More Homes for the Northern Rivers as Junction Hill Site Released

In a signifcant step toward bolstering disaster-resilient housing in the Northern Rivers, the Minns Government has announced the release of land in Junction Hill near Grafton, as part of its broader initiative to deliver up to 1,000 new homes. This marks the seventh land release under the $100 million Resilient Lands Program (RLP), a key component of one of Australia’s largest food-resilience efforts, alongside the $790 million Resilient Homes Program funded jointly by the State and Commonwealth.

The Junction Hill site joins previously identifed locations in East Lismore, Goonellabah, North Lismore, Brunswick Heads, Casino, and Lennox Head-Ballina.

Collectively, these sites are expected to yield more than 4,300 homes across the region, addressing the critical need for safer and more resilient housing following the devastating 2022 foods.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA), Transport for NSW, and the Clarence Valley Council to outline necessary transport infrastructure improvements for the Junction Hill site. This infrastructure is crucial to supporting the anticipated growth and development in the area.

The NSW Government has also detailed its Resilient Lands Strategy, which identifes additional sites in Murwillumbah, Goonellabah, and Kyogle. The strategy, developed through extensive community consultation and expert peer review, aims to accelerate the supply of land for residents affected by the 2022 foods. It complements, rather than replaces, ongoing land releases and housing developments across the Northern Rivers.

The RA is now working with councils, landowners, infrastructure providers, and various partners to expedite land and housing developments as quickly as possible. For more information, visit the NSW Reconstruction Authority website.

Key Government Statements: Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul

Scully: “It is critical that communities are assisted in building resilience to natural disasters.

The release of land at Junction Hill and the Resilient Lands Strategy demonstrate that the Minns Government is serious about properly planning for the future. With housing stress and homelessness remaining high in the Northern Rivers, these initiatives are vital in creating up to 4,300 food-resilient home sites.”

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib: “The Resilient Lands Program will accelerate the delivery of new land and housing, providing locals with safer options. Clarence Valley is the ffth council to receive support under the program, and we will continue working with other councils to bring more housing to the Northern Rivers.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison: “The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring that people in the Northern Rivers have safer homes connected to essential services. Good transport infrastructure is vital for the success of new housing developments, and the release of land at Junction Hill will support this.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Janelle Saffn: “Floodaffected communities across the Northern Rivers have been keenly interested in safer land and housing options. I’m pleased to see Clarence Valley included in the Resilient Lands Program, and there is more to come.”

Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson:

“This site has been zoned for development for some time. It’s fat, food-free, and close to town—a rarity in the Northern Rivers.

The only thing holding back development is the necessary transport infrastructure upgrades, which this initiative aims to address.”

The release of the Junction Hill site and the broader Resilient Lands Strategy refect the NSW Government’s commitment to providing disaster-resilient housing and ensuring that the Northern Rivers community is better prepared for future challenges.