Landcom, the NSW Government-owned land and property development organisation, is seeking public feedback on two major affordable rental projects in Lismore.

Bristol Circuit and Cynthia Wilson Drive in Goonellabah have been on the drawing board since an MOU (memorandum of understanding) was signed in November 2022 between Lismore City Council and Landcom.

The two projects aim to provide 56 new affordable rental homes for people on very low, low and moderate incomes.

There are 16 new homes proposed for 44 Bristol Circuit and 40 new homes proposed for 69 Cynthia Wilson Drive. Both sites are located in residential areas with one and two-storey townhouses.

Cynthia Wilson Drive

The project proposes 40 new homes at 69 Cynthia Wilson Drive to comprise of 20 one-bedroom townhouses and 20 two-bedroom townhouses.

The designs will incorporate sustainable building materials, landscaped garden areas and the retention of significant trees. The design aesthetics will consider and respond to the surrounding uses and have high-quality finishes that elevate the appeal of the neighbourhood.

(The site off Cynthia Wilson Drive, Goonellabah)

44 Bristol Circuit

The project proposes 16 new homes at 44 Bristol Circuit to comprise of six one-bedroom townhouses, six two-bedroom townhouses and four three-bedroom townhouses. 

The designs will incorporate sustainable building materials, landscaped garden areas and the retention of significant trees. The design aesthetics will consider and respond to the surrounding uses and use high-quality finishes that elevate the appeal of the neighbourhood.

(The Bristol Circuit site backs on to Taylor Road, Goonellabah)

Since the MOU was signed in 2022, Landcom has completed technical studies and due diligence, released a tender to appoint a community housing provider and is now entering the community consultation phase.

Landcom is keen to receive community feedback through an online or in-person information session and then complete a feedback form. Feedback is open until 5pm Wednesday, 5 February 2025.

You can register for the Bristol Circuit webinar by clicking here.

You can register for the Cynthia Wilson Drive webinar by clicking here.

After registering you will receive the webinar link in your email, which you can use on the day. You are asked to submit any questions before 5pm, Tuesday 21 January.

Linda Armstrong, Senior Communications and Engagement Program Manager for Landcom, said, "Feedback from the local community is important to Landcom and will assist us in the design phase to refine plans and finalise development applications for the sites. 

"The feedback sessions provide an opportunity for people to meet the Landcom team, learn more and provide feedback about the concept plans for the sites.

"It’s important that we deliver housing that is close to jobs, services and places people go to shop and that new development respects the local character of existing local neighbourhoods.

"Community feedback will be reviewed and considered alongside other stakeholder feedback and technical studies.

"We look forward to meeting with the community to better understand their needs and interests, and to hear their views on our concept plans."

The project is supported by funding from Homes NSW, NSW Reconstruction Authority and the Commonwealth Building Better Regional cities.

The next steps in the project are: 

• Finalising technical studies and refining designs based on: resident and community feedback and feedback from government stakeholders.
• Designs are finalised and development applications submitted.
• Public exhibition: the community can provide feedback on the development applications during the public exhibition period.
• Regional Planning Panel determination: the Northern Regional Planning Panel will review Lismore City Council’s assessment reports on the development applications and make a determination.
• Construction: to commence in 2026.
• Tenants move in: keys in doors in 2027.

What is affordable rental housing?

Affordable rental housing is below-market rental housing for a mix of very low, low or moderate-income households. Rent is discounted so that residents are able to meet other basic living costs, such as food, clothing, transport, medical care and education. It is managed mostly by not-for-profit organisations, including community housing providers, in a similar way to the private rental market. 

Is there a need for affordable housing in the area?

Based on the 2021 Census the population growth across the North Coast has been strong, with a significant influx of sea changers increasing the demand for housing and impacting the housing market. Floods and bushfires have affected the region, causing housing shortages and a 10% decline in affordability across Lismore. The Census shows that low income households as the largest proportion of all households in every North Coast local government area (with the exception of Ballina).

Across the North Coast, there is a high proportion of very low and low income renters in housing stress, with a total of 94% of very low and 77% of low income households in rental stress at 2021.

The project will provide much needed housing, including homes for very low and low income households.

Note: the North Coast comprises of twelve local government areas – Ballina, Bellingen, Byron Bay, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, Nambucca Valley, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Richmond Valley and Tweed. *Reference Communities and Justice – Housing Snapshots