Premier promises demolition of illegal squatter homes in Lismore

In Lismore, a group of squatters has taken up residence on Pine Street, where they have occupied several empty homes. This situation has emerged as a response to the ongoing homelessness crisis in the area, which has worsened since devastating floods hit in 2022. Many, including a woman named Tina, moved here seeking shelter after long periods of instability. Tina and her teenage son were previously living in a car and a caravan for three years. She feels safer and more secure in her temporary home on Pine Street, which she describes as a community. The area has a variety of residents, including travelers and locals, who have come together to create a sense of belonging. The squatters have organized their camp with shared spaces for activities like music and gardening. Some members see their presence as a protest against the state government's slow recovery efforts after the floods. They claim that the government has failed to address the housing crisis effectively, despite promises of aid. NSW Premier Chris Minns has taken a hard stance against the squatters, threatening to demolish the homes they occupy. He argues that it is unreasonable for people to move back into places that the government will spend money to make safe. However, he acknowledges that he has only recently learned about negotiations between the Reconstruction Authority and the squatters. Despite eviction notices issued in January, the squatters remain in their homes. Lismore's Mayor Steve Krieg stated that local authorities have limited power to remove them, as it falls to the state government. The head of the Reconstruction Authority declined to comment, while the new NSW Recovery Minister, Janelle Saffin, admitted that recovery has progressed slowly and has been complicated by the squatters’ presence. Tina expressed concern about the possibility of being forced back onto the streets if the government follows through with demolition plans. She hopes for a reasonable offer from authorities to secure stable housing for herself and her son.