Hundreds of homes approved for Goonellabah site

A REZONED site at Goonellabah will make way for 400 homes after the NSW Department of Planning approved 60 hectares of flood-free land.

The area will also host more than 100 commercial and industrial lots as part of Lismore City Council’s long-term plan for homes and jobs in the region.

It is located at 1055 and 1055A on the Bruxner Highway and will include shops, childcare and recreation spaces.

Major upgrades to water and sewer infrastructure will cost about $15 million and are needed before development can begin.

The council is seeking state and federal grants to help deliver the critical infrastructure.

Lismore mayor Steve Krieg said it will be a significant step forward for the community, with the site to be a mixed-use precinct.

“This is about creating diverse housing options and creating space for families, businesses and services in a safe, flood-free spot,” he said.

“With varied lot sizes throughout the site, this is about giving people more choice for a range of homes such as detached houses, townhouses or medium density living, all with parks, paths and green corridors right on their doorstep.”

The lots are above mapped flood zones and designed with buffers to protect residents from future disasters.

Parks, playgrounds and walking and cycling tracks will be built throughout the area, including the regeneration of Tucki Tucki Creek.

The creek is an important ecological corridor, with volunteer groups working hundreds of hours on the Birdwing Butterfly walking track to enhance the area’s natural environment.

The council’s acting head of planning and environment, Jamie van Iersel, said the project will create thousands of jobs in the precinct while protecting the environment.

“This is a long-term project, but it sets up Lismore for decades to come,” she said.

“We’re building a neighbourhood where you can walk to the park, cycle along Tucki Tucki Creek, and have local shops and childcare close by.”