On Saturday, the Lismore App published a news story about the NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSWRA) involving Resilient Lismore in providing additional support for people who have registered for the Resilient Homes Program (RHP) and have been assessed for a house raising or retrofit.

This has nothing to do with house buybacks, which has been the focus of the RHP since it was established. House raisings and retrofits have a similar Resilient Land Program (RLP) feel, and that is, moving at a glacial pace.

As at 28 April 2025, 420 homeowners in the Northern Rivers have been prioritised for resilient measures (home retrofits and raisings), who are receiving tailored assessments to make their homes more resilient against flooding.

Two hundred sixty-five (265) home assessments have been completed and are at various stages of works with the homeowner. Forty-nine (49) resilient measure (raise, retrofits, relocation, rebuild) offers have been approved, with 20 completed.

The above statistics, were not split into LGA's. However, as of 28 March 2025, Clarence led the way in terms of numbers, followed by The Tweed, Lismore, Byron and Richmond Valley.

Minister for Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, “I want to see as many homes as possible get raised and retrofitted and while we’ve got lots more to do, we are beginning to make some good progress here.

“I’m glad that the Reconstruction Authority is helping people get their homes assessed, and that 265 homeowners in our community have a path to make their homes more resilient against flooding.

“The most important thing about the Resilient Homes Expos is that our people who need clear information on making their homes more resilient, or on how to relocate a buyback home, are able to sit down with a real person and get the help they need.”

A NSW Reconstruction Authority spokesperson said, "The NSW Reconstruction Authority will hold three Resilient Home Expos in May at Richmond Valley (Woodburn), Lismore (Goonellabah) and Clarence (Maclean), following one earlier this week at Murwillumbah.

"These expos help Resilient Homes Program homeowners looking to make their homes more flood resilient, and community members seeking to relocate a buyback home to a new location.

"The expos will provide information about the Resilient Homes Program grant process, development approval processes, and how successful resilient building and relocation projects can be delivered.

"Homeowners and business representatives can visit information stands and speak with representatives from councils, Reconstruction Authority, SafeWork NSW, Building Commission NSW, and various industry associations and businesses interested in resilient building services.

"Sessions on resilient measures, development approval processes, and relocation will also be on offer throughout the expo. There will be opportunities on the day to book 15-minute one-on-one appointments with a Council Officer or a RHP team member.  

For more details on the expos or to register visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-reconstruction-authority/our-work/events.