On track for early completion of Voluntary Home Buy-Back program

More flood prone properties in the Lockyer Valley are set to be demolished or removed as part of the state and federally-funded Voluntary Home Buy-Back (VHBB) program.

The VHBB program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, as part of the $741 million Resilient Homes Fund.

Last month, Lockyer Valley Regional Council appointed two demolition companies to undertake the demolition, removal and remediation of a further seven properties.

Under the VHBB program to date, there have been 33 valuation inspections undertaken; 30 offers presented; 24 offers accepted; 24 contracts settled and 16 demolitions/house removals have been completed in the Lockyer Valley.

CEO Ian Church said Council was tracking well ahead of schedule, with a forecast completion of mid-to-late 2024, nearly two years ahead of the delivery timeframe.

“The Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) engaged directly with all impacted councils about the VHBB program to gather flood data and information to identify the most at-risk and vulnerable applicants,” he said.

“Council acted quickly once the homes to be bought back under the program had been identified.

“Once an agreement is reached, the property and the land are purchased by the local council, using program funds, and the building demolished or removed.

“This is a massive undertaking and achievement, and for that I extend my thanks to Council staff and our partners in assisting Council to be able to achieve this.

“What it means is those community members who are vulnerable are being moved from those high-risk locations and further ensures the safety and security of our community.”

So far, demolition and removal of properties have taken place at Lower Tenthill, Grantham, Glenore Grove, Lockyer Waters and Adare, with the upcoming works scheduled for the coming months.

“The land will be rezoned to a non-habitable use, which brings it in line with Council’s new draft Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme and the requirements of the funding program” he said.

Registrations for the VHBB program closed in June 2023. For more information about the Resilient Homes Fund, please visit qld.gov.au/resilienthomes