A short walk through Mt Pleasant Estate in Goonellabah reveals how slow the progress is for the Resilient Land Program (RLP).

The first house from the $880 million Resilient Homes Program was moved onto the estate in November 2024. By December, four houses were moved into place and would be ready for renovation and sale.

The NSWRA said that they would be completed by the end of December 2025, and the first residents would move in soon after.

As September comes to a close, leaving three months to complete the renovations, with only new staircases as a sign of progress, the Lismore App asked for an update from the NSWRA.

A spokesperson said, "At Mount Pleasant Estate, four Buyback homes have been relocated to RA-owned land in Goonellabah. Following a recent tender process, renovation works will begin shortly, with the homes expected to be ready for viewing and released to market in early 2026.

"RA has engaged with Resilient Land Program participants to confirm interest in purchasing a block of land, a renovated home, or smaller, more affordable stand-alone housing. Their feedback is informing the final Masterplan. At this stage, relocated homes and additional land are expected to be released from the first quarter of 2026.

"We remain committed to delivering safe, resilient housing options and will continue to prioritise Buyback homeowners throughout the process."

To give you some perspective, and the effect bureaucracy has on progress, not-for-profit group Multitask purchased a block of land in the estate before the NSWRA purchased it. They were to build a brand new house to help accommodate people with a disability, offering an independent life.

As the infrastructure was already in place, earthworks commenced in April 2025, and the builders poured the foundations in May 2025. CEO Jody Cheetham said the new build was expected to be finished and the first residents moving in by March 2026. Roughly the same time as the four relocated houses.

The question has to be asked: how can the NSWRA take so long to complete four relocatable renovations when another organisation can build a brand new property in less time?

(The new Multitask build on the left, next to the four relocated buyback houses at Mt Pleasant Estate in Goonellabah)

As stated above by the NSWRA, they are going to sell the land from the final Masterplan, and not build homes or townhouses. The potential community title units will be sold as house and land packages, and the four relocated, renovated homes sold.

The Lismore App has received a document which outlines the approximate cost of the land and the four renovated, relocated houses.

The Masterplan has not been finalised, so it is a draft only. We know it has changed after community consultation with local residents and Home Buyback participants. Another disclaimer is that prices are subject to change.

At the moment, there will be 31 lots between 400m2 and 1,045m2, which could accommodate up to 39 homes of different types – relocated homes, detached new homes, duplexes and community title units. It appears that the smaller block sizes and the mix of housing options would make the properties more affordable for those who have received a house buyback.

The suggested home sizes are smaller, with the largest being a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom detached or duplex home. The community units would be 1 bed/1 bath or 2 bed/1 bath. This concept is being explored by the NSWRA.

The blocks of land were valued by an independent valuer, based on current market conditions. The cost is influenced by position as well as size. They range from $275,000 to $395,000, and are outlined below;

The potential nine (9) community title units are priced for land and house packages.

The four relocated homes are valued at:

NORTH LISMORE PLATEAU

As for the North Lismore Plateau development, the NSWRA spokesperson said, "The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) is progressing the acquisition of land at North Lismore Plateau, with completion expected by the end of 2025. The site already has development approval for 85 residential lots, which will provide safer housing for flood-affected residents and contribute to Lismore’s long-term recovery.

"Infrastructure works are expected to commence shortly after the acquisition is finalised. Subject to construction timelines, land will be released in stages from early 2027. Priority will be given to Buyback participants registered in the Resilient Land Program before land is made available to the broader public, ensuring those most impacted by disaster have first access to secure, resilient housing options."