400 homes on cards for Lismore under first Resilient Land Program release

Flood-affected residents of a North Coast regional hub are in line to benefit from a much-needed housing boost. Here’s the latest.

The site is set to include housing and associated infrastructure and services.

The first land release under the $100 million Resilient Lands Program is expected to result in about 400 more homes in Lismore almost two years after the 2022 floods.

Southern Cross University, NSW government agency Landcom and the NSW Reconstruction Authority have signed up to deliver a much-needed mix of low and medium-density housing on an East Lismore site.

It comes after the government first announced plans to seek suitable land in August last year.

However, some have since left the flood-strickened area after promises of help fell through, while others have relocated their flood damaged home off their own bat.

The Lismore site.

The university’s 72 hectare site will include 20 per cent affordable housing, while lots will be suitable for the relocation of existing homes from flood-prone areas. The site is above the probable maximum flood level.

Southern Cross University vice chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin said the university was a key part of the community and the plans would help the regional hub to be more resilient down the line.

“East Lismore is close to the university, close to the CBD, and close to shops, sporting facilities, schools and other community infrastructure – so it’s the ideal location for a development such as this,” he said.

Landcom will invest $60 million on infrastructure such as new roads, power, water, and sewage connections.

A $15 million NSW Reconstruction Authority contribution will help enable participants to be given priority to buy the new land and housing before it is offered to the broader market.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said a lack of housing has been a problem in the region since before the 2022 floods.

“This development is the first of a range of projects that will be delivered through the Resilient Lands Program to provide suitable and safe places for people to move off the flood plain and out of harm’s way,” he said.

An artist impression of the site once developed.

Commercial agreements and planning is well underway and a Resilient Lands Program registration of interest process is also occurring.

Landcom is set to commence initial work later this year, subject to approvals.

It is expected that land and housing will be available for sale from 2026.

Lismore Labor MP and Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said work to address housing shortfalls “gives heart and hope and homes” to our communities.

It’s expected about 400 homes will be available above the probable maximum flood level.

She said the scheme “supports flood-impacted residents, including those who want to relocate their homes”.

It was hoped it would ultimately allow “locals to stay in Lismore” and Ms Saffin flagged similar plans and “more to come across the Northern Rivers”.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said the Lismore community could “genuinely feel” progress was being made almost two years since the record flooding.