More than 1,000 flood buyback properties across the Northern Rivers and Central West could soon be transformed into parks, community facilities, environmental projects and, in some cases, commercial or industrial land under a major shift in the Resilient Homes Program.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority has confirmed land purchased through the buyback scheme will no longer sit idle, with councils and communities set to help shape future uses for the flood-prone sites.
While residential housing remains permanently banned on the land, the new approach will allow a wider range of community-focused uses where flood risks can be appropriately managed.
Planning work is already underway across the Northern Rivers, including more than 600 buyback properties in Lismore spread across four precincts.
Residents will be invited to provide feedback on future land uses as part of a broader community consultation process.
In Tweed Shire, work has begun on a resilience-focused master plan for South Murwillumbah, with specialist consultants appointed to lead design and engagement work with the community.
Future planning will also expand into Richmond Valley, Kyogle, Byron, Ballina and Clarence Valley council areas.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the changes would help communities recover while improving resilience against future disasters.
“The Albanese and Minns Governments are continuing to work constructively through the Resilient Homes Program to help ensure Northern Rivers communities thrive in their recovery,” Ms McBain said.
“Our aim is to move people out of areas that are prone to flooding so that they, their families, and their homes are safer and better prepared during the next flood emergency.”
“This change to the Resilient Homes Program will ensure these communities will also benefit from new community and commercial spaces.”
Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said the changes represented another step in rebuilding flood-affected communities.
“Our recovery continues in the North Coast following the devastating 2022 flooding event,” Ms Elliot said.
“As your strong voice in the Albanese Labor Government, I’m proud to be working with the NSW Government and local councils to unlock this land for community use.”
“This ensures we can build back better for our community and improve our resilience against future flooding events.”
NSW Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin said the focus was shifting from buybacks to long-term community renewal.
“The Resilient Homes Program has already given hundreds of families across our regions certainty and peace of mind,” Ms Saffin said.
“Now that we are moving into a vital new phase – we are giving this land back to the community in a way that is safe and sustainable.”
“We are creating space for new opportunities. Whether it’s parklands, community hubs, or environmental projects, the future of these sites will be shaped by the people who live there.”
NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Kate Fitzgerald said the change acknowledged that flood-prone land could still serve important public purposes.
“We welcome the Australian Government’s confirmation that flood buyback land can be used for things other than housing, such as community spaces, environmental projects, businesses, or industry, if planning rules allow it and the flood risk is manageable,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“It’s an important next step in the recovery.”
The Resilient Homes Program was established following the catastrophic 2022 floods and has become one of Australia’s largest climate adaptation and disaster resilience initiatives.
Community members are encouraged to participate in upcoming consultations and track the progress of these projects at nsw.gov.au/resilienthomesprogram
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