The NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSWRA) has won its case in the NSW Supreme Court to regain possession of its buyback houses in Lismore and Mullumbimby.

ABC News this morning said Justice T Faulkner ruled against the illegal squatters yesterday in Sydney when he gave possession back to the NSWRA. The squatters have been occupying flood-affected homes bought back through the RA's Resilient Homes Program since mid-2023.

A spokesperson for the NSW Reconstruction Authority said, "The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) welcomes yesterday’s judgment in the NSW Supreme Court regarding the matter involving illegal occupants in Pine Street and other Government owned properties in the Northern Rivers. 

"These homes were bought back by the Government because they pose a serious and ongoing risk to human life.

"We will now seek to obtain a writ of possession from the Court to enforce the judgement.

"The RA will continue working through the Courts and with the Police to resolve this issue."

Meanwhile, the NSWRA is releasing more homes for sale across the Northern Rivers after a very strong community response to the first-ever home relocation Expression of Interest process.

The method of purchase has changed from an expression of interest to an auction. Twenty (20) flood-affected properties are online now on the PRD Northern Rivers website, with more added in the coming week. The homes are in Lismore, Kyogle, Murwillumbah and Woodburn.

In the first expression of interest round, 31 homes were available, attracting just over 10 individual offers, according to the NSWRA.

PRD Northern Rivers are engaging with successful bidders from the first release to begin the contracting process, with homes to be relocated within 12 months.

(14 Cathcart Street, Lismore, ready for auction)

The NSWR say they remain firmly committed to reusing and relocating as many flood-affected homes as possible.

Most submissions for the EOI were from local community members who have land within the Northern Rivers.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “It’s great to see that there are so many people who are ready to buy and relocate homes that were bought back by the Reconstruction Authority.

“The demand from the public is there, and we want to resell as many homes as possible so people can relocate them to safer areas. I’m looking forward to seeing more homes available for purchase and relocation soon.”

“This isn’t just about making sure we keep using the existing housing infrastructure whenever possible, its also about making sure our region doesn’t lose its unique character while we help move people out of harm’s way.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said, “The people of the Northern Rivers told us that as well as having access to homes safely located away from floodplains, they wanted to retain and preserve where appropriate the sense of community by repurposing older homes in the area, and we are excited by the response from potential homeowners.”

“We know there are more people who are seeking homes, and we are working quickly to make more homes available to the community.”