The people occupying buyback houses in Lismore were able to come together with the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) on Friday to talk about potential ways to move forward following the RAs attempt to disconnect water to some of the premises.
‘The meeting, facilitated by Superintendent Scott Tanner, occurred after authorities attempted to disconnect water services to the occupied homes in the flood-buyback zone – despite residents’ consistent offers to pay for these essential utilities,’ said House You following the meeting.
It is understood that the negotiations came after the RA disconnected water to one house occupied by a single mother, and attempted to disconnect water at a Pine Street house.
‘Today’s direct negotiation between Pine Street residents and the RA shows what’s possible when communities are treated as stakeholders, not problems. Basic utilities and housing are human rights. When we move from confrontation to transparent dialogue, we can find solutions that work for everyone,’ says Kitty McMahon, community organiser.
Alternative accommodation
The RA has previously told The Echo that they have made numerous attempts to assist those living in these houses into alternative accommodation.
‘The NSW Reconstruction Authority, (RA), NSW Police, Homes NSW and Social Futures have made extensive efforts to engage with the illegal occupants, offering alternative accommodation and access to support services. Most offers have been rejected,’ a NSW Reconstruction Authority spokesperson said.
However, House You say that ‘the only alternative accommodation offered by NSW RA and Homes NSW has been Link2Home – providing just seven days in a motel. With social housing waitlists extending beyond 10 years and no affordable rental options in the region.’
Preserving Big Scrub houses
Chels Hood Withey of House You pointed out that, ‘The RA’s obsession with vacant possession of the buyback process, not only caused issues for previous homeowners and renters while there was no resilient land to relocate their homes to; it created ghost towns across the region and a breakdown in communities – streets of boarded-up, abandoned houses with no clear timeline for relocation.’
‘In hindsight, the Resilient Lands Strategy should have come first, before the Resilient Homes Program (buyback process). As such, the community was forced to act to look after their own, as they did during the 2022 Flood. While we face a homelessness epidemic, Pine Street has spent the last 10 months as a rare example of community-led emergency accommodation, protecting these historic Big Scrub homes from vandalism and deterioration while providing crucial shelter to those in need.’
Neighbour and spokesperson for Reclaim Our Recovery (ROR) Miriam Torzillo said that they have suggested a range of ways to utilise the empty house in partnership with RA but that they have so far not had engagement.
‘Pine Street residents have consistently offered to support proper relocations with clear timelines – even easier now for inspections through RA’s current EOI process as the homes are open (unboarded) and looked after by tenants,’ she said.
Flood-affected resident and local artist Antoinette O’Brien highlighted that after, ‘three years after the floods, we need solutions that address both flood safety and housing needs.’
‘The community has offered multiple pathways forward. What’s lacking isn’t options – it’s the NSW RA’s willingness to work with those their decisions directly impact.’
♦ Comment has been sought from the NSW RA.
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