Plans have been released for a new East Lismore community that could deliver more than 500 flood-resilient homes, including affordable housing, for residents impacted by the Northern Rivers floods.

The Minns Labor Government has reached another milestone in the Northern Rivers' flood recovery with the release of the draft masterplan to transform a 72-hectare site at East Lismore (formerly Southern Cross University land) into land for flood-resilient permanent homes.

Delivered by Landcom and the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) through the Resilient Lands Program, the Crawford Road project has the potential to deliver more than 500 high-quality homes to meet the diverse housing needs of the community.

Landcom is inviting feedback on the draft masterplan until Sunday 16 August, giving the community opportunity to provide feedback to shape the future of this vital development.

This project will support long-term recovery and give flood-impacted residents the first opportunity to relocate while remaining connected to Lismore.

The draft masterplan proposes:

• more than 500 homes across the 72-hectare site,
• a diverse housing mix, including terraces, duplexes, freestanding homes, and relocated buyback homes to suit different budgets and lifestyles
• at least 20 per cent affordable housing dedicated to low to moderate-income households
• priority access for eligible Resilient Homes Program buyback participants before land and homes are released to the broader market, and
• climate-resilient design, featuring increased tree canopy, water-sensitive urban design, walkable streets, and homes away from flood-prone areas.

Planning for Stage 1 (approximately 100 homes on a 5-hectare portion at the northern end of the site) is progressing at the same time as the masterplan and is currently being assessed by Lismore City Council.

Located close to Southern Cross University, local schools, shops, and transport, the new neighbourhood will keep future residents well-connected to essential community amenities.

All feedback received will help refine the final masterplan ahead of detailed designs and site-specific development applications.

The site is next to the East Lismore Build-to-Rent site 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 has progressed well since breaking ground in November.

With foundations now laid, the focus has shifted to the main building structures. Works are progressing well and on track to finish in late 2026, subject to weather conditions.

Landcom, the NSW Government's property developer, is delivering thousands of new homes across NSW through its portfolio of projects in Greater Sydney and regional communities including the Northern Rivers, South Coast and Central West.

The Minns Labor Government’s planning reforms and surplus land audit have grown the pipeline of homes for NSW, with the highest number of homes under construction in the country; more than 80,000 homes, and more in the development pipeline.

To view the masterplan and have your say, visit: Landcom - East Lismore

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

"This draft masterplan demonstrates how good planning can help deliver more homes while creating a neighbourhood designed for the future.

"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 masterplan 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:

"I know and feel firsthand how deeply our community has waited for safe, secure housing options that keep us together.

"This masterplan 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.

"This housing development took time to firstly acquire a large enough block of land and then to negotiate it with the then owner, the Southern Cross University, and to get Landcom to take on the developer role, but today here it is the masterplan for 500 homes for families.

"We also have paid for infrastructure required to establish the development and to service it. This made it then possible."

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Kate Fitzgerald said:

“The Reconstruction Authority’s focus in 2026 is delivery, and this draft masterplan marks an important milestone in progressing the Resilient Lands Program from planning to implementation.

“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.”

Landcom Executive General Manager Built Form, Andrew Cooper said:

"This draft masterplan shows how smart planning can help us make more homes happen while creating a neighbourhood that responds to the unique character of East Lismore.

"Through detailed planning and design, we've identified opportunities to accommodate more than 500 homes through a broader mix of housing types, creating more housing choice for the community.

"We're looking forward to hearing community feedback as we continue shaping East Lismore's future."