Emergency housing rollout across flood-hit NSW north coast a ‘dog’s breakfast’, critics say

Government defends measures against claims of slow progress, lack of consultation and a decision to put pods in a flood zone

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Fewer than 60 emergency housing pods are being occupied in northern New South Wales nearly six months after the region was flooded in February. Critics have lambasted the rollout for poor communication, a lack of transparency and one location being built in a flood zone.

Temporary housing measures for flood victims were first announced at the start of March. The NSW government promised in April to provide 2,000 temporary homes including the pods, caravans, motorhomes and accommodation at recreation camps.