Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin says she is bitterly disappointed with the NSW Government’s announcement earlier today of an EOI process for landholders to identify possible development sites.

“Our community members have been eagerly anticipating the announcement of the EOI process for buybacks, relocatables, voluntary landswaps and house-raising.

“They were NOT eagerly awaiting a landholders EOI process.

“After six months wait we get this pathetic little announcement.

“We already know where the available land is.

“Landholders have been coming to me for the last six months identifying available sites and the government has this information.

“The Government needs to get the machinery of government into gear. They can do it all together – call for the EOIs for buy backs, relocatable homes, house raising and landswaps now.

“I cannot comprehend their thinking. Are we to wait another six months for action on housing options?

Earlier today, the NSW Government released a press statement that read:

The NSW Government launched a program to identify land in the Northern Rivers that could be considered for potential future developments, as part of a larger plan to build back more resilient communities.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Resilient Land Program is a critical step in the Northern Rivers recovery and rebuild effort to help ensure homes and businesses are more resilient to the impact of future disasters.

"We can't continue to build the way we have in the past, and this program will help ensure that we are planning and developing in a way that will protect lives and property by reducing risk as we move forward," Mr Toole said.

"We need to know what land is available to help us engage with residents, businesses and developers about the long-term recovery planning - we're not just rebuilding for now, we are building back better for years to come.

"The NSW Government will continue to work with councils, local organisations and developers to identify suitable land earmarked for future development."

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said reducing the risk of future floods requires a change to the use of flood-prone land.

"Having spoken to hundreds of residents and business owners in the Northern Rivers, I know today's announcement has been eagerly anticipated because it is an important step towards recognising sites for future development," Ms Cooke said.

Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation Chief Executive David Witherdin said the EOI will consider factors such as location away from high-risk flood and bushfire-prone areas, land larger than two hectares, and proximity to existing towns with planned or enabling infrastructure including power, water, sewerage and communications.

"We don't want to just build back anywhere, and a key consideration is ensuring residents can relocate to areas with existing community infrastructure and amenities, so they can start their lives afresh, not from scratch," Mr Witherdin said.

To register interest, or for further information, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/NRRC.

The Australian and NSW governments have invested more than $3.5 billion to help flood-impacted communities recover through programs such as the Flood Property Assessment Program and Disaster Relief Grants program, which are making homes safe and habitable.

Details about further recovery and rebuilding programs will be announced soon.