Report snapshot: The Resilient Homes and Resilient Lands Programs

Objective

This audit assessed whether the NSW Reconstruction Authority (the Reconstruction Authority) is effectively administering the Resilient Homes Program (RHP) and the Resilient Lands Program (RLP) to meet the programs’ objectives.

Key findings

The Resilient Homes and Resilient Lands Programs were not effectively planned

Key elements of planning were not undertaken before the RHP and the RLP were rolled out, including the development of detailed project plans and risk mitigations. This had a significant impact on their ongoing implementation and led to delays. There was no business case or cost-benefit analysis to inform the design and establishment of the programs.

The Reconstruction Authority is prioritising Resilient Homes Program funding based on risk

The approach adopted in June 2023 has ensured that funding is targeted to the RHP properties assessed as having the highest flood risk.

The Reconstruction Authority has reallocated funding from buybacks to increase the number of resilient measures

Following the increase in the RHP budget to $880 million, the Reconstruction Authority estimated that it would be able to support 1,345 buybacks and 420 resilient measures. 

In August 2025, it re-profiled program funding to work towards 1,000 buybacks and 600 resilient measures. This change was informed by community and local council feedback.

There have been persistent delays in the Resilient Homes Program

During early implementation of the RHP, it became clear that additional policy work was required, including the need for procedures on home relocations and the gifting of homes. This additional work, as well as changes to the delivery model for the resilient measures stream, contributed to delays in delivery.

The Reconstruction Authority has not effectively administered the Resilient Lands Program

The RLP was designed to help meet the demand for land and housing as estimated when the program was established. There have been significant delays in program delivery, including in finalising the Resilient Lands Strategy, and the program is yet to deliver any land for housing.

Recommendations

The report makes 5 recommendations for the Reconstruction Authority, including identifying opportunities to accelerate delivery of the RLP, improve planning for future disaster recovery and to ensure the appropriate use of bought-back land. These recommendations are outlined in Chapter 2.

Further information

Please contact Renee O'Kane, Chief of Staff, on 9275 7347 or by email.