Planning for the future use of more than 500 blocks of flood buyback properties is underway thanks to a partnership between the NSW Government and Lismore City Council.
Since devastating floods hit Lismore in 2022, the NSW Reconstruction Authority has voluntarily purchased properties at the highest risk of repeated flooding, protecting households and reducing long-term disaster risk.
This amounts to 50 hectares of land in the city that can now be repurposed, with Council and the community having a direct say in its future.
While the land can no longer be used for housing, a risk-based approach will be used to determine future uses that are compatible with flooding. Planning will consider how the space connects with surrounding areas, supports community needs and complements the CBD and local economy. Making sure that any future use will not increase flooding risks for neighbouring properties is also critical.
Lismore Centre will be the first precinct plan to be developed from early 2026, followed by North Lismore, South Lismore and East Lismore.
“The Lismore Precinct Plan is a crucial milestone in the recovery of our city and our community as we build in resilience to future weather events,” said Lismore Mayor, Steve Krieg.
“Lismore City Council has partnered with the State Government to reimagine Lismore’s future following the buyback program and ensure the views of the community inform that vision.
“It’s about setting Lismore up for the future as a great place to work, invest and raise a family.”
Expressions of interest for planners, engineers and other experts to work on this project will open soon.
Community members will be invited to have their say through a mix of in-person and online engagement opportunities throughout 2026. Details about the timing and format of consultation will be announced later this year.
“Planning for the future use of this land must be carefully and sensitively managed, and the voices of the whole community — those who live, work and own businesses there – will be central to the process,” said NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin.
For more information and to keep up to date go to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-reconstruction-authority/our-work/resilient-homes-program/home-buybacks/future-buyback-land-use.
