Fact: We have always said that while our priority is to relocate homes wherever possible, some properties must be demolished. This includes homes that are structurally unsound, severely dilapidated, located in high-risk flood zones, or otherwise unsafe to live in. Certain types of construction, such as brick-on-slab homes, may also not be suitable for relocation.
All buyback participants are given the opportunity to either relocate or gift their homes. They can also retain materials for future use, including windows, solar panels, and kitchen fixtures.
Progressing this program is essential to support future land use planning in partnership with the 7 councils and local communities.
We are committed to recycling and reusing as much material as possible during demolition. To date, more than 70% of all materials have been recycled (excluding material contaminated by asbestos), including metal, concrete and timber.
Can I purchase recycled materials?
Demolition contractor/s will separate all materials to maximise recycling and reduce landfill disposal. Once separated, materials will be directed to appropriate recycling facilities.
Community members may contact demolition contractors directly regarding materials from a specific site. Contact details for demolition contractor can be found on site fencing or in the neighbour demolition notice.
Fact: Buyback homes are being continuously gifted and relocated. Our Concierge Team is supporting many of these as they plan their relocation.
Homeowners continue to relocate their homes to a safer site. Just prior to Christmas the RA moved four buyback homes to the Mount Pleasant Estate to show what is possible.
We continue to release homes for auction as part of a rolling program.
Fact: Once a property is settled under the buyback program, it is owned by the RA on behalf of the NSW Government. Former owners are always contacted prior to any demolition. While relocation is the priority, some homes must be demolished due to safety, structural integrity, or flood risk concerns.
Fact: The average cost to demolish a home is around $75,000. Relocating a home costs between $80,000 and $140,000, but there are other costs related to design, approvals, compliance, and site works. Each relocation project is unique due to condition of the relocatable home, site constraints and council approval requirements.
Fact: Buybacks are determined by flood risk, the level of damage, and individual circumstances—not by ownership type. Approximately 74% of properties bought back have been owner-occupied.
Fact: The Resilient Homes Program offers a range of options, including buybacks and resilience measures like house raising and retrofitting.
Seven Resilient Lands Program sites have been identified so far, including locations in Casino, Ballina (Lennox Head), Grafton (Junction Hill), East Lismore, Goonellabah, North Lismore, and Brunswick Heads. The program is also working with Tweed and Kyogle councils on future sites. Collectively, these areas could support over 4,300 new homes across the region.
Fact: The RA prioritises relocation and reuse. When demolition is necessary, over 70% of materials are recycled, including timber, metal, concrete, and organics. Buyback participants can also reuse materials from their homes before demolition.
Fact: If you have concerns about your assessment or the outcome of your application, you can appeal the decision. Information on the appeals process is available to all participants.
Fact: This is incorrect. Only 5 per cent of the total Resilient Homes Program budget is allocated to administration. This includes program delivery costs such as temporary staff, community engagement, and case management.
The overwhelming majority of funding – 95 per cent – is going directly toward supporting flood-impacted homeowners through buybacks, house raising, and retrofitting.
The RA is committed to ensuring public funds are used responsibly, with a clear focus on helping residents recover, rebuild, and relocate to safer ground.
Fact: Homeowners are not required to sign non-disclosure agreements when participating in the Resilient Homes Program. Decisions to sell or implement resilience measures are deeply personal. The RA respects individuals’ privacy and does not disclose why specific properties are included or excluded.
Fact: These homes were purchased to reduce flood risk, not for public housing. The program is designed to remove unsafe homes from high-risk areas and help residents move to safer locations.
Fact: Homes must be vacant to allow for proper assessment. Independent contractors need access to determine if the structure is sound and whether it contains hazards like asbestos, mould, or other contaminants. Illegal occupancy prevents these assessments and delays recovery efforts, posing an ongoing safety risk.