The council has agreed to revisit its involvement in the NSW Voluntary House Purchase Scheme after being approached by a homeowner.
The scheme involves the voluntary purchase of a home at an agreed price based on its fair market price, as determined by independent valuations.
Council then contributes one seventh of this value, with the balance paid by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water.
Mayor Ruth McRae OAM said council originally identified up to six homes in the council area eligible under the scheme following the 2022 floods.
She said at the time, none of the homeowners expressed a desire to take up the option.
One of the homes has since been inherited by a family member, who has approached council regarding the offer.
“When flood issues are uppermost in our minds, we look at these options, and some houses are identified as suitable for the scheme,” Cr McRae said.
“Historically, these are older homes, with older residents who do not wish to move.
“But as they move from those homes, or the homes are passed to their family members, sometimes the beneficiaries do not feel the same.
“Originally, there was no take up to the offer, but now we have one interested.”
If an agreed price can be reached, the house and land are purchased by council.
The house is then demolished, and the land classified as community land, to prevent any future dwellings being constructed on it.
The scheme will open again for applications this month.
Council has indicated it may approach other eligible landholders to re-offer the voluntary house purchase option.
Should the other landowners wish to sell their houses, a further report will be submitted to council for final approval.
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