More residents return home in flood-damaged northern NSW

Communities across northern New South Wales are beginning their second flood clean-up in a month as water levels begin to recede.

More residents are now able to return home to low-lying properties in East Bellingen, Bulahdelah and in North Bellingen after the State Emergency Service issued an all-clear.

A major flood warning remains for the Richmond River.

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'A lot of work'

Some residents in Lismore are so traumatised by the recent floods, they don't think they'll be able to live in the town again.

Others are bracing for a second clean-up and beginning to grasp the extent of the damage.

"We're getting really good at it," Oscar Bakos told 9News when asked how he felt about the second recovery effort.

For a lot of Lismore residents, they will have to start over for a second time.

"We have to start fresh, got to get everything new again. As long as we're here, we've got each other, that's the main thing really," Theodora, a Lismore resident, said.

"We have to redo the place and keep going," another resident said.

"A lot of work, a lot of hours."

Others are now counting the cost of repairing and refurbishing their homes.

"We're probably down about $400,000 or $500,000 already," one resident told 9News.

The second wave of flooding in Lismore saw water levels peak at 11.40 metres on 5pm on Wednesday.

Residents in low-lying areas of Mullumbimby, North Macksville, Kings Point, Nambucca Heads, Condong, Tumbulgum and Kyogle were permitted to return home on Thursday afternoon the NSW SES announced.

Shortly after the order was lifted, police announced they believed they had found the body of aged care nurse Anita Brakel, 55, in North Lismore days after she went missing in floodwaters.

It is the third flood related fatality in this week's wet weather, after two men died in Queensland on Tuesday.

Weather system moves south

A moderate flood warning is current for the Wilsons River at Lismore.

BoM said the low pressure system that wreaked havoc in state's north is moving south.

"There's the chance of up to 150mm of rain for parts NSW over the next four days, as the focus shifts to the South Coast," the Bureau said.

Meanwhile, damaging winds have hit Sydney, bringing down trees and even tearing off a roof.

A Storm Force Wind Warning and gale warning has been issued for most of the NSW east coast.

Strong winds will also be felt across Byron, which was hit by extensive flash flooding earlier this week.

Major roads damaged by landslips

Residents in flood-affected communities are being urged to be careful on roads as many have been damaged by heavy rains and floodwaters.

"Many major roads have been damaged by the heavy rainfall and subsequent landslips overnight," Resilience NSW said.

"Please reconsider travel to flood-affected areas at this time and if you must travel, take care and follow the instructions of road crews."

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Landslides have also begun to occur on the Gold Coast and in Byron Bay.

It comes after more than 300mm of rain was recorded on the Gold Coast earlier this week.