Social dwellings and affordable key worker housing will be included within a new North Lismore housing project, says the NSW Labor government.
In a media release, the government says they have acquired 18.5 hectares of ‘high-ground land in North Lismore, as part of the $100 million Resilient Lands Program’.
‘The site will provide 85 land lots to enable construction of social, affordable, and private housing – all located above the 2022 flood line.
According to nsw.gov.au/resilientlandsprogram, the Dunoon Road site is the closest location to flood-impacted communities in North Lismore, ‘helping to retain a sense of community identity and connection for these residents’.
It has existing development consent to deliver 85 housing lots. About 10 percent of these lots are expected to feature social and affordable housing.
The Echo understands developer, the Winton Group, sold the North Lismore land to the NSW government as a compulsory acquisition. Yet activist Al Oshlack believes that the land is flood-prone, and become isolated during floods.
‘Project Highlights:
- Priority Access: 76 land lots to be made available for Resilient Homes Program participants, giving flood-impacted residents the first opportunity to relocate to safer ground.
- Social and key worker housing: Homes NSW will construct 24 social dwellings and provide four land lots for affordable key worker housing.
- Integrated Community: The precinct will sit alongside the new Rivers Secondary College Richmond River High Campus, set to open in 2027.
- Economic Boost: The nearby Lismore Showground is receiving a $4.7 million upgrade to support major regional events like Primex, further anchoring the precinct’s recovery.
- Timeline: Development application approvals are in place and preparatory work has commenced, with land expected to be available for sale in mid-2026, with home relocations beginning in early 2027.
‘The development is a collaborative effort between the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Homes NSW, ensuring the new neighbourhood is well-connected to schools, transport, and green space while respecting the cultural heritage of the Widjabul Wia-bal people’.
Echo Q&A with RA
Is this a first for social housing and affordable key worker housing with the Resilient Lands Program?
‘RA is partnering with NSW government agency, Homes NSW, to develop 85 residential lots of land on the North Lismore site for social, affordable and private housing. This includes managing supporting civil works such as earthworks, drainage, installation of services, building access roads and landscaping’.
‘Elsewhere, Landcom is planning for a mix of land sizes and housing at the Resilient Lands Program’s East Lismore site, with a focus on smaller, more affordable housing types like terraces and townhouses. At least 20 per cent of homes/lots will be reserved for affordable housing for very low to moderate-income households.
‘The type and extent of affordable housing will be subject to development feasibility considerations which are being confirmed through the planning process.
‘The RA is also supporting affordable rental housing projects co-funded with Landcom, local councils and community housing providers to deliver affordable rental homes for low-to-moderate income earners’.
Can you confirm that the government bought the North Lismore land from the Winton Group?
‘The land was compulsorily acquired under the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation Act) 1991. It is not appropriate for the RA to make comment on the interested parties/owners of the North Lismore site’.
How much did the government pay?
‘The Reconstruction Authority will pay a fair and reasonable price for the acquired land. Compensation is determined by the NSW Valuer General, through an independent process which is conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Just Terms Act’.
Has a Social Housing provider been appointed for this project?
‘Homes NSW will build the social housing and make it available to those on the Northern Rivers who are eligible for social housing.
‘No providers have been selected for the social and affordable housing at this stage. Homes NSW will undertake the selection process at an appropriate time before the commencement of construction in 2028. For further information contact Homes NSW’.
For more information go to nsw.gov.au/resilientlandsprogram
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