Flood-impacted homeowners across the Northern Rivers have been given more time to decide whether to raise, retrofit or relocate their homes.

The NSW Government today announced an extension to Resilient Homes Program timelines, giving participants longer to complete major recovery decisions and works.

Buyback settlements will continue through late 2026.

Resilient measures, including home raising and retrofitting, can now be completed up to December 2028.

The extension is aimed at helping homeowners deal with builder shortages, design delays, planning issues and the difficulty of making long-term decisions after the 2022 floods.

For people considering raising or retrofitting, the extra time allows them to seek advice, secure builders, finalise plans and complete construction.

For homeowners looking to relocate, the extension gives more time to secure land and approvals, including through the Resilient Lands Program.

In Lismore, planned land releases include Mount Pleasant Estate, North Lismore and East Lismore.

Mount Pleasant Estate is expected to have land and houses for sale from June 2026, with first preference for eligible owner-occupier participants.

North Lismore, on Dunoon Road, is expected to begin pre-sales in mid to late 2026, with lots ready in the second half of 2027.

East Lismore, at Crawford Road, is also expected to begin pre-sales in mid to late 2026, with stage one lots ready from mid to late 2027.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority will provide direct communication to homeowners about the changes.

Participants will also have access to information sessions and concierge support to help them understand their options.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said recovery involved deeply personal decisions.

“This extension gives more time for participants to weigh their options, secure a builder, and move forward with their recovery,” she said.

“We have listened to the community’s concerns, particularly about local building constraints.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority chief executive Kate Fitzgerald said the revised timelines were designed to better align home recovery with land release.

“A key priority is ensuring land supply and housing pathways are progressing in step,” she said.

The Resilient Homes Program is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.