It has been nine days since Premier Chris Minns declared the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) will demolish buyback houses occupied by illegal squatters.

The Lismore App asked the NSWRA for an update on the situation.

A spokesperson for the NSWRA said:

"The NSW Reconstruction Authority is working to engage additional contractors to undertake demolitions as quickly as possible following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

"The demolitions will be focussed on houses which had been bought back and had been further impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and those properties in the highest flood and safety risk areas.

"RA is working with Police to resolve the issue of occupants illegally living in homes devastated by the catastrophic 2022 floods.

"Illegal occupancy obstructs our efforts to repurpose, relocate or demolish these properties, delaying the community’s recovery and safety.

"These homes were bought back by the Government because they pose a serious and ongoing risk to human life. The most recent operational planning for ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred demonstrated the vulnerability of the bought-back homes and the significant burden placed on the NSW SES, who undertook doorknocking as part of evacuation orders.

(Pine Street on March 8 2025)

"Pine Street, where illegal occupants have been staying, was impacted by the cyclone, with the street flooded and occupants subject to an evacuation order by the SES. 

"It is untenable for them to return and illegally occupy these homes again."