The housing crisis in Lismore and the Northern Rivers is well documented, and solutions look likely to appear in two to three years.

In the meantime, plans are slowly being released so residents understand what options are available, such as three NSWRA (Reconstruction Authority) Resilient Lands locations in East Lismore, North Lismore and Goonellabah.

Another important, not well-known option is the first of the NSW Government’s low and mid-rise housing reforms, which have come into effect in all LGAs in the Lismore Electorate.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the changes allow development applications for dual occupancies and semi-detached dwellings for more R2 low-density residential zones (R1 is general residential). 

“This is an important reform that provides more housing options suitable to people’s needs across our region.

“For families needing more space and multi-generational families there are more housing options that could stop a generation of young people having to leave the area.

“And for people wanting to downsize, well-designed dual occupancies can also open up opportunities to stay in their community.

“Dual occupancies give people with suitable blocks the potential to double the housing capacity by adding a second dwelling or replacing one existing home with two dwellings.

“Importantly, these reforms can lead to a broader variety of housing options in our flood-affected towns and cities, where we desperately need more housing to meet the huge demand.

“More housing choice means more options for everyone, renters, families, empty-nesters and single people,” Ms Saffin said.

The reforms which took effect on July 1 2024 require councils to consider greater choice and housing supply. Local councils will remain the primary assessor of development applications.