On Lismore’s northern edge, a major development opportunity is emerging that could help reshape the city’s future after years of devastating floods.
A 75-hectare, flood-free landholding in Goonellabah is being formally launched this week, with proponents describing it as one of the most significant development sites to come to market in Northern New South Wales in recent years.
The multi-precinct site sits along the Bruxner Highway and is being positioned as a foundation for what many are already calling a “New Lismore”.
From flood recovery to future-focused growth
Located within the Lismore Shire, the site has gained attention not just for its size, but for its elevation and flood resilience, both now critical considerations for the region’s long-term recovery.
The project is being brought to market by RWC Burleigh Group, with director Nathan Huxham announcing the launch of the development opportunity at Lots 101–104 and 1055 Bruxner Highway.
“This is one of the most significant development opportunities we’ve seen in Northern NSW in recent years,” Mr Huxham said.
“The elevation, the scale and the diversity of permissible uses make this site genuinely transformative for the future of Lismore.”
A rare zoning shift unlocks scale and flexibility
The site has recently undergone a material change of use, transitioning from RU1 Primary Production zoning into a carefully considered mix of residential and commercial zones.
Under the coordinated master-plan framework, the land now includes:
- R1 General Residential
- R3 Medium Density Residential
- E1 Local Centre
This zoning mix opens the door to a wide range of development outcomes, allowing the site to evolve as a fully integrated community rather than a single-use estate.
“This isn’t a one-dimensional project,” Mr Huxham said.
“It’s a blank canvas for visionary developers who want to deliver housing, services and employment opportunities in one future-focused location.”
What could be built on the site?
The scale of the landholding allows for a breadth of uses rarely available in a single Northern Rivers development.
Proposed and permissible uses across the precinct include low and medium-density residential housing, land-lease communities, aged care and retirement living, childcare facilities, medical and educational services, retail and commercial centres, hospitality and short-stay accommodation, and a proposed drive-through service station with direct highway access.
Industrial and employment-generating uses are also part of the broader vision, supporting a more balanced local economy.
For a region rebuilding confidence after repeated flood events, that diversity matters.
Flood resilience at the core
After everything Lismore has experienced, flood resilience is no longer a buzzword. It is a baseline requirement.
According to Mr Huxham, the site’s elevation allows residents and businesses to operate with confidence.
“There’s a real focus on building smarter and more resilient,” he said.
“This location allows people to plan long-term, knowing they’re protected from future flooding events.”
That emphasis aligns with broader state and local government priorities encouraging development in safer locations rather than repeating historic mistakes.
Strategic connectivity across the Northern Rivers
Positioned just east of Lismore, Goonellabah continues to experience steady demand, supported by population growth and infrastructure investment.
The site’s location along the Bruxner Highway provides strong connectivity to Lismore’s CBD, Ballina, Byron Bay, and the broader Northern Rivers region, making it attractive to residents, businesses and service providers alike.
A signal of confidence in regional rebuilding
Interest is expected from local, interstate and institutional developers seeking scale, long-term certainty and exposure to a region undergoing structural change.
For Lismore, the project represents more than just another development listing.
It signals confidence.
It reflects lessons learned.
And it points to a future where growth is planned around resilience, employment and community needs.
“We’re seeing strong support from both state government and local council to encourage the right development in the right locations,” Mr Huxham said.
“This site aligns perfectly with that vision.”
The Good Builder perspective
For builders, planners and developers watching the Northern Rivers, this project is a reminder that regional rebuilding is not just about replacing what was lost.
It is about building smarter, higher and more deliberately.
As communities like Lismore redefine themselves after natural disasters, large-scale, flood-resilient master-planned opportunities like this will play a critical role in shaping where and how Australia builds next.
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