Eight months after floodwaters engulfed Brian Burgin's home, the North Lismore resident can finally start making plans for his future.
He is one of the residents in the Northern Rivers region of NSW who may now be able to move to higher ground after the state and federal governments announced a $800 million program for flood-affected residents.
Mr Burgin said the announcement of a buyback scheme for flood victims across the Northern Rivers was "the best thing I've heard".
"Just the idea that I won't have to get drowned, it really makes a difference," Mr Burgin said.
"I'm just so happy the money has finally come through and that something is going to happen.
"Today is going to be the first step towards getting out."
Vicky Findlay's life has also been on hold awaiting the announcement, which promises to relocate residents from areas where major flooding would pose a catastrophic risk to life.
Eligibility will be based on expert property assessments, flood impact severity data, safety risks, and potential future flood levels.
Ms Findlay said she was concerned about the future of her community
"Communities are a lot more than where houses are," she said.
"At the moment, there's a strong community in North and South Lismore, so I would like to see more conversation about what we will look like at the end of all of this.
"We don't want to see the cultural aspects of our community torn apart."
Working with home owners
The Premier Dominic Perrottet said the buyback scheme would be at pre-flood prices, with $100 million set aside for state acquisition of flood-safe locations for future development.
The Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation is currently working to identify suitable parcels of land.
Head of the NRRC, David Witherden said the corporation would be working with home owners individually.
"We get these are really big decisions for people," Mr Witherden said.
He said options for people could include extended settlement periods of several years, moving their current home to higher ground or building a new one.
South Lismore resident Thelma James said a lot of residents in her area were elderly and had lived there for many years, and many would not be keen to move unless the suburb was moved en masse.
"Once you go out of here, you lose all your family and friends and neighbours," she said.
Leaders announce details
Speaking in Lismore this morning, the premier said applications for the scheme would open this week.
"Nothing compares with what we have seen on the Northern Rivers," Mr Perrottet said.
"This has been a devastating and difficult time."
"This is all about making sure we rebuild the Northern Rivers in a way that keeps our wonderful communities open but at the same time does so in a way that protects homes and protects people's lives."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was in Lismore for the announcement.
He said he had asked Mr Perrottet to lead a discussion in National Cabinet about how the lessons from the Northern Rivers could be applied nationally.
"To do better, to make sure we are not building on flood plains," Mr Albanese said.
"What we are going to have is better planning, make sure we recognise that climate change is having an impact."
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said it was a landmark announcement that she had been pushing for since the floods.
"It's the start of giving local people clarity and about choices in their future," Ms Saffin said.
"And it's what I call the beginning of our transformational adaptation to natural disasters."
