The Northern Rivers is entering its most critical home rebuilding phase, as the NSW Government issues a region-wide call for licensed builders and trades to help homeowners upgrade, raise, rebuild or relocate homes impacted by the 2022 floods.
With a 2027 program deadline looming, the focus has shifted from administrative assessments to active construction sites.
Builders, designers, engineers, architects, project managers and house relocation specialists are urgently needed to support communities to meet this deadline.
With a multi-year pipeline of work now confirmed, there has never been a better time for builders and contractors to get involved in the Northern Rivers recovery. To ensure the industry is briefed on these significant opportunities and the technical requirements for resilient construction, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is hosting a series of regional engagement sessions.
Local trades are encouraged to attend an upcoming 'Builder Brekkie' or information workshop to connect with the program team and learn how to access this work. The full list is below or more detail can also be found at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-reconstruction-authority/our-work/events
Following the devastating 2022 floods, the Australian and NSW Governments established the Northern Rivers Resilient Homes Program (RHP) to reduce long-term flood risk across seven local government areas. The program supports voluntary home buybacks and resilience measures including house raising, retrofitting, rebuilding and relocation.
In addition, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is working with delivery partners to unlock land for hundreds of homes across the region in 2026, with thousands more in future years, driving demand for builders and skilled workers to construct housing options ranging from small one and two-bed homes and terraces to larger three and four- bed family homes. Coupled with private developments taking off across the Northern Rivers, there is a clear pipeline of work for many years to come.
These efforts will sit alongside the NSW Reconstruction Authority's work with councils and communities planning for the future use of vacant buyback land, with consultation to occur throughout 2026 for all areas with buyback land, particularly in Lismore, South Murwillumbah, Kyogle, and Richmond Valley.
FAST FACTS: Northern Rivers Resilient Homes Program
- Total Program Funding: $880 million co-funded by the NSW and Australian Governments.
- The Deadline: All building and renovation works must be completed by 31 March 2027.
- Pipeline of Work: Approximately 600 homes are slated for Resilient Measures (raising, retrofitting, or rebuilding) in this final phase.
- Grants available for homeowners:
- Home Raising / Rebuild / Relocation: Grants up to $100,000.
- Home Retrofit: Grants up to $50,000 for flood-resilient materials and modifications.
- Co-Contribution Bonus: The program will match homeowner contributions dollar-for-dollar, potentially doubling total project value (up to $200,000 for raising/rebuilds or $100,000 for retrofits).
- Design Support: Homeowners can access an additional $20,000 grant specifically for planning, design, and development application (DA) costs.
- Priority Areas: Recovery efforts are concentrated across the seven Local Government Areas of Lismore, Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Richmond Valley, and Tweed.
Minister for Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:
"We have reached a critical juncture in the Northern Rivers rebuild. Plans are being finalised, funding is in place and now we need boots on the ground to turn these designs into resilient homes."
"This is a massive call to arms for our local construction industry. We have a clear window between now and March 2027 to complete these vital works.
"By stepping up now, our builders and trades aren't just completing a job-they are laying the foundations for a stronger, more connected Northern Rivers, bringing our neighbors home and building a legacy that will define our towns for decades to come."
NSW Reconstruction Authority Northern Rivers Adaptation Executive Director Kristie Clarke said:
"The scale of work now underway across the Northern Rivers is unprecedented, and we need skilled builders and construction specialists to help us deliver it.
"This is about working alongside communities to rebuild homes that are safer, stronger and more resilient, while meeting ambitious timeframes and supporting the long-term recovery of the region."
Resilient Measures information sessions for homeowners and the construction industry:
5 March - Tweed LGA - Murwillumbah Community Centre.
11 March - Byron LGA - Mullumbimby Civic Hall.
17 March - Clarence Valley LGA - Maclean Bowling Club.
18 March - Richmond Valley LGA - Woodburn Community Building
RHP Expos:
29 April - Lismore Workers Club
13 May - Murwillumbah Civic Centre
Builder brekkies:
23 April, 14 May and 4 June - Lismore - The Bank Café.
26 February, 7 May - Murwillumbah - Keith Cafe.
4 March - Mullumbimby - Lulu's Cafe.
12 March - Casino - Walker Street Café.
18 June - Grafton - Vines at 139
