Rebuilding across the Northern Rivers is gaining momentum, with the first homes now delivered on flood-free land and hundreds more lots set to be unlocked in the coming months.
Through the Resilient Lands and Resilient Homes programs, the NSW Reconstruction Authority says it is turning long-term commitments into tangible results, delivering new housing options, securing land for flood-affected residents and drawing up precinct masterplans to protect the region’s future.
At Mount Pleasant Estate in Goonellabah, the first homes and land have already been delivered, with contracts underway for initial sales including four relocated homes, two of 18 vacant lots, and a community title unit. Buyback participants from the Resilient Homes Program retain first priority before any public release.
At North Lismore, on Dunoon Road, 76 lots will be unlocked in the coming months, with Homes NSW engaging civil contractors to begin a pre-sales process that gives buyback participants first opportunity to purchase. In East Lismore, on Crawford Road, around 100 dwellings are awaiting final development approval, including 19 lots set aside for relocated buyback homes, while a wider pipeline of more than 500 flood-free housing lots is progressing following the release of a draft masterplan for community feedback in July.
Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the rebuild was delivering real change for Northern Rivers families.
“We are seeing real, physical progress on the ground, and it is changing lives,” Ms Saffin said.
“This is about giving Northern Rivers families real choices and a clear path forward on safer ground.”
“Every home relocated and every lot unlocked represents another family securing their future right here in our community.”
“We are taking buyback land, restoring purpose to these areas, and pairing them with high-ground housing options so our towns remain connected, resilient, and strong.”
The Reconstruction Authority is also working with councils to accelerate rezoning at key sites, including enabling infrastructure funding at Saddle Road in Byron, Summerland Estate in Casino and Junction Hill in Clarence Valley.
The Resilient Homes Program has now made 990 buyback offers, approved 502 Resilient Measures grants and completed more than 1,450 home assessments. Some 160 buyback homes have been sold at auction for relocation, with more than 80 homeowners directly relocating or gifting their existing homes, while more than 100 buyback homes and 250 temporary housing pods have been made available for community reuse through the Homes Reuse Program, with expressions of interest closing on Monday, 19 October. More than 450 homeowners have also been directly supported to salvage materials before site works began.
The Authority is partnering with councils to plan the future use of land acquired through the buyback program, with precinct plans underway for Lismore Centre, East Lismore, South Lismore and North Lismore, and a South Murwillumbah Master Plan being developed with Tweed Shire Council.
Similar planning support is underway for buyback land around Anzac Park in Kyogle, across Casino and Richmond Valley villages, and in Burringbar and Mooball in the Tweed Shire. Community consultation on long-term precinct plans across the Northern Rivers will continue into early 2027.
NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Kate Fitzgerald said the agency was following through on its commitments.
“We committed to unlocking safer land for housing, and at the same time, we are continuing to relocate and reuse buyback homes wherever possible and working with communities on appropriate uses for the land left behind,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“We are turning commitments into tangible outcomes, from safer homes and new housing opportunities to clear plans for the future of buyback land.”
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