Law preventing bushfire victims from using caravans as emergency accommodation
Bushfire victims are wary of using caravans as temporary accommodation due to a NSW law preventing their long-term use without council approval.
The issue was discovered by volunteer organisation Find A Bed, which was set up as a mediator between those who want to donate between the bushfire recovery effort and victims.
They have received caravans as donations for emergency accommodation, but a state law is stopping people from accepting the offer.
The legislation states caravans, campervans and tents can only be used for two days at a time without prior council approval. They also can’t be occupied for more than 60 days over a 12-month period.
Find A Bed co-founder Erin Riley tells Luke Grant they have approached the state government and asked for an exemption for bushfire victims.
“We haven’t got a yes yet but it was positive, so we’re hoping that a bit of attention and a bit of pressure might get this amendment added.”
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