Lessons learned from Cobargo/Bega Valley: a long and troubled road lies ahead for people who've lost their homes to flooding. Two years after the 2019/2020 fires, of 467 homes destroyed in the Bega Valley just 42 have been rebuilt with 50 under construction (at 31 Dec 2021). 1/4 Even if people are well-insured it's almost certain that their insurance won't cover rebuild costs, especially with the cost of labour and materials rising by as much as 40% and more; plus the expense of meeting tighter building codes for flood zone. 2/4

Thread 1/5 It's time for Governments to focus on helping people overcome the challenges of rebuilding in bushfire-affected areas. Yes, we've seen emergency handouts and piecemeal relief efforts. We now need a strategic approach to rebuilding destroyed homes. #auspol #EdenMonaro Thread 2/5 Trusted and experienced project managers, allocated like case workers, would help people navigate the many obstacles to rebuilding at their own pace. This type of targeted assistance would give people hope that rebuilding is within reach. #auspol