Lismore families who sold their flood-prone homes through the buyback scheme will get the first shot at new land in East Lismore, with the first 19 lots expected to go on sale before the end of the year.
Development approval has been granted for Stage 1 of Landcom’s new community at Crawford Road, clearing the way for sales to begin.
People who took part in the Resilient Homes Program buyback will be offered the lots first. Any land left over will then go to the open market.
“Giving buyback participants the first opportunity to purchase these lots is an important recognition of what they have been through and their place in Lismore’s future,” said Lismore City Council Mayor Steve Krieg.
Buyers will be able to build a new freestanding home or duplex, or move a suitable buyback home onto the block.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) will soon invite people to register with Landcom. They will then receive details on plans, pricing, key dates, and how to reserve a lot.
“This is another important step in rebuilding Lismore and giving local people more housing choices on safer land,” said Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin.
“Importantly, people who have accepted a buyback through the Resilient Homes Program will get the first opportunity to purchase this land, giving them another pathway to remain in the community they call home.”
Stage 1 covers around five hectares at the northern end of the Crawford Road site and will deliver about 100 homes. Along with the 19 vacant lots, plans include around 70 to 80 terraces with one, two, three, and four bedrooms.
Terrace sales are expected to start around mid-2027, subject to construction progress and approvals.
“Landcom and the Reconstruction Authority have worked hard to secure approval on Stage 1 in just 4 months,” said Landcom CEO Alex Wendler.
“This pace shows our commitment to getting on with the job of unlocking much needed homes for the people of Lismore.”
“For people who have made the difficult decision to sell their home through the buyback program, having the choice to rebuild or relocate within Lismore is an important step in their recovery,” said NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Kate Fitzgerald.
“East Lismore will provide more housing options built away from flood prone areas, while helping people to remain connected to their community, schools, workplaces and support networks.”
Stage 1 is part of the wider 72-hectare East Lismore development, delivered by Landcom and RA through the $100 million Resilient Lands Program.
The NSW Government bought the site from Southern Cross University in 2025. RA is putting $15 million towards the land and enabling infrastructure, while Landcom has committed at least $75 million to develop the site.
At least 20 per cent of housing across the development will be affordable rental housing.
Planning for the broader site is moving ahead after community consultation on a draft masterplan, which could deliver more than 500 homes and new open space.
“This is an important step towards delivering more homes and greater housing choice for Lismore, while giving flood-impacted homeowners the first opportunity to secure land,” said Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully.
More information is on the East Lismore project page at www.landcom.com.au/our-projects/east-lismore.
“We want local families to be part of our city’s next chapter and this development will provide more housing choices while supporting Lismore’s long-term growth,” Mayor Krieg said.
“It is encouraging to see Crawford Road moving closer to welcoming new homes and a new neighbourhood that will be part of our community for generations to come.”
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