Eight months since widespread flooding devastated much of the NSW Northern Rivers region, the state and federal governments have announced $800 million in funding to help people move, or make their home more flood resilient.
What we know
About 2,000 home owners in in the Lismore, Ballina, Byron, Tweed, Kyogle, Richmond Valley and Clarence Valley shires will be eligible for the scheme.
Home owners with properties directly damaged either by floodwater or subsequent landslips will be considered.
Eligibility will be based on expert property assessments, flood impact severity data, safety risks and potential future flood levels.
Know as the Resilient Homes Program, the scheme is expected to be funded and delivered in phases over the next five years, with $700 million shared equally between the state and federal governments.
The remaining $100 million is for the state government's land acquisition program, which will involve buying land in flood-safe locations for future development.
The program offers three options for home owners: buybacks, house-raising and retrofitting homes.
Buyback scheme
The bulk of the money, $520 million, will go towards voluntary buybacks for people living in the most vulnerable areas where major flooding would pose a catastrophic risk to life.
The Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation has said the home owner would receive a payment for the purchase of their house and land.
The exact location of these areas are yet to be revealed, with buyback zones expected to be discussed at community meetings to be held from next Friday.
Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation chief executive David Witherden said people would be free to take their payout money and move to wherever they chose.
Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader, who said she has been briefed on the scheme, told the ABC some homes could be offered a buyback on the basis of their proximity to the flood event.
"If the whole street was flooded and one house was not, they will also be offered a buyback if it's been offered to the whole street," she said.
House-raising scheme
Eligible residents will be able to apply for up to $100,000 each to raise their homes by elevating liveable areas to a property-specific flood level.
Mr Witherden said the funding would be for homes in areas where there was less flood risk.
He said the location and the design of the house would come into play, depending on how easy it would be to elevate.
Ms Cadwallader said people had expressed concern costs could exceed $100,000.
"If it goes over $100,000, the landowner will be asked to go in 50/50 with government," she said.
"For example if it costs $120,000, the landowner will be expected to put in $10,000."
Retrofitting homes
Eligible residents will be able to apply for up to $50,000 each to retro-fit houses so they are better able to withstand flooding.
Mr Witherden said the option was for houses in areas less susceptible to severe flooding.
"We start with those most at risk with the potential for a buyback, then as the risk reduces the opportunities are there for house raising," Mr Witherden said.
"And then, you know, as you sort of work further out, then it's around resilient rebuilding."
What you need to do
If you think you are eligible for any of the three types of assistance under the Resilient Homes Program, go to reconstruction commission's website to register your details.
The reconstruction commission said it would begin its customer outreach program from next week and contact eligible property owners.
Further information will be available at public information sessions, which will be held across all seven Northern Rivers local government areas from November 4.
Ms Cadwallader said one case manager would be assigned to each property so people only needed to explain their details once.
"There's hardship clauses as well that will be assessed on an individual basis," she said.
But Ms Cadwallader said it would not be quick process.
"Obviously there's skill labour shortage right across the board, then planning to go through with local council once land is acquired," she said.
