Holbrook homeowners affected by loose-fill asbestos insulation will be better off thanks to the latest funding boost of more than $26,000 from the NSW Government.
Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said it was a second round of funding, which followed an earlier $88,000 provided to Holbrook residents from the Community Assistance Package to help with things like reconnection fees, storage costs, and travel subsidies for builders and other trades.
“I visited Holbrook last year alongside the local member Greg Aplin who’d advocated strongly for his community, and the impact loose-fill asbestos insulation was having on local homeowners,” Mr Kean said.
“We understand that Holbrook has been hit hard by this deadly product, and that’s why we established the Community Assistance Package to support homeowners even more.”
A total of $228,000 is available in the Government’s Community Assistance Package, which was established for the Greater Hume Shire last year in conjunction with the local council, and is available in addition to the $278 million Loose-fill Asbestos Insulation Taskforce that pays for the demolition and remediation of affected properties across NSW.
To date, 38 homes across the Greater Hume Shire have tested positive for loose-fill asbestos insulation, after more than 1800 tests were carried out.
“All NSW residents currently taking part in the $278 million state-wide program are also eligible for an extra $4,000 per household to help buy new furniture,” Mr Kean said.
A further $114,000 remains available in the Community Assistance Package, following rounds one and two, should more Greater Hume Shire residents apply for assistance.
Albury MP Greg Aplin said the NSW Government had identified 149 properties across NSW that contained loose-fill asbestos insulation right from Albury to Tamworth, and Newcastle.
“Of the 38 properties to test positive here, we have seen 18 sites removed from the loose-fill asbestos insulation register, while a further four have been demolished,” Mr Aplin said.
“What is genuinely exciting to see is we have had four residents begin rebuilding, with some of those already moved in.”
