deliver the work. “We have all of our trades on site, and contractors are from the local western area," said Mr. Middleton.
Bathurst-based Bowood Construction has been overseeing construction and carpentry work.
"Being a local, being a Bathurst boy, gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment because a lot of the people know each other,” said Ben Mills of Bowood Construction.
“You are hearing their stories throughout the project, and you just want to give back some normality to their lives.” “As a First Nations person, it's pretty important to give back to the community and our land, honestly," he said.
‘A new lease of life’
Community feedback about the temporary housing has been “overwhelmingly positive”, said Ms. Lewis.
“Residents continually tell us how they can't believe how everyone has banded together to assist them with their recovery,” she said.
Mr. Moon, who was given a pod as temporary housing, said the support has been “wonderful”. “I started off in the caravan for a while. Then they gave me the pod—it's fantastic.
“It’s got everything you could want—air conditioning, a nice kitchen and plenty of room. It’s comfortable and warm. “[The pods] are gonna give people a chance. We can live on our land and get our houses going again. It will take time, but it’s given us a new lease of life.”
Image: Brian Moon, the first Eugowra resident to move into a pod, with representatives from NSW Public Works, Lipman and the NSW Reconstruction Authority. Photo by Sharryn Lewis/NSW Reconstruction Authority.
For more information on the Pods on private property program
The Pods on Private Property Program provides temporary housing support to eligible residents of the Cabonne, Forbes and Parkes shires who have had their homes severely impacted by the 2022 floods.
Since early 2023, over 130 pods have been provided by the NSW Government at no cost.
Applications are still open. If you are interested in applying for the program, email housingtaskforce@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au
Due to differences in geography, population and property type, pods are only available on private property for eligible residents in the Central West.
More information, please visit Central West temporary housing