18.6 C
Byron Shire
November 9, 2026

Lismore build-to-rent homes update

Latest News

Green Heroes among 2026 NSW Environment Award winners

The NSW Environment Awards, hosted by the state’s leading environmental advocacy organisation, Nature Conservation Council NSW, was recently held at Customs House in Sydney.

Other News

Thank you!

On Thursday I slipped on the wet Mercato travelator, then three beautiful angel women helped me up. Thank you,...

Love books? Join Friends of the Library

Friends of the Libraries, Byron Shire are looking for some fresh, new, younger faces to join the group and help keep it moving forward.

Riverbank recovery project receives industry award

A major effort to rehabilitate almost 30 kilometres of flood-affected riverbanks across NSW has received international recognition, with Local Land Services and the Soil Conservation Service winning this year’s International Erosion Control Association Australasia (IECA Australasia) Environmental Excellence Award.

New Tweed Heads Hub backed by $3.8 million commitment

The newly opened Veteran and Family Hub at Tweed Heads will be backed by a renewed $3.8 million commitment from RSL NSW to sponsor veteran and family services, delivered by partner charity RSL LifeCare.

Koalas on the move – stay alert on the roads

Over spring and summer koalas are on the move as they search for food, territory and mates.

Byron surfing community gathers for positive change

On Sunday the community came together, with close to 200 people gathering at Clarkes Beach for a paddle out, and shore action, to raise their voices and say there are no more excuses for violence against women and girls.

Image supplied

Construction has progressed rapidly on fifty build-to-rent homes in Lismore since breaking ground last November, says the NSW Labor Government.

In a media release, Labor say the focus has shifted to the main building structures after foundations were laid.  

‘The project is the first of its kind in the region and is being delivered by the NSW Government’s developer, Landcom. Importantly, more than 20 percent of the homes will be dedicated to affordable housing for residents on low-to-moderate incomes’, it reads.

‘The development will boost Lismore’s housing diversity by offering a range of floorplans – from studios to three-bedroom apartments – to suit different lifestyle needs. Residents will be close to shops, schools, Southern Cross University, and local parklands.

‘Under the build-to-rent model, the NSW Government will retain ownership of the property, to ensure long-term rental security, with the site managed by a specialist operator.

‘Weather permitting construction is expected to be complete by late 2026. Planning is also progressing for the adjoining site redevelopment, which will unlock at least 400 additional homes for the Lismore community.

‘The Development Application for Stage 1 (100 homes) is expected to be lodged with Lismore City Council before the end of March 2026. This broader precinct will feature a variety of housing options, including specific lots designed to accommodate homes relocated through the buyback auction program.

‘The regional Build-to-rent program was funded in the Minns Labor Government’s first budget and is also building 60 new build-to-rent homes on the NSW South Coast.

‘This Regional Build-to-Rent program builds on the Minns Labor Government’s recent reforms to speed up the delivery of more homes and make housing more secure for regional NSW, including:

  • The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee to get housing construction underway faster.
  • The development of the NSW Pattern Book and accelerated planning pathway for those who use the pre-approved patterns.
  • A $6.6 billion investment in social and affordable housing in NSW.
  • Once in a generation reforms to the State’s planning legislation.
  • Greater protections for renters including a cap on rent rises, banning no-grounds evictions and a crackdown on real estate agents.

‘This is all part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so people have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose’.

For more information about Lismore please visit:  https://landcom.com.au/eastlismore 



For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling.

If you are a local business owner help us and in turn we help you. All The Echo asks for is advertising, not a free ride. It is every advert in The Echo and on www.echo.net.au, which creates the space for all the stories and coverage of community events, happenings and concerns.

If you are a reader you can become a sponsor of The Echo. Your support keeps the us independent.

Even a small one-off or regular donation from you will help keep the echo’s independent voice alive and strong.

Support Us

Become one of the supporters who helps keep independent, local journalism alive in the Byron Shire by contributing anything from as little as the cost of a coffee each month.

You're Wonderful, Thank you for supporting independent journalism in the Byron Shire

You’re supporting The Echo, thank you

Your contribution is keeping independent, local journalism alive in the Northern Rivers.

Because of supporters like you, we can keep every story free for everyone — no paywall, no exceptions. Your money goes directly to funding our newsroom of 40-odd local workers covering the stories that matter to this community.

Tell us what you think, give us your opinion

The Echo loves your letters and comments and is proud to provide a community forum on the issues that matter most to our readers and the people of the NSW north coast. So don’t be a passive reader, email us your epistles at editor@echo.net.au.

The letters deadline for The Echo is noon Friday. Letters longer than 200 words may be cut. The publication of letters is at the discretion of the letters editor. Please remember to include your full name, address and telephone number.

Online comments are no longer available.

Remembrance Day 2026: 11am, 11 November

It is estimated that in WWl there were 20 million dead and 20 million injured. From a population base of fewer than five million,...

Love books? Join Friends of the Library

Friends of the Libraries, Byron Shire are looking for some fresh, new, younger faces to join the group and help keep it moving forward.

Racehorses shot for pet food by NSW breeder

Thirteen thoroughbred horses deemed no longer useful, have been destroyed with eight horses destroyed by firearm at Berkeley Park Stud.

Byron Bay Surf Lifesaving Club youngsters shine

Two young members of Byron Bay Surf Lifesaving Club have delivered outstanding performances at the Paddle NSW State Sprint Championships, held at the Penrith International Regatta Centre over the weekend.