Yesterday afternoon's Resilient Homes Expo put on by the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) was a success, with a solid turnout of flood-affected people looking for information on house relocation, raising and retrofits.

Tables were filled with representatives from the RA, Lismore City Council, engineers, house removers, SafeWork NSW and the Building Commission NSW to answer questions about planning approvals, relocating a home, flood resilient building options and what is involved in raising a house. There was a constant hum of chatter.

The RA presented information about the process, allowing those new to the Resilient Homes Program or lacking prior knowledge to increase their understanding.

There were people from all over the Richmond River Catchment who were affected by the 2022 big flood, such as Kyogle and Broadwater. Some people only received approval from the RA for either a retrofit or a house raising last week. Two groups said they were knocked back twice in the past, proving how the level of funding determines who receives grants and who doesn't.

The Lismore App spoke to half a dozen people as they left the Expo. They ranged from a couple looking to relocate a house gifted to them, two house raisings and a retrofit.

Everyone was satisfied with what was on offer, but some left feeling confused, while others were pleased with what they had learned.

One couple were looking to relocate, not just their own gifted house, but three others for their family on a substantial piece of land. They turned up to dot the i's and cross the t's, and to discover if there was any further information they needed and what the next steps were.

A lady living on her own in Kyogle wanted to find information about her house raising. She left the Expo confused about her options and the procedure, but did sign up with an engineering company to project manage the process.

While her neighbours were seeking information about their retrofit, they left with the thought that the retrofit would cost more than the $50,000 grant, so they would do the retrofit themselves to save money.

A Broadwater couple travelled to the Expo for house-raising information after they lived in a caravan for 19 months. The 2022 flood caused 1.8 metres of water to flow into their house.

They found the session very informative. Their goal is to try to keep the cost of the house raising to below the $100,000 grant mark, as they had already spent money on renovating their house to make it livable.

While the Resilient Homes Program will cease in June 2027, it does feel like house relocations, house raising, and retrofits will continue beyond that date for all the work to be completed.