A major milestone has been reached in the first project announced as part of the $100 million Northern Rivers Resilient Lands Program.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) has finalised the purchase of 72 hectares of flood-free land from Southern Cross University which allows 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The NSW Government's Resilient Lands Program is facilitating development and working with Councils, landowners and government agencies to unlock land for up to 4300 homes on flood safe land in the region.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"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.
"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."
Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
"The Southern Cross University site opens up a significant area for homes in areas outside the probable maximum flood level in Lismore.
"This development allows us to build a safe and resilient community close to home and in easy reach of the town centre.
"A sincere thank you to Southern Cross University, an integral part of the Lismore community, for working with us to unlock this significant tract of land."
NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said:
"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.
"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."
Landcom CEO Alexander Wendler said:
"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.
"Landcom is making homes happen. This project will unlock housing to suit a range of needs with diverse, sustainable and affordable options.'
