BY LIAM COLLINS
Newcastle council are currently working with the state's reconstruction authority to support those affected by the New Lambton landslip.
Council members and representatives from the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) met with affected residents yesterday, hoping to outline the recovery process and provide transparent communication between all parties.
Impacted resident Laura Jackal said the meeting provided them with some hope towards reaching a solution.
"It didn't provide us with any sort of exact direction; what they have said to us is that they're working really closely together to come up with a solution," she said.
"What happens next is what they're deciding currently; basically how they're going to rectify the land, how they will compensate us for our land, and when and how they'll demolish the 16 homes."
Pending approval, the complexity of the funding arrangements estimate demolitions are unlikely to commence until 2027.
Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of the landslip which affected 16 New Lambton properties and caused evacuations of more than 40 residents.
Ms Jackal praised the continued support towards the affected families, including emergency accommodation and continued insurance.
"We have been very fortunate in our case; I can't speak for every resident, but we've received the 12 months worth of accommodation support," she said.
"The compensation from insurance companies only lasts 12 months in this case, so the government and stepped in and given us a further 12 months, which is obviously a huge relief for us."
Ms Jackal added the natural disaster has had a significant impact on her and her family.
"I think the predominant feeling is just one of grief for our beautiful home," she said.
"A year ago it was fine, we were living in it.
"I walked past it this morning and it's so overgrown and boarded up."
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| New Lambton home impacted by landslip. Picture: Caroline Garred |
