Did you know that the SA Housing Trust provides temporary recovery accommodation for South Australians affected by major emergencies?
When homes are damaged by bushfires, floods or other declared disasters, rebuilding can be a long and difficult process for homeowners. This can be even more challenging for those living in rural areas who may not have a place to stay nearby or access to essential services like electricity or water.
This was the reality for Sharon, pictured below, after the 2022–23 River Murray Flood. When she returned to her property, she found her home unliveable - filled with mud, damaged belongings and even yabbies. She and her partner faced a long road to recovery, without a place to stay close to their land.
To help people like Sharon get back on their feet, the Emergency Management team at the Trust maintains 42 recovery pods that can be deployed across the state to properties affected by declared disasters. These pods allow eligible homeowners to stay on their properties while they work to make them liveable again.
Each pod includes a bathroom, kitchenette, laundry, sleeping area and other essential amenities. Importantly, the pods can be connected to mains electricity, water and sewerage, allowing people to remain on site for longer periods of time. Once approved, a pod is delivered and set up at no cost to the homeowner.
The Trust has deployed recovery pods during major events, including the 2019-20 Black Summer Fires and more recently the 2022-23 River Murray Flood, where 12 pods were deployed, five of which are still in use. When not in use, the pods are stored at Monarto, ready for quick deployment.
Recovery pods form part of South Australia’s emergency relief and recovery arrangements. The Trust delivers this capability under the State Emergency Management arrangements as the lead agency of the Emergency Relief Functional Support Group. The pods are jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Stories like Sharon’s show why this capability matters. When disaster strikes, having a place to stay on your own property makes recovery safer, quicker and more connected - helping South Australians rebuild where they belong.