Lismore flood survivors' efforts to build back better hamstrung by insurance, government payout rules

Laurie Axtens reckons that when the next flood comes, his 92-year-old mum should be able to make it up the ladder and through the escape hatch he has built in the family's North Lismore home. Key points: Homeowners say insurance policies requiring "like-for-like" rebuilds are creating barriers to resilient rebuilding The Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation says homeowners who opt for cash payouts from insurers to rebuild using resilient materials can be reimbursed on a "case-by-case" basis The Insurance Council of Australia says government grants recognise the gap between insurance coverage and the cost of building back better A piece of cement sheeting is loosely secured to one wall in the ceiling cavity, allowing access onto the roof. A spokesperson said homeowners who had paid for work before officially securing a Resilient Homes Program offer could still receive funding for reimbursement, to be considered "on a case-by-case basis". Insurance issues Insurance Council of Australia chief executive Andrew Hall said Australia faced a "massive challenge" working out how to keep insurance affordable in the face of increasing costs. Mr Hall said government grants through schemes like the Resilient Homes Program recognised the gap between insurance coverage and the cost of building back better.