One of the long-held community wishes from the Resilient Homes Program was to see House Buybacks recycled rather than demolished.

Yesterday, the NSW RA (Reconstruction Authority) unveiled their plans to recycle and reuse building materials and record the historical and cultural significance of homes purchased under the Resilient Homes Program. 

No media was invited to the trial site announcement, but a statement said, "The RA is committed to maximising opportunities to reuse buyback homes wherever possible by relocating the homes to safer locations. For homes that are not able to be relocated, where it is economically viable, materials will be salvaged and recycled as much as possible, to reduce landfill.  

"Work is now underway on two trials involving the RA, Living Lab Northern Rivers, the RA’s home removal contractor, and a regional recycling expert, to identify cost-effective and efficient ways to recycle homes bought back through the Resilient Homes Program. 

"The first is a timber recycling trial, led by Associate Professor at the UTS School of Design Berto Pandolfo and involves the deconstruction of two buyback homes and the identification of any timber that has the potential to be reused. 

"A second recycling trial will also be conducted to test the cost-effectiveness of separation methods for reuse on residential and commercial projects. This trial will inform the framework for recycling future buyback homes.

"To assist community in better understanding the options for reusing and recycling timber in buyback homes, Living Lab Northern Rivers will host a timber industry workshop on Thursday, 29 August, to explore the possible uses of salvaged timber from buyback homes in the region. 

"Invitees will include those working in timber milling, reclaimed timber suppliers, recycled building material suppliers, cabinetry and furniture makers, architects, landscape architects, builders, local timber recycling businesses, timber millers, manufacturers and designers. 

"Community representatives will be invited to provide feedback on the outcomes of the industry workshop. 

"In addition, the RA and Living Lab Northern Rivers will partner on the Living Memory project, which will record the historical and cultural significance of character buyback homes and their surrounding areas.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, “The Northern Rivers is being transformed under programs like the Resilient Homes Program and Resilient Lands Program.

“But it is important to reuse and recycle materials where we can and preserve the memories of what we are taking away as well.”