New purpose for buyback land confirmed in Northern Rivers and Central West

The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) will work with local councils to plan the future of these buyback areas as parklands, community hubs, or environmental projects. In specific cases where flood risk is strictly managed, some sites may also be used for commercial or industrial purposes. Meaning valuable land can continue to serve a public purpose.

However, the fundamental requirement remains: buyback land cannot be returned to residential use.

RA is partnering with local councils to ensure the future of these sites is informed by the community. Over 1000 parcels of land will be integrated into local planning, with work already progressing in key areas:

• Lismore - Planning is underway for more than 600 properties across four precincts. Residents will be invited to share feedback on preferred land uses and locally supported outcomes to ensure the transition reflects community needs.
• Tweed Shire - Work has begun on a resilience-focused master plan for South Murwillumbah. A specialist consultant has been appointed to lead a comprehensive design and engagement process with the local community.
• Northern Rivers Expansion - Future planning will also extend to buyback clusters in Richmond Valley, Kyogle, Byron, Ballina, and Clarence Valley.
• Central West - RA is working with Cabonne Shire Council on future land use for Eugowra and Molong, ensuring outcomes reflect the unique character of these towns.

Community members are encouraged to participate in upcoming consultations and track the progress of these projects at nsw.gov.au/resilienthomesprogram

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said:

"The Albanese and Minns Governments are continuing to work constructively through the Resilient Homes Program to help ensure Northern Rivers and Central West communities thrive in their recovery.

"Our aim is to move people out of areas that are prone to flooding so that they, their families, and their homes are safer and better prepared during the next flood emergency.

"This change to the Resilient Homes Program will ensure these communities will also benefit from new community and commercial spaces."

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said:

"Our recovery continues in the North Coast following the devastating 2022 flooding event.

"As your strong voice in the Albanese Labor Government, I'm proud to be working with the NSW Government and local councils to unlock this land for community use.

"This ensures we can build back better for our community and improve our resilience against future flooding events."

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

"The Resilient Homes Program has already given hundreds of families across our regions certainty and peace of mind.

"Now that we are moving into a vital new phase - we are giving this land back to the community in a way that is safe and sustainable.

"We are creating space for new opportunities. Whether it's parklands, community hubs, or environmental projects, the future of these sites will be shaped by the people who live there.

"It is essential that the community has a direct say in how we restore these connections and grow our local communities and economies."

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Kate Fitzgerald said:

"We welcome the Australian Government's confirmation that flood buyback land can be used for things other than housing, such as community spaces, environmental projects, businesses, or industry, if planning rules allow it and the flood risk is manageable.

"It's an important next step in the recovery for the Northern Rivers and the Central West communities.

"This decision shows the value of the existing planning and flood risk management frameworks in NSW, which guide what can be built in flood-prone areas.

"We will make these decisions with councils and communities, with the main focus on reducing future flood risk and supporting strong local communities."