The New South Wales government has released the draft masterplan for 500 homes to help displaced residents of Lismore on the New South Wales north coast, after catastrophic floods in 2022.
The plan is to transform a 72-hectare site, formerly owned by Southern Cross University (SCU) at East Lismore, into land for permanent homes, with priority given to residents displaced by the floods.
The proposal is for a diverse housing mix, including terraces, duplexes, freestanding homes, and relocated buyback homes to suit different budgets and lifestyles. At least 20 per cent of the homes will be dedicated to affordable housing for low to moderate income households.
Elizabeth Mossop, who leads the Living Lab Northern Rivers, a think tank in Lismore, told The Fifth Estate in a recent podcast that four years on from the 2022 floods, just a handful of houses had started construction but none were yet complete.
She added that some residents were reluctant to move, either because at-risk properties were all they could afford, and others because they’d lived in the area for generations.
The project, on Crawford Road, will be delivered by NSW government land agency Landcom and the NSW Reconstruction Authority through the Resilient Lands Program. It will prioritise the relocation of flood impacted residents at the first opportunity as well as give priority access to eligible Resilient Homes Program buyback participants before land and homes are released to the broader market.
The government said the land will have a climate resilient design, with increased tree canopy, water-sensitive urban design, walkable streets, and homes away from flood-prone areas.
The planning for stage 1 of the housing development is also currently being assessed by Lismore City Council at the same time as the masterplan, which includes around 100 homes on a five-hectare portion at the northern end of the site.
The houses will be located close to Southern Cross University, local schools, shops, and transport; the new neighbourhood and future residents will be well connected to essential amenities.
Landcom currently seeking feedback to its draft masterplan to help refine detailed designs and site-specific development applications, which will be open until 16 August.
Recovery Minister and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the development took time because first a large block of land needed to be identified, and then the government needed to negotiate it with its owner SCU, before assigning Landcom to take on the developer role.
“We also have paid for infrastructure required to establish the development and to service it. This made it then possible.”
“I know and feel firsthand how deeply our community has waited for safe, secure housing options that keep us together.
“This masterplan is another step forward. It isn’t just about putting roofs over heads; it’s about giving local families a genuine pathway to stay in the community they love, on safe ground.
“We want this neighbourhood to reflect Lismore, which is why local feedback is so critical. I encourage everyone to look at the plans and help us shape this next chapter of our recovery.
The site is also located next to Landcom’s other development, a site slated for 50 build to rent (BTR) apartments, funded through the NSW government’s BTR program to secure homes for long term renters. Construction on the site is already underway and, depending on weather conditions, is on track to finish in late 2026.
NSW Reconstruction Authority chief executive, Kate Fitzgerald, said the masterplan was an important milestone in moving from planning to implementation of its Resilient Lands Program.
“East Lismore is a significant opportunity to support new housing supply on land with lower flood risk, while helping people remain connected to their community.
“We are committed to working with government, councils and the community to keep momentum behind this program and deliver practical outcomes for the Northern Rivers.”
Landcom executive general manager built form, Andrew Cooper said:
“This draft masterplan shows how smart planning can help us make more homes happen while creating a neighbourhood that responds to the unique character of East Lismore.
“Through detailed planning and design, we’ve identified opportunities to accommodate more than 500 homes through a broader mix of housing types, creating more housing choice for the community.”
