Many are waiting to see the housing options that come out of the $100million Northern Rivers Resilient Lands Program.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority made an announcement today, Monday, July 28 about the purchase of 72ha of flood-free land from Southern Cross University. It means 400 new housing lots in Lismore.

It helps address the housing shortage in the Northern Rivers.

The site in East Lismore is being developed with Landcom, the State Government’s land and property developer.

Landcom will invest $60million to develop the site and RA is contributing up to $15million for the land and funding for infrastructure, including new roads, power, water and sewerage connections.

Landcom is close to starting construction on Build to Rent housing on the site with 50 apartments to be unlocked, with at least 20% set aside for affordable housing.

The Resilient Lands Program plans to unlock flood safe land for up to 4300 homes.

In May last year, the Reconstruction Authority announced $245,000 funding for Richmond Valley Council to scope out what is needed for the 1500 blocks at Fairy Hill.

Known as the Summerland Estate, the money will be used to investigate roads, water and sewage for the blocks of land.

When the blocks of land are up for sale, who will be able to buy them?

Reconstruction Authority acting chief executive Mal Lanyon said priority will be given to flood affected people.

“It’s an excellent location,” he said.

“It’s about giving people options — this is flood-free land.”

IndyNR.com will be asking the Authority and Richmond Valley Council for an update on the progress of the Summerland Estate.

This article appeared on indyNR.com on 28 July 2025.