Lismore City Council’s Housing Grant program, offering grants of $15,000 to eligible landowners, has reached a significant milestone, with half of the available pool of $1.2 million now committed.

Nineteen applications have been received, proposing 40 new dwellings consisting of 11 re-sited homes, six newly constructed dwellings, and 23 units.

The program, which also includes the option of relocating flood-affected houses within the Lismore Local Government Area (LGA), aims to address the housing crisis across the region.

Today's announcement took place in one of Nimbin's new estates at Georgi Place, which is just past the Nimbin township as you drive from Lismore.

(More houses in the new estate on Georgi Place, Nimbin)

Mayor Steve Krieg said successful applicants could contribute to building a new home or moving an existing home.

“Lismore is in desperate need of smaller and more affordable housing solutions, and these grants are just one measure we have in place to assist in meeting that demand," he said.

"While affordable housing is traditionally the responsibility of state governments, Council has been able to utilise Australian Government funding to facilitate these much-needed opportunities.”

Andre Stamatakakos was one of the recipients of the $15,000 grant and also qualified for the State Government's $10,000 First Home Buyers Grant.

Andre was living in a commune at Coffee Camp and walking into Nimbin before seeing his 2,500 sqm block of land four years ago and falling in love it. He has now built a house and has paid for the landscaping with the grant money, which has allowed him to virtually complete his home. All that is left is for Andre to create a sustainable growing area on the rest of his land to produce bananas, vegetables and the like.

“Having that extra $15,000 meant we could complete things we hadn’t expected to finish, which took the pressure off and made a huge difference,” he said.

"It's really helped with just finalising the landscaping and finessing the house, making it feel more like a home rather than just a house on an empty block. It's been like a warm hug to have the support from the council to allow us to fill the home in."

(Andre and Mayor Krieg chatting about Andre's new home)

"It really has changed my life, like from being a renter and just sort of living without something that yours to step into a life-changing situation. I've got to say it's a pretty blessed situation to finally own your own house just before 40."

“The fact that the Council is investing back into the city and the community is heartwarming. It shows they’re committed to helping us build a bright future here.

“The process was surprisingly simple and streamlined. Everyone at the Council were super effective, making it a smooth experience from start to finish.”

Saffron Bond, a recipient of the program, said the grant has been crucial in helping her relocate her home after the floods.

“This grant has helped make the move smoother, covering some of the costs so I can focus on getting the house to a safer place, out of flood, where we can settle,” she said.

“This beautifully rebuilt home, which is gorgeous now, will sit on a nice little out-of-flood block. Every cent counts. This grant helps me try to claw my way back to my position before the flood.

“My advice would be, once you submit your DA and are eligible, jump in and go for it.”

The grant program offers six categories to encourage diverse housing options for Lismore’s community. The 80 available grants are allocated on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis until the full pool of funds is committed.

Mayor Krieg also highlighted the program's role in flood recovery.

“The Lismore Housing Grant is not just about meeting housing needs; it's also a lifeline for flood-affected residents who want to relocate their homes within the Lismore area,” he said.

The categories for the Housing Grants program are as follows:

• Existing landowners building a second dwelling (subject to income eligibility or affordable rental agreement for a minimum of five years).
• First home buyers building within the Lismore LGA.
• Owner/occupiers of flood-affected properties who have accepted a buyback from the NRRC and wish to build a new dwelling.
• Owner/occupiers who wish to relocate an existing house within the Lismore LGA.
• Community Housing Providers (CHPs) or Indigenous Community Housing Organisations (ICHOs) building new housing within the LGA.
• Developers of multi-dwelling housing types that agree to have the housing managed by a CHP as affordable rental for at least 15 years.

The Australian Government’s Building Better Regional Cities program provided $1.2 million for Lismore’s Housing Grants under a Memorandum of Understanding, ensuring these funds support affordable housing initiatives.

Additional program details can be found on the Council’s website at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Building-planning/Strategic-planning/Future-housing#section-2