As buybacks progress the question of what should happen to the empty blocks is being asked of the community.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority has said it will work with local councils and communities on the future use of vacant buyback land.
This includes Lismore, Kyogle, Woodburn and Casino.
Lismore has more than 500 blocks of flood buyback properties which equates to 50hectares of land.
The land cannot be used for housing. This is the same in Woodburn, Casino and Kyogle.
So what can the land be used for?
In Lismore, the planning will consider how the space connects with surrounding areas, supports community needs and complements the CBD and local economy. Making sure that any future use will not increase flooding risks for neighbouring properties is also critical.
Lismore Centre will be the first precinct plan to be developed from early 2026.
Expressions of interest for planners, engineers and other experts to work on this project will open soon.
Community members will be invited to have their say through a mix of in-person and online events throughout 2026.
Read about the emotional experience of a house being demolished in a buyback.
Details about the timing and format of the consultation will be announced later this year.
State MP and Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said this was an opportunity to reimagine this land, creating beautiful neighbourhoods that build community connectiveness and resilience as well as support and grow the local economy.
“Planning for the future use of this land must be carefully and sensitively managed, and the voices of the whole community — those who live, work and own businesses there – will be central to the process,” Ms Saffin said.
Reconstruction Authority executive director of reconstruction Graham Kennett said this next stage is about working together with the community to create a shared vision for land that can no longer be residential but can still deliver lasting benefits for the city.
“This is about building a safer, more resilient Lismore for the long term. By carefully planning each precinct and involving the community, we can create spaces that enhance connectivity, provide amenity and support local economic activity,” Mr Kennett said.
“We will be taking a similar approach with other areas of the Northern Rivers working collaboratively with councils and communities to plan for the use of buyback land.”
For more information about the RA plans for buyback land, go here.
The information in this story was provided by the office of Janelle Saffin MP.
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