Governments have called an end to housing developments on floodplains as a major buyback scheme is unveiled for people affected by catastrophic flooding in the New South Wales (NSW) Northern Rivers.
The $520 million (US$335 million) buyback scheme is the centrepiece of an $800 million package co-funded by the NSW and federal governments to give 2000 flood-impacted residents the opportunity to raise, repair or retrofit their houses.
For homes in the most at-risk areas of Lismore and the surrounding Northern Rivers region, governments will offer to buy the home and land from the owner.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the package offers a way forward for communities devastated by repeated flooding this year….