Squatters Evicted from Flood-Buyback Homes in NSW Northern Rivers

A prolonged two-year standoff between squatters and the NSW government has concluded with the eviction of occupants from multiple flood-damaged properties in the Northern Rivers region.

The properties, located in Lismore and Mullumbimby, were acquired by the state under a post-2022 flood buyback scheme. This week, the NSW Sheriff’s Office enforced court orders by removing occupants and securing 10 of the affected homes.

Squatters were given just 20 minutes to collect essential belongings before the properties were boarded up. Many had already left ahead of the eviction, anticipating the enforcement action following a NSW Supreme Court ruling in May and formal vacate notices issued in June.

Among those evicted was June D, who had been living in a Lake Street home in Lismore. She described the eviction as distressing and disorienting.

"It was just pretty bad to have that realisation that today was the day," she said. "They told me I had 20 minutes to get all my important belongings, which was hard in that state of mind-being evicted and stressed."

June D was temporarily placed in emergency motel accommodation by Homes NSW and said she would store her belongings in a friend's caravan while considering her next steps.

"I have a lot of community support, so I can stay with them while I figure something out," she said. "I'd love to be in a home like the one I was just in, especially these beautiful Lismore homes. I hope they're relocated rather than demolished."

Laurie Fraser, who had lived in a Pine Street property for about a year after experiencing homelessness, was also offered short-term emergency housing. He expressed concern that the cycle would continue, with displaced squatters likely to occupy other vacant buyback homes in the region.

The evictions follow an announcement earlier this year by Premier Chris Minns that the properties would be cleared and demolished as part of the region's flood recovery plan.

Greens MP Sue Higginson criticised the decision, saying it directly led to the current situation.

NSW Reconstruction Authority executive Amanda Leck said gaining access to the homes was essential for advancing long-term recovery efforts in the region.

"This includes working with councils on future land use," she said. "Formal assessments will now determine whether each property is suitable for relocation or demolition, enabling the next phase of recovery to move forward without further delay."