Home removal, reuse and recycling | Resilient Homes Program
After buyback homes are purchased, they will be progressively removed from high-risk flood areas. Find out about what happens to these homes.
The process of removing buyback homes
The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) is committed to relocating, recycling and reusing buyback homes wherever possible as part of the $880m Resilient Homes Program (RHP).
After buyback homes are purchased in Central West and Northern Rivers they will be progressively removed from high flood risk areas.
Options for buyback home removal include:
- homeowner led initiatives, supported by relocation and gifting policies
- homes made available for purchase
- home demolition that salvages and recycles where practicable.
Homes in the Central West and the Northern Rivers that are not practicable to be relocated will be identified for demolition and we will remove, recycle and reuse materials in accordance with industry standards.
In the Northern Rivers, RA has commenced the removal of homes that have been identified based on the following:
- they are a public safety risk, including in high risk flood risk locations
- the properties were directly impacted by either storm damage or flood waters during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Representatives from SafeWork NSW and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) have been consulted during the development of this program and may undertake inspections throughout the program to ensure that safety and environmental regulations are met.
RA is engaging demolition contractors to recycle in line with industry standards, and reduce landfill disposal. Materials that can be recycled will be directed to appropriate recycling facilities.
Sourcing materials for reuse
Reclaimed materials from flood-affected homes are available through local second-hand building suppliers. The following locations have been used:
- AJ Magnay's Building Materials and Hardware - Lismore call on 02 6621 5549
- Solid Grain Timbers - Byron call on 0482 964 574
- Ballina Demolitions - Ballina call on 02 6683 4008
- Red Ned's- Murwillumbah call on 07 5524 4244.
These businesses are the best point of contact for the public seeking recycled materials. For safety reasons, please do not approach demolition contractors directly.
Fact sheets and guidance
Find resources about the Resilient Homes Program in our publications and reports library
