Tensions rise over squatters in flood buyback homes, Lismore

A group of Lismore locals and itinerant workers - some of whom say they have nowhere left to go - have found refuge squatting in a number of flood-hit buyback homes, but the state government wants them gone.

Northern Rivers residents unable to find secure accommodation who are now squatting in a buyback home in North Lismore want to remain in the home until it is relocated off the flood plain, despite threats of police involved eviction.

A group of Lismore locals and itinerant workers - some of whom say they have nowhere left to go - have found refuge squatting in a number of flood-hit buyback homes, but the state government wants them gone.

After a vigil was held in support of the squatters at the weekend, they could be facing the prospect of fines, homelessness, and possible deportation for unlawfully living in the dwellings, which are owned by the state government’s NSW Reconstruction Authority.

But as the region’s housing crisis continues to plague residents, squatting in the homes, which do not have power, was seen as “the best option”.

Northern Rivers locals along with itinerant workers have shacked up in four Reconstruction Authority houses in North Lismore. Picture: Cath Piltz

The group has taken refuge in four houses on Pine St and Baillie St, North Lismore.

One resident, a local youth worker, has been living in one of the buyback homes for about two months after her rental situation went south.

She said she had been bumped around in temporary motel accommodation and needed a stable home base to live in.

“They (housing agency) said they could extend it (accommodation) for an unknown period of time, and I’d get put on a list, be given a caseworker then find a home.

“They couldn’t tell me how long this would take. It varied so much and to me, it was so unstable.

“These houses are empty, they’re beautiful and need to be cared for … it made more sense to move in and care for them,” she said.

“I needed somewhere to live and this seemed to be the best option – everyone has a right to a home.”

A strong community turnout last Friday prepared to greet Police after NSWRA told residents the police had been called. Picture: Cath Piltz

Police issued residents orders to vacate yet have not returned, Lismore resident Andrew George said.

With Public Works managing buyback properties, communication with the residents has stalled.

During a community vigil, supporters acted to remove fencing and boards on a home and display signs reading “Occupation until Relocation” and “Precarity is Painful”.

A community vigil to remove fencing and allow those without a home to occupy an abandoned buyback home in North Lismore. Picture: Cath Piltz

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg told ABC radio North Coast council were working with the state government to find alternative housing for flood impacted residents.

He said the message to invite people to Lismore for free accommodation wasn’t the message council were wanting to send out.

Mr Krieg said there were reasons the houses are unoccupied and cited safety issues including mould.

“They’ve been bought back by the state government to hopefully be relocated to new sites or for the structurally unsound houses to be demolished.”

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said squatters in Lismore is not the message the council is wanting to send.

However, there has been an outpouring of community support for the use of buyback homes, with many residents saying the houses could still be of use.

Pine St resident and immediate neighbour, Paul Paitson, who declined a buyback offer, said the occupants were “great”.

“They’re thoughtful, kind, helpful – great neighbours, and great for our community. The houses were refurbished after the flood and deserve to be lived in,” he said.

Northern Rivers residents unable to find secure accommodation who are now squatting in a buyback home in North Lismore want to remain in the home until it is relocated off the flood plain, despite threats of police involved eviction. Picture: Cath Piltz

The NSW Reconstruction Authority said their first priority would be to relocate homes subject to a buyback, but if that wasn’t feasible then materials would be reused and recycled.

As part of the buyback process, services including power and water were disconnected and fencing erected at each premises to prevent unauthorised persons from entering the houses to reduce the risk of injury.

“The unauthorised use of the properties without services, provides an unacceptable risk to the health and safety of those persons, including an increased risk from fire and sanitation issues as well as the impact of mould,” a spokesman said.

“The RA has been working with Homes NSW and the NSW Police Force with a view to having the persons leave those houses voluntarily.

“This has included the offer of alternate and more appropriate housing solutions. An offer which has so far been refused.”

Northern Rivers locals along with itinerant workers have shacked up in four Reconstruction Authority houses in North Lismore saying they will occupy the repaired and liveable homes until they are relocated.

Members of community-driven group Reclaim our Recovery plan to seek an audience with the reconstruction authority in moving forward with allowing people to live in buyback homes this week.

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