Maitland City Council will administer state government grants as part of the Voluntary House Raising program, to help people in flood-prone areas.

It comes after two significant floods have hit the Maitland area in the past year – one in April 2015 and one  last month.

Eligible residents will be able to structurally raise their homes at only a third of the cost, with the government to pick up the remaining two thirds of the bill through the grant program.

No money will come from council, but it will administer the grants on behalf of the government.

“I think the two thirds to one third split is a very, very generous thing,” Cr Peter Garnham said.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of people take this up, considering the value of homes in the first place.”

In his report to ­councillors, Urban Growth Manager Ian Shillington said ­applicants would have to raise their homes enough so that habitable rooms were above the flood planning level.

Mr Shillington’s report noted there were several properties affected during the April super storm last year that would benefit from the program. 

These include 15 homes in Maitland, near Ron Stewart Sports Reserve; six in Telarah, in the Bligh and John street area; and 10 homes in Hunter Close, Lochinvar.

The grant program will begin after council formally accepts the government’s offer to participate for the next three years.