Planning for the future use of more than 500 blocks of flood buyback properties is underway thanks to a partnership between the Minns Labor 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.
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.
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
Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
"The Lismore Precinct Plan is the start of another important journey for Lismore, one more positive step towards a safer and more resilient future.
"The Home Buyback Program has given certainty to hundreds of families and reduced the risk of repeat flooding impacts on residents in some of the most vulnerable areas of Lismore.
"Now we have an opportunity to reimagine this land, creating beautiful neighbourhoods that build community connectiveness and resilience as well as support and grow the local economy.
"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."
Executive Director Reconstruction Graham Kennett said:
"The buyback program has provided long-term security for more than 500 Lismore households impacted by the 2022 floods. This next stage is about working together with the community to create a shared vision for land that can no longer be residential but can still deliver lasting benefits for the city.
"This is about building a safer, more resilient Lismore for the long term. By carefully planning each precinct and involving the community, we can create spaces that enhance connectivity, provide amenity and support local economic activity."
"We will be taking a similar approach with other areas of the Northern Rivers working collaboratively with Councils and communities to plan for the use of buyback land."
Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said:
"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.
"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."
