Symbols of love mask lingering anxiety of flood-hit residents in Lismore

Banners bearing love hearts hang from windows and fences around Lismore, as symbols of hope.

Displaced residents such as Gray Wilson, a disability support worker, have put their lives on hold while the government pauses to consider relocating schemes like that implemented in Grantham after the deaths of 21 people in flash flooding in 2011.

Eli Roth, a South Lismore homeowner who survived the February flood on his roof while holding his two dogs , says his plans change almost daily.

The pair were asked to investigate the lead-up, response and recovery to the catastrophic floods that tore through towns in the region and saw hundreds of homes destroyed and thousands of people displaced.

The report is likely to include future disaster mitigation recommendations, which may propose a land buy-back scheme for businesses and homeowners in the worst-hit spots.

But it could still be weeks before the government releases the findings and hands down its response.

In the centre and low-lying parts of town, many homes are missing walls, fixtures, windows and lights. Many residents are waiting to hear what their options are before sinking more money into repairs. Some are sleeping in caravans, others in tents or in spare rooms of friends.

But Roth feels differently.

Even some of the biggest businesses in town have taken months to reopen, but dozens are still shuttered.

She wants everyone to be able to make their own choice about their future, which means more government assistance to either rebuild or relocate.

Since the floods, Ryan has turned to craft-based activism and spearheaded the Lismore heart banner drive that she revived from a smaller community effort after the 2017 floods.

Jean Renouf, Founder and chair of Resilient Byron, moved to Goonellabah on the outskirts of Lismore, just days before the first flooding event of the year and saw the profound impact each event had on his community.

The father of two felt determined to rebuild after the first flood , but his confidence wavered when the second flood hit just weeks later.

But he wants to see how the government plans to rebuild the community spirit in the region, as well as all the damaged structures.

The report is expected to include details about how to keep emergency services and first responders safe and the coordination and collaboration between all levels of government.

Roth hopes whatever the report says brings him some clarity about the future, more funding and reminds people across the country that Lismore is still struggling.