Authorities clash with squatters in Lismore over water supply disconnection

Illegal squatters have parked caravans over water lines “defending their water” as authorities attempted to disconnect supply to nine government-owned houses on Wednesday.

Northern Rivers homelessness and disaster recovery group Reclaim Our Recovery (ROR) said the “peaceful stand-off” comes after a number of attempts were made to negotiate a “humane solution” with the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA).

“The occupation of eight homes in a quiet backstreet of Lismore is being treated as so problematic that the authorities are willing to ignore basic public health and international law to push these people out,” ROR spokeswoman Miriam Torzillo said.

Fellow activist group House You spokeswoman Chels Hood Withey said the government's tactics were “breathtakingly callous”.

“The NSW government is knowingly creating a public health crisis by cutting off water and sanitation from people who have nowhere else to go,” she said.

The RA and NSW police reportedly visited eight North Lismore buyback properties occupied by squatters in January, issuing about 40 notices to vacate.

“This is the second time since June 2024 that such notices have been served,” an RA spokesperson told The Echo.

“For several months, NSW Police, RA, Homes NSW and Social Futures have made extensive efforts to engage with squatters, offering alternative accommodation and access to support services.

“While some individuals have left voluntarily, numerous properties remain occupied.”

The RA reportedly warned squatters it would look at “legal and other actions” if they did not vacate the properties by January 28.

“From when the notice was provided, squatters have seven days to vacate the premises before water services are permanently disconnected,” an RA spokesperson said.

“This decision has not been made lightly.

“The (Resilient Homes Program) was designed to support those genuinely affected by flooding, not to bear the cost of removing squatters from homes that are part of the buyback program.”

The activist groups argued the Pine St squatters included students, young workers and vulnerable community members whose basic sanitation had now been threatened by the RA.

“We are not surprised that politics is again triumphing over humanity, but we are disappointed that the Reconstruction Authority could be so intransigent and reckless in their approach,” Ms Hood Withey added.

NSW RA have been contacted for comment.

The news comes after Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan criticised the Labor Government last month for creating a “ghetto” by failing to address squatters in Lismore.

“They are mostly out-of-towners and backpackers, and have moved into these homes without permission, creating serious concerns for our community,” Mr Hogan said.

“Residents of North and South Lismore have told me this is a health and safety issue that needs urgent attention.

“If the government continues to sit on its hands, our community risks becoming a socioeconomic ghetto.”

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Ms Torzillo responded to Mr Hogan's claims, arguing the people living in the vacant buyback homes were keeping these areas safer.

“It is a much safer neighbourhood to live in than other parts of Lismore where houses remain empty,” she told The Echo.

“I worry when houses are empty, as they become mouldy, no one is there to respond if the fire alarm goes off etc.

“I would rather know that an empty house now has someone living there who treats it as a home, who has some commitment to it.”