Ten Clarence and Richmond Valley families who lost their homes to bushfires will live a little more comfortably thanks to an innovative partnership between the NSW Government and mining magnate Twiggy Forrest’s Mindaloo Foundation, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis has announced.

“Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s charity and the NSW Government have teamed up to supply seven temporary accommodation pods for Nymboida households and one each in Kangaroo Creek, Myall Creek and Busbys Flat,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“While the Government is supporting bushfire affected families staying in local motels, most much prefer to be on their own land as they rebuild.

“Finding a way for people to stay safely and securely in their own community, and close to family will provide benefits that reach far beyond the physical structure itself.

“The pods provide people with a solid roof over their head in the lead up to winter, while they work through the rebuilding process.”   

The NSW Government has already provided emergency and temporary accommodation to 8,000 people since November last year.

Background information on pods 

The 7.2m x 2.4m units are fully self-contained and come equipped with a 2,300 litre water tank. They can operate on the included 5 KVA generator or use a 15-amp external plug-and-play mains connection. Internally they have a toilet, shower and small open kitchen with a two-burner stove.

The recovery pods are not designed for long-term accommodation, they are intended to provide a solution in rural and remote areas devastated by recent bushfires while the rebuilding process occurs. They will be removed and stored by Minderoo and possibly used again in future disaster recovery operations.