More than 500 flood-resilient homes proposed for East Lismore

THE NSW government has released a draft master plan for more than 500 flood-resilient homes in East Lismore, with the community invited to help shape the future neighbourhood through feedback.

The 72ha Crawford Road site, formerly owned by Southern Cross University, is proposed to become a new residential precinct delivering a mix of housing options while helping flood-affected residents remain connected to Lismore.

The draft master plan is being delivered by Landcom and the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) through the Resilient Lands Program, with community feedback open until 16 August.

The draft master plan proposes more than 500 homes, including terraces, duplexes, freestanding homes and relocated buyback homes, as well as at least 20 per cent affordable housing dedicated to low to moderate-income households.

Eligible Resilient Homes Program buyback participants will have priority access to land and homes before they are released to the broader market.

The design will also include climate-resilient features such as increased tree canopy, water-sensitive urban design, walkable streets and homes located away from flood-prone areas.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the draft master plan would help address housing needs while delivering a neighbourhood designed for the community’s future.

“This draft master plan demonstrates how good planning can help deliver more homes while creating a neighbourhood designed for the future,” Scully said.

“With the potential for more than 500 homes, including affordable housing, this proposal will help meet housing need in the Northern Rivers.

“By releasing the draft master plan now, we’re giving the community an opportunity to help shape the future of this important site as development progresses.”

Minister for Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the proposal represented an important step towards providing safe housing options following the region’s floods.

“I know and feel first-hand how deeply our community has waited for safe, secure housing options that keep us together,” Saffin said.

“This master plan is another step forward. It isn’t just about putting roofs over heads; it’s about giving local families a genuine pathway to stay in the community they love, on safe ground.

“We want this neighbourhood to reflect Lismore, which is why local feedback is so critical. I encourage everyone to look at the plans and help us shape this next chapter of our recovery.”

Planning for Stage 1, comprising around 100 homes on a 5ha section at the northern end of the site, is progressing alongside the master plan and is currently being assessed by Lismore City Council.

Located near Southern Cross University, schools, shops and public transport, the proposed neighbourhood is designed to keep future residents connected to essential services.

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Kate Fitzgerald said the draft master plan marked progress in moving the Resilient Lands Program from planning into delivery.

“The reconstruction authority’s focus in 2026 is delivery, and this draft master plan marks an important milestone in progressing the Resilient Lands Program from planning to implementation,” Fitzgerald said.

“East Lismore is a significant opportunity to support new housing supply on land with lower flood risk, while helping people remain connected to their community.

“We are committed to working with government, councils and the community to keep momentum behind this program and deliver practical outcomes for the Northern Rivers.”

The Crawford Road site sits alongside the East Lismore Build-to-Rent development, where Landcom is delivering 50 build-to-rent apartments funded through the NSW government’s build-to-rent program to provide secure homes for long-term renters.

Construction on the Build-to-Rent project began in November, with works progressing towards completion in late 2026, subject to weather conditions.

Community feedback on the Crawford Road master plan is open until 16 August.

To view the plans and have your say, visit joinin.landcom.nsw.gov.au/eastlismore