Simpler planning rules and an independent panel will be introduced to streamline planning for flood impacted communities in the Lismore Local Government Area.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said planning rules had been updated to establish a local planning panel, and set up a faster planning pathway to enable homes to be raised in parts of Lismore sooner.
"Lismore is still recovering from the devastating floods earlier this year, which damaged or destroyed more than 6,000 homes in the Northern Rivers," Mr Toole said.
"To speed up the delivery of new housing and provide more certainty, we're setting up a panel to make independent decisions on development applications and provide planning advice, as needed."
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said further support would come in the way of a faster planning pathway for Lismore.
"This new pathway will allow for homes to be raised in Lismore without needing a development application, if standards set out in the policy are met," Mr Roberts said.
"We've also made it easier to subdivide land and build new homes outside of flood- prone areas, to help speed up the relocation of homes and communities."
Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation Chief Executive David Witherdin said the changes would expedite the approval of new housing and support the $800 million Northern Rivers Resilient Fund.
"By retrofitting, raising and relocating homes, we are working with communities to reduce risk and help make them more resilient during future flood events," Mr Witherdin said.
"These new planning initiatives will make it faster for us to deliver new housing, help move people out of harm's way and make homes safer in Lismore."
