LISMORE MP Janelle Saffin has made a special request to the NSW Government for $7.5 million to enable two townhouse developments in East Lismore and Goonellabah, adding 66 flood-free, affordable units to the city's housing stock.
Ms Saffin confirmed she had asked NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet to bankroll the fully costed, detailed proposals developed by Landcom and already sent to Government.
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"We are now seeing the fruits of a regional roundtable and site inspections organised by me for Landcom's former CEO John Brogden late last year," Ms Saffin said.
"A $7.5-million Government investment would give the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation two immediate housing projects to drive as we start rebuilding from July 1, providing real hope to the people of Lismore in particular.
"Landcom has briefed me on a planning and risk assessment package they have done on the two townhouse development sites identified by Lismore City Council - in Cynthia Wilson Drive, East Lismore, and in Bristol Circuit, Goonellabah.
"I've been working strategically with others to address the housing affordability crisis we face here in Lismore and across the region. The floods make it much more dire.
"This is a golden opportunity to build mainly affordable housing and some social housing out of the floodplain, with an indicative completion date of the end of 2024.
"I've also asked the Premier to give strong consideration to including Landcom in the NSW Government's Regional Housing Taskforce and then as a partner with the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation as part of our rebuild."
Landcom - the NSW Government's land and property development organisation - has been consulting with Lismore City, Byron Shire and Tweed Shire councils on potential affordable and social housing projects.
