The NSW Government is issuing a final call for homeowners to apply for support under the Resilient Homes Program, which offers eligible residents the opportunity to have their homes voluntarily bought back or receive funding to repair and strengthen properties against future flooding.
This final round ensures affected households have access to measures that prioritises safety, recovery and long-term resilience.
Buyback applications will close on 31 December 2025. Applications for grants for resilient repairs will close on 31 March 2026, with the Program in its entirety wrapping up by end of June 2027.
Since the program commenced in 2022, more than 1,300 homeowners have been contacted to progress buybacks, with over 930 offers issued, 844 accepted and 732 homes settled to date. All buyback settlements are expected to be completed by June 2026, with relocations to be finalised by the end of 2026.
The Northern Rivers Resilient Homes is the largest climate adaptation program of its kind in Australia. The program is about removing residents from the highest-risk areas while laying the foundation for future land use planning, ensuring high-risk areas are managed more sustainably and that communities are safer in the face of future floods.
Eligible homeowners may receive:
- Up to $100,000 to raise, rebuild or relocate their home
- Up to $50,000 to retrofit their home with flood-resilient materials
- An additional $20,000 to help cover upfront planning and consultant costs
Eligibility settings, for resilient measures grants, have also recently been updated for key areas of Mullumbimby, Tumbulgum, South Lismore, Woodburn, Coraki, Broadwater, Wardell and Murwillumbah. The removal of the previous floor-level requirement for some homes means more homeowners who were severely impacted in 2022 floods may be eligible for support.
Dedicated support is available through the Resilient Homes Program's Customer Engagement Team, who can assist with eligibility advice, grant applications, next steps following assessment reports and guidance on planning and construction. Homeowners can also speak directly with staff, experts and builders at upcoming expos, information sessions and community pop-ups or via phone on 1800 844 085.
The Resilient Homes Program is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.
More information on how to apply can be found via https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-reconstruction-authority/our-work/resilient-homes-program
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
"We've come a long way since the floods, and we've done it together.
"I know these decisions haven't been easy. People are weighing up not just finances, but memories, connections and the place they call home.
"This final stage of the program is about making sure every family has the support they need to choose what's best for them.
"Our community deserves the chance to rebuild safely and with the peace of mind that comes from knowing their future will be stronger."
NSW Reconstruction Authority Acting Head Adaptation, Mitigation and Reconstruction Kristie Clarke said:
"The Resilient Homes Program has already made a real difference for hundreds of households, helping people progress Buybacks, home assessments and resilience works.
"Our priority is ensuring homeowners have the information and support they need to complete their applications and begin works, giving them the best opportunity to protect their homes and families."
