Supreme Court rules squatters to go

After a months-long tussle the NSW Supreme Ruled has ruled in favour of the Reconstruction Authority to remove residents currently squatting in buyback houses. Photo: FACEBOOK

THE New South Wales Supreme Court has ruled that squatters living in flood buyback homes in the Northern Rivers must vacate the commandeered properties, ending months-long conflict and protests.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) has welcomed the judgment regarding the illegal occupants of Pine Street and other government-owned properties.

Justice Tim Faulkner ruled the RA could possess the properties currently barricaded by the squatters in Mullumbimby and North Lismore and granted it the right to issue a writ of possession to enforce the removal of occupants.

“These homes were bought back by the Government because they pose a serious and ongoing risk to human life,” an RA spokesperson said.

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

Community members attempted to save the still habitable houses that were deemed part of the Resilient Homes buyback scheme after the 2022 floods.

Housing advocate Chels Hood Withey has campaigned volubly for the rights of local residents in the houses over recent months, and the ruling will see her removed from the Mullumbimby property where she currently lives.

The RA said it would not release further information as the matter was still before the court.