The first home buyback offer has been made to survivors of the deadly Lismore floods almost a year after catastrophic rain devastated the Northern Rivers region.
The NSW government confirmed the first offer on Tuesday, with further deals for most at-risk 250 homeowners to ramp up in the coming months.
Record flooding hit the Northern Rivers in February and March last year, killing five people, destroying 4000 homes and leaving communities devastated.
The destruction led to a $700 million commitment from the state and federal government, with $520 million allocated to buying back properties from people living in flood-prone areas.
Further funding was for flood-proofing homes through retrofitting, house raising and repair, for which the corporation has received more than 6000 applications.
Close to four months after the government announced the funding, not a single buyback had been completed and no retrofitting, repair or house-raising packages had been brokered.
Last month, Lismore locals held protests outside the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation, accusing the body of failing to communicate with them.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said the package was one of a number being offered in the region, and was about protecting families from future harm.
"By getting people out of harm's way we can help to prevent repeats of the life-altering floods we've seen in the last few years in the Northern Rivers," Mr Watt said on Tuesday.
The program has prioritised buyback packages for 250 residents areas most at risk of renewed flooding.
Those 250 offers will be made by the end of April, NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole said, and further offers for the more than 6000 residents who had registered would flow from there.
"The first buyback offers mark an important milestone for the recovery of the Northern Rivers," he said.
"This can give the community the confidence that we are moving forward with our promised support and confirms we will leave no one behind on the recovery ahead."
Every resident registered with the Resilient Homes program would be contacted about their eligibility for a buyback, house raising or retrofitting packages, Northern Rivers Reconstruction Council chief David Witherdin said.
"I cannot overstate the scale, complexity and importance of the Resilient Homes Program," he said.
"(I) want everyone to know we are committed to working with and listening to the community, ensuring homeowners have the information they need and providing access to independent support and advisory services," Mr Witherdin said.
