Calls to follow NSW’s property ‘buyback’ in places at increased risk of flood and fire

There are calls for Victoria to follow NSW’s lead and buy-back property from people living in areas at increased risk of flood and fire damage.

The NSW government will roll-out the program to homeowners in northern NSW, given recent, repeated flood activity in the area.

Professor Alan March, urban planning and disaster risk reduction expert at the University of Melbourne, said similar policies had been tried before after bushfires in Victoria, but in an “incomplete” way.

“I would say do it, but do it properly and probably don’t make it voluntary,” he said.

Press PLAY below to hear the policy discussed