A region-wide call for licensed builders and trades to help homeowners upgrade, raise, rebuild or relocate homes impacted by the 2022 floods is being put out by the NSW Labor government.
They said in a media release, ‘The Northern Rivers is entering its most critical home rebuilding phase’.
‘With a 2027 program deadline looming, the focus has shifted from administrative assessments to active construction sites.
‘Builders, designers, engineers, architects, project managers and house relocation specialists are urgently needed to support communities to meet this deadline.
‘With a multi-year pipeline of work now confirmed, there has never been a better time for builders and contractors to get involved in the Northern Rivers recovery. To ensure the industry is briefed on these significant opportunities and the technical requirements for resilient construction, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is hosting a series of regional engagement sessions.
‘Local trades are encouraged to attend an upcoming ‘Builder Brekkie’ or information workshop to connect with the program team and learn how to access this work. The full list is below or more detail can also be found at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-reconstruction-authority/our-work/events
‘Following the devastating 2022 floods, the Australian and NSW Governments established the Northern Rivers Resilient Homes Program (RHP) to reduce long-term flood risk across seven local government areas. The program supports voluntary home buybacks and resilience measures including house raising, retrofitting, rebuilding and relocation.
’In addition, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is working with delivery partners to unlock land for hundreds of homes across the region in 2026, with thousands more in future years, driving demand for builders and skilled workers to construct housing options ranging from small one and two-bed homes and terraces to larger three and four- bed family homes. Coupled with private developments taking off across the Northern Rivers, there is a clear pipeline of work for many years to come.
‘These efforts will sit alongside the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s work with councils and communities planning for the future use of vacant buyback land, with consultation to occur throughout 2026 for all areas with buyback land, particularly in Lismore, South Murwillumbah, Kyogle, and Richmond Valley.
‘FAST FACTS: Northern Rivers Resilient Homes Program
- Total Program Funding: $880 million co-funded by the NSW and Australian Governments.
- The Deadline: All building and renovation works must be completed by 31 March 2027.
- Pipeline of Work: Approximately 600 homes are slated for Resilient Measures (raising, retrofitting, or rebuilding) in this final phase.
- Grants available for homeowners:
- Home Raising / Rebuild / Relocation: Grants up to $100,000.
- Home Retrofit: Grants up to $50,000 for flood-resilient materials and modifications.
- Co-Contribution Bonus: The program will match homeowner contributions dollar-for-dollar, potentially doubling total project value (up to $200,000 for raising/rebuilds or $100,000 for retrofits).
- Design Support: Homeowners can access an additional $20,000 grant specifically for planning, design, and development application (DA) costs.
- Priority Areas: Recovery efforts are concentrated across the seven Local Government Areas of Lismore, Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Richmond Valley, and Tweed’.
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