Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen has renewed calls for the resumption of flood-ravaged properties in Logan.
It comes as Logan was struck by the worst flood in four decades, with hundreds of homes inundated by floodwaters.
Mr van Manen’s call comes after flood-affected residents in Brisbane, particularly in the Rocklea area, requested the restoration of the voluntary buyback scheme by Brisbane City Council.
Following floods in 2017, Mr van Manen appealed to the Logan City Council to consider voluntary resumptions of impacted properties.
Mr van Manen believes it is time we considered the resumption of flood-prone properties.
“There are dozens of homes that I know of in my electorate that should be resumed, and probably many more flood-damaged houses that should never have been built.
“Many of these homes are not new, they could be 50 or 60-years-old.
“Let’s start by looking at the homes that are frequently subjected to flooding and work our way through this problem.”
Mr van Manen says people in the rental market should be notified of the flood history of properties.
“It is my understanding that under current regulations, there is no obligation for real estate agents to inform renters that the home they are leasing is flood prone.
“I hope over time that the state government can amend the residential tenancy act, making it necessary for estate agents to clearly notify prospective tenants, in writing, of any potential flooding risk.
“Tenants can then choose to sign a declaration as part of their rental agreement.”
Flood recovery efforts continue across Logan City.
