State Government launches Resilient Land Program

The State Government has begun the process of fishing for land to provide a safe haven for flood victims. How the scheme will work.

Flood victims wanting to know what options they have for a buyback or landswap will have to wait as the state government seeks to find suitable land.

The flood inquiry report released on August 18 foreshadowed land buybacks as a major part of the new approach to flood management, and for those residents wanting to relocate off the flood plain.

Deputy premier Paul Toole has revealed the ‘first critical step’ towards that goal, revealing the government’s new ‘Resilient Land Program’ on Wednesday.

Its purpose is to unlock more supply of suitable land for housing in the Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed local government areas.

“We need to know what land is available to help us engage with residents, businesses and developers about the long-term recovery planning,” Mr Toole said.

“The NSW government will continue to work with councils, local organisations and developers to identify suitable land earmarked for future development.”

State MP for Lismore, Janelle Saffin. Picture: Cath Piltz

State Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, blasted the announcement as ‘pathetic’, claiming landowners had shown her available sites over the past six months and that the government already had this information.

“Our community members have been eagerly anticipating the announcement of the EOI (expression of interest) process for buybacks, relocatables, voluntary landswaps and house-raising,” Ms Saffin said.

“They were not eagerly awaiting a landholders EOI process.”

Ms Saffin said she was ‘bitterly disappointed’ by the state government’s announcement.

“The government needs to get the machinery of government into gear,” she said.

“They can do it all together – call for the EOIs for buybacks, relocatable homes, house raising and landswaps now.

“I cannot comprehend their thinking.

“Are we to wait another six months for action on housing options?”

David Witherdin: “We don’t want to just build back anywhere.”

Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation chief executive David Witherdin said the EOI will consider factors such as location away from high-risk flood and bushfire prone areas.

The government will also look at land larger than two hectares, and proximity to existing towns with planned or enabling infrastructure including power, water, sewerage and communications.

“We don’t want to just build back anywhere,” Mr Witherdin said.

“A key consideration is ensuring residents can relocate to areas with existing community infrastructure and amenities, so they can start their lives afresh, not from scratch.”

Individuals, companies, local councils, government and non-government organisations are invited to submit an expression of interest for possible government land buyback.

Landholders in the Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, and Tweed Local Government Areas are invited to participate.

Mr Toole said details about further recovery and rebuilding programs will be announced soon.