Up to 1500 flood-resilient homes could be developed at the Summerland Estate at Fairy Hill, just north of Casino, thanks to $245,000 in funding from the NSW Government’s $100-million Resilient Lands Program.

The NSW Government will provide the funding to Richmond Valley Council to complete important infrastructure investigations and technical reports to support the planning and delivery of the project.

The area was identified in Council’s Housing Strategy because it sits well above the floodplain, allowing for flood-resilient homes to be constructed, bringing people, jobs and growth to the region.

Fairy Hill is about 10kms north of Casino and 40kms west of Lismore.

It follows the recent announcement of 400 lots in East Lismore and up to 50 new households in the Mount Pleasant Estate, Goonellabah, and funding for Byron Shire Council to complete strategic planning for the Saddle Road development at Brunswick Heads.

The Resilient Lands Program will accelerate the delivery of new land and housing options, linking with the $700-million Resilient Homes Program, to give flood-impacted homeowners a pathway to move to a safer location.

The Resilient Homes Program and Resilient Lands Program is being delivered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority to help communities across the Northern Rivers in their recovery.

For more information, visit NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “This development is a win-win for the community and the local council.

“Not only does it help unlock flood-resilient land for people to move off the floodplain, but it also helps the council and state government deliver on its promise of more homes for our growing population.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, “We are working with Richmond Valley Council as part of our strong commitment to addressing the ongoing and long-term recovery needs of the community.

“This investment will allow the council to complete important infrastructure investigations on land above the flood plain for the Northern Rivers community.

“Unlocking flood-resilient land gives people affected by the 2022 floods a wider range of relocation and housing opportunities, and demonstrates that we are with them for the long-term.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “Flood-affected communities across the Northern Rivers region have been waiting for safer land and housing options to be identified.

“Through Richmond Valley Council’s strategic planning initiative, up to 1500 homes may be developed at the Summerland Estate, which will give people real hope and opportunities.

“The Community Leaders Forum (seven mayors and six State and Federal MPs) early on adopted the principle of equity in recovery for the entire region affected by the 2022 floods.

“This Casino area announcement under the Resilient Lands Program is further proof that we are putting this important principle into action.”

Richmond Valley Mayor Cr Robert Mustow said, “It’s exciting times in the Richmond Valley with plans for new jobs and more houses on flood-free land and at more affordable prices compared to many areas across the Northern Rivers.

“This funding under the Reconstruction Authority’s Resilient Lands Program is welcomed and will enable us to progress the investigation work needed to complement the Summerland Estate proponent’s plans for 1500 new housing lots on the Summerland Way just north-west of Casino. This further investigation work aims to build the confidence in both levels of government to support investment in the necessary supporting infrastructure.

“The Richmond Valley community is bouncing back from multiple natural disasters and is poised to take on a regional leadership role by securing the infrastructure investment that will enable housing and industrial growth to contribute to easing the housing crisis across the Northern Rivers.”

Member for Clarence Richie Williamson said, “This funding is very welcome news and will allow flood-impacted individuals and families further options to relocate and build an affordable home on flood-free land in what is a magnificent part of the Northern Rivers.

“It gives people some certainty and confidence moving forward after what has been a very difficult period.

“I thank Richmond Valley Council for working constructively with the NSW Government and the Reconstruction Authority on identifying the housing lots, and look forward to plans progressing as quickly as possible.”