The Resilient Homes program aims to strengthen NSW properties against future floods. Photo: NSW Rural Assistance Authority.
The NSW Government is reminding the public to apply for support under the Resilient Homes Program.
The Rural Assistance Authority initiative offers eligible residents the chance to have their homes bought back or receive funding to repair and strengthen their properties against future floods.
The final round of funding ensures affected properties have access to measures that prioritise the recovery, safety and long-term resilience of households.
Buyback applications close on 31 December, and requests for grants for resilience repairs close on 31 March, 2026. The program will be fully completed by the end of June 2027.
Since the program began in 2022, more than 1300 homeowners have been contacted to progress buybacks, with 930-plus offers issued, 844 accepted and 732 homes settled.
“This final stage of the program is about making sure every family has the support they need to choose what’s best for them,” NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said.
“Our community deserves the chance to rebuild safely and with the peace of mind that comes from knowing their future will be stronger.”
All buyback settlements are expected to be completed by June of next year, with relocations to be finalised by the end of 2026.
The government said the Northern Rivers Resilient Homes Program was the largest climate adaptation scheme of its kind in the nation.
The program is aimed at removing residents from flood-prone areas while laying a basis for future land use planning, with the ultimate goal of making high-risk areas easier to manage sustainably and safely.
Eligible homeowners may receive:
- Up to $50,000 to retrofit properties with flood-resilient materials
- Up to $100,000 to relocate, raise or rebuild their home
- An additional $20,000 to help cover the upfront costs of planning or consultants.
Eligibility criteria for the grants have recently been updated for Mullumbimby, Tumbulgum, South Lismore, Broadwater, Wardell, Woodburn, Coraki and Murwillumbah.
Under the new measures, the previous floor-level requirement for some homes has been removed, meaning more homeowners who were severely impacted in the 2022 floods may be eligible for support.
Dedicated support is also available through the Resilient Homes Program’s Customer Engagement Team, which can help homeowners with eligibility advice, grant applications and the steps following assessment reports, and guidance on planning and construction.
“The Resilient Homes Program has already made a real difference for hundreds of households, helping people progress buybacks, home assessments and resilience works,” the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s acting head of adaptation, mitigation and reconstruction Kristie Clarke said.
“Our priority is ensuring homeowners have the information and support they need to complete their applications and begin works, giving them the best opportunity to protect their homes and families.”
Homeowners can also speak with staff, builders and experts at the upcoming information sessions, expos and community pop-ups, or via phone on 1800 844 085.
More information on applications can be found on the NSW Government’s website.
