A major milestone has been reached in the first project announced as part of the NSW Government’s $100 million Northern Rivers Resilient Lands Program, with the purchase of 72 hectares of flood-free land from Southern Cross University.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) has finalised the land purchase, which will allow for the development of more than 400 new housing lots to be kick started, helping to address the housing shortage in the Northern Rivers and supporting flood-affected communities.
The site, in East Lismore, is being developed for new land and homes in partnership with Landcom, the NSW Government’s land and property developer.
A diverse range of land sizes will be made available to cater for housing options that will make up the development, including residential lots for new builds and land suitable for relocating existing homes from flood-affected areas.
“The finalisation of this purchase and development of the land is a key part of a range of projects under the Resilient Lands Program that will provide safe, suitable places for people to move off the floodplain and into their forever homes,” said NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully.
“Importantly participants of the Resilient Homes Program will be given first access to secure new land and housing under the project.
“Northern Rivers residents are facing major housing challenges and this large-scale land purchase will make way for the development of many new homes, the relocation of existing homes and a significant proportion of Build to Rent properties.
“This project is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering more homes and better choices for home buyers and renters across the state.”
Landcom will invest $60 million to develop the site and RA is contributing up to $15 million for the land and funding for enabling infrastructure, including new roads, power, water and sewerage connections.
RA’s contribution also ensures that participants in the Commonwealth and State-funded Resilient Homes Program will have priority access to purchase new land and housing before it is offered to the broader market. This will be offered at prices that reflect the local market, the Minister confirmed.
“The RA has been working closely with Southern Cross University and Landcom to acquire and progress development of the site. The RA and Landcom will focus on fast-tracking the project and get groundwork underway,” said NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO, Mal Lanyon.
“This development is a key component of the Resilient Lands Strategy. The purchase of this land is a demonstration of the work to secure a brighter future for Lismore and the Northern Rivers in response to one of the nation’s worst ever flood disasters.
“The NSW Reconstruction Authority is committed to helping people move from flood-prone land to areas free from flood risk.”
Consultation between Landcom, Lismore City Council and RA is underway to progress a masterplan for the site and to make sure new housing and community infrastructure is delivered as quickly as possible, the Government said in a statement.
In addition, Landcom is close to starting construction on Build to Rent housing on the site with 50 apartments will be unlocked, with at least 20 per cent set aside for affordable housing.
“The impact of the floods continues to be felt in Lismore and is exacerbated by the current housing crisis. We recognise this hardship and are stepping up provide more housing opportunities to accommodate the needs of the local community,” said Landcom CEO, Alexander Wendler.
“Landcom is making homes happen. This project will unlock housing to suit a range of needs with diverse, sustainable and affordable options.”
This development is a key part of the Government’s $100 million Resilient Lands Program, with other housing and land developments started or planned for Goonellebah, North Lismore, Mullumbimby and Murwillumbah along with planning support for a range of priority projects across all Local Government Areas in the Northern Rivers.
The $880 million Northern Rivers Resilient Homes Program and the $100 million Resilient Lands Program are the largest projects of their kind in Australia, announced in response to the 2022 flood disasters in the Northern Rivers.
