Funding to help build 1500 flood-resilient homes for people in the region

The NSW Government will provide $245,000 to Richmond Valley Council to complete infrastructure investigations and technical reports to support the planning and delivery of the project.

There is no timeline on the project with flood-affected people to be prioritised into the 'affordable housing' development.

"It is a significant part of the recovery and builds on the resilient homes program, giving people the option to move into houses," Reconstruction Authority acting CEO Mal Lanyon said.

"The funding announcement gives council the ability to scope out and see what infrastructure we need to support the community so we can make a really important housing development."

The area was identified in council's housing strategy because it sits well above the floodplain, allowing for flood-resilient homes to be constructed, bringing people, jobs and growth to the region.

It follows the recent announcement of 400 lots in East Lismore and up to 50 new households in the Mount Pleasant Estate, Goonellabah, and funding for Byron Shire Council to complete strategic planning for the Saddle Road development at Brunswick Heads.

"It's an excellent location and gives the community options," Mr Lanyon said.

"I think you'll find many people will find it attractive.

"Our priority is getting people into permanent housing so they can move on with their lives."

The Resilient Lands Program will accelerate the delivery of new land and housing options, linking with the $700-million Resilient Homes Program, to give flood impacted homeowners a pathway to move to a safer location.

"It's a significant announcement and the commitment is to make it as affordable as we possibly can," Lismore MP and Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said.

"Flood-affected communities across the Northern Rivers region have been waiting for safer land and housing options to be identified.

"The Community Leaders Forum (seven mayors and six State and Federal MPs) early on adopted the principle of equity in recovery for the entire region affected by the 2022 floods.

"This Casino area announcement under the Resilient Lands Program is further proof that we are putting this important principle into action."

Richmond Valley mayor Robert Mustow said not everyone can afford to relocate to coastal areas and this would be an option many would jump at.