Lismore residents are being called on to shape the future of more than 70 hectares of newly created public land – a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the city’s flood buyback land into vibrant community spaces.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority is inviting locals, businesses, and community groups to share their vision for four key precincts across Lismore.
With more than 600 flood-prone properties bought back through the Australian and NSW government-funded Resilient Homes Program (RHP), this land will be repurposed to keep the community safe and support local outcomes like playing fields and public open space.
Attention now turns to breathing new life into this buyback land. The precinct planning process will unlock practical, flood-compatible land uses that deliver lasting community value – from expansive new parklands and recreational hubs to cultural, environmental, and commercial spaces.
The land cannot be used for housing, and any future use will strictly consider flood risk, community benefit, environmental and cultural values, economic opportunities, costs, and ongoing maintenance, as well as impacts on neighbouring residents and businesses.
The precinct plans will build on extensive consultation already undertaken with the Lismore community since 2022, with previous feedback helping provide a foundation for the next stage of planning.
Widjabul Wia-bal
The NSW Reconstruction Authority and Lismore City Council say they are in the early stages of partnering with the Widjabul Wia-bal people to shape the future of this land.
As part of this commitment, engagement has commenced with the Board of the Widjabul Wia-bal Gurrumbil Aboriginal Corporation (Registered Native Title Body Corporate). This collaboration will continue throughout the development of the precinct plans to ensure their knowledge, priorities and aspirations directly guide future land uses.
The community can now help shape the plans by completing an online survey, attending drop-in sessions, and participating in targeted workshops across the four precincts. To find out more visit yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/future-use-buyback-land-precinct-planning.
Feedback will be considered alongside technical studies, environmental considerations, and broader planning priorities to develop draft precinct plans.
Consultation is open until 1 November 2026, with draft plans to be released for further community feedback in early 2027.
Have your say
Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, ‘The future use of this land is a chance for our community to tell its story. Its next chapter must be written by the people who live here. While we have moved families to safer ground, we are deeply mindful of what these spaces represent.
‘Over 70 hectares across four precincts is a huge canvas for Lismore’s future. Whether it becomes green space, community hubs, or spaces for local commerce, we want every resident to have a say in shaping spaces that bring new life, connection, and pride back into these areas.
‘I urge everyone across Lismore to share your ideas and tell us what you want to see. This is our opportunity to create something enduring, positive, and reflective of our community’s strength and spirit.’
Lismore City Council Mayor Steve Krieg said, ‘These places mean a lot to our community. They were people’s homes and there are still families living alongside the buyback blocks. We need to listen to those residents and consider what any changes will mean for their day-to-day lives.
‘Each part of Lismore is different. What works in South Lismore might not suit North or East Lismore, which is why we want people to tell us what makes sense for their neighbourhood. People have already shared plenty of ideas since the floods and we’ll build on that feedback as we work with the NSW Reconstruction Authority to develop the plans.’
NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Kate Fitzgerald said, ‘Recovery is about more than replacing what was lost. It is about making decisions that reduce risk and help communities become safer and more resilient over the long term.
‘More than 600 properties across Lismore have been bought back through the Resilient Homes Program, fundamentally changing parts of the city and creating more than 70 hectares of land that can no longer be used for housing.
‘At the same time, we are progressing more than 500 new housing lots across three priority Resilient Lands Program sites in Lismore, providing new opportunities for housing in safer locations.
‘The precinct planning process is another important step in this work. It brings together community feedback, technical evidence and new ideas to guide how this land can make a lasting contribution to Lismore’s future.’
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. 
