Jeff Gibbs
The Minns Labor Government has confirmed the future of nine flood buyback houses in the Northern Rivers—most in Lismore—following detailed assessments by the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA). The decision comes after the eviction of illegal occupants in August and marks a new phase in the region’s recovery from the catastrophic 2022 floods.
Under the plan, four houses will be relocated, four demolished, and one repurposed for social housing. The properties were purchased through the state’s landmark $880 million Resilient Homes Program (RHP), which aims to reduce flood risk and support safer, more resilient communities by removing or re-siting high-risk dwellings.
What’s happening and when
Beginning Monday, 29 September 2025, relocation crews will move four Lismore properties—70 Pine Street, 64 Pine Street, 166–172 Lake Street and 15 Little Keen Street—to a holding yard. The process is expected to take about two weeks. Once secured and prepared, these homes will be offered as part of a future round of the buyback auction program, which has already seen 80 properties find new owners in the region.
A separate property in Mullumbimby, previously occupied illegally, has been assessed as fit for ongoing use and will be repurposed for social housing, providing safe and secure accommodation for people in need.
Four Pine Street homes to be demolished
Independent engineering and contamination assessments found serious structural issues at four Lismore addresses, ruling out safe relocation. These dwellings will be demolished:
- 31 Pine Street: Three-storey home in poor condition; structure compromised and not relocatable.
- 35 Pine Street: Raised three-storey home in very poor condition; structure unsound and not suitable for relocation.
- 60 Pine Street: Slab-on-ground with brick base; very poor condition; not suitable for relocation.
- 62 Pine Street: Very poor condition; assessments confirm it is structurally unsound and not fit for relocation.
As part of the works program, hazardous materials (including asbestos) are being handled by licensed contractors in line with SafeWork NSW and NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) requirements. Asbestos removal is already underway this week.
Recycle, reuse, reduce landfill
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to relocating, recycling and reusing buyback homes wherever possible. Demolition contractors are required to maximise resource recovery, with more than 70% of materials—including timber, metal, concrete and green waste—recycled to date. Homeowners are also able to salvage parts of their former dwellings before demolition begins.
‘A significant step in reducing risk’
Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the scale and complexity of the RHP is unparalleled:
“The Resilient Homes Program is one of the largest recovery initiatives of its kind ever undertaken in Australia and of course has presented a number of challenges. But also opportunity for these flood-impacted houses and land to find a new purpose that creates a safer and more resilient community.”
Kristie Clarke, Executive Director Reconstruction at the NSW Reconstruction Authority, said removing the highest-risk homes will improve safety and momentum in the rebuild:
“The removal of these homes is a significant step in reducing risk, while also ensuring that works are carried out safely, responsibly and in partnership with the community.”
She added that RA remains focused on lawful, safe, long-term recovery:
“RA remains committed to supporting flood-affected communities and will continue to work in partnership with local councils, and other NSW government agencies to ensure recovery efforts are carried out lawfully, safely, and with a long-term focus on community resilience.”
Why it matters
For streets like Pine Street—repeatedly hit by major flood events—the combination of buybacks, relocations and targeted demolitions is designed to lower future disaster risk, while ensuring viable dwellings are reused and materials are recycled wherever possible. Coupled with ongoing social housing placements, the program aims to restore safety, support vulnerable residents, and reduce landfill as the Northern Rivers continues its complex, multi-year recovery.
At a glance
- Total homes involved: 9
- Relocated (to holding yard): 4 (70 Pine St; 64 Pine St; 166–172 Lake St; 15 Little Keen St)
- Demolished (structurally unsound): 4 (31, 35, 60, 62 Pine St)
- Repurposed for social housing: 1 (Mullumbimby)
- Relocation start: Monday, 29 September 2025 (approx. two weeks)
- Recycling: >70% of materials recovered to date under RHP demolition standards
As works progress, the NSW Reconstruction Authority says it will continue to engage with residents, councils and community organisations to ensure recovery decisions reduce risk, honour safety standards, and deliver long-term resilience for the Northern Rivers.
