The NSW Government has released plans for the first stage of a major housing development in East Lismore that will deliver at least 400 new homes and is inviting the community to have a say.
Stage 1 will be delivered under a partnership between Landcom and the NSW Reconstruction Authority and will deliver around 100 smaller and more affordable housing options, including terraces and low-rise apartments.
Early master planning is underway for the full 72ha site, with the goal of creating a sustainable, resilient community of at least 400 dwellings that meets post-2022 flood housing needs.
Landcom will invest at least $75 million to develop the site, with the NSW Reconstruction Authority contributing $15 million for the land and enabling infrastructure including new roads, power, water and sewerage connections.
At least 20 per cent of homes will be set aside as affordable housing for very low to moderate-income households. Resilient Homes Program participants who have accepted a buyback offer will have at least 30 business days to purchase new land and homes before the open market is given access.
After the 2022 floods, the Australian and NSW Governments invested $880 million in the Resilient Homes Program, and the NSW Government committed a further $100 million to the Resilient Lands Program to support long-term community recovery. Together, these programs aim to reduce exposure to future flood risk by offering safer housing options and guiding development to more suitable land. Both programs are delivered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
The East Lismore site is one of three priority locations under the Resilient Lands Program that will help accelerate land and housing supply for flood impacted residents.
In November 2025, Landcom commenced construction of 50 build-to-rent apartments on the corner of Crawford Road and Military Road, west of the Stage 1 development.
Landcom is inviting feedback until 9am, Monday 16 February 2026, to help finalise the plans for Stage 1 and inform site masterplanning. The development application for the Stage 1 is expected to be lodged by mid-2026 with Lismore City Council.
Subject to approvals, sales are expected to begin in mid-2026, with major works starting later that year.
To learn more about the project and share feedback, visit: www.joinin.landcom.nsw.gov.au/eastlismore
Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
"I am really excited to see these plans and that the process has begun and know that we begin the New Year with confidence. It is a real boost to see what these lovely homes are going to look like.
"Lismore has been through a lot, and today's announcement is another step in providing our community with safe, long-term housing options.
"This project reduces future risk while keeping families connected to their community.
"Stage 1 is open to flood impacted residents and families to have first option, as agreed to from day one.
"This partnership between Landcom and the NSW Reconstruction Authority shows our commitment to practical ways to recover. It is about making sure our community can rebuild with confidence."
NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Reconstruction Graham Kennett said:
"This development is a cornerstone of the Resilient Lands Program and demonstrates how we are working to move people out of harm's way while keeping them within their community. By planning for more than 400 resilient homes, we are creating a neighbourhood designed for long-term safety, liveability and affordability.
"We know that recovery is not just about replacing what was lost. It's about ensuring communities have safer options for the future. The work underway at East Lismore is a clear example of how the NSW Reconstruction Authority is delivering that for flood-impacted residents."
Executive General Manager, Built Form, Andrew Cooper said:
"Landcom is making homes happen for the people of Lismore.
"We're transforming vacant land into new opportunities. Stage 1 of the project will unlock around 100 homes - including terraces, to provide more diverse and affordable options.
"Our partnership with the Reconstruction Authority will create a new, sustainable neighbourhood with greater housing diversity, resilience and security to help Lismore prepare for the future."
