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The first flood buyback auction of the year saw a packed house in Lismore overnight, as 60 attendees watched 10 homes go under the hammer for prices ranging from $5000 to $42,000.

Since December 2024, 140 buyback properties have been offered for sale across the Northern Rivers, sparking interest from across the country.

Last night’s event at the Lismore Workers Sports Cub, conducted by Wal Murray Lismore, attracted 34 registered bidders – including four joining by phone – resulting in 100% clearance rate and a total value of $266,100.

Auction highlights:

• 141 Dawson Street, Lismore: $27,000
• 157 Dawson Street, Lismore: $29,500
• 35 Ewing Street, Lismore: $42,000
• 25 Junction Street, East Lismore: $32,000
• 25 Charles Street, South Lismore: $40,000
• 3 Webster Street, South Lismore: $17,000
• 4 Crown Lane, South Lismore: $5000
• 38 Ostrom Street, South Lismore: $23,000
• 15 Second Avenue, East Lismore: $18,500
• 9 Barnes Avenue, South Lismore: $32,100.

The auction drew a diverse crowd of builders and young families, along with a new wave of buyers seeking to transplant these homes into ‘nature-filled’ rural setting.

With previous sales ranging from a nominal $1 to $200,000 the program has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s most accessible housing opportunities, drawing a national spotlight to the region’s recovery efforts.

All homes under auction have been purchased by the NSW Reconstruction Authority through the $880 million Resilient Homes Program, jointly funded by the NSW and Australian governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

To participate, buyers must prove they have secured flood-free land for relocation before the end of 2026.

All NSW proceeds from the home sales (after costs) are reinvested into the Resilient Homes Program to support more flood-affected residents.

First National Real Estate will conduct the next flood auction at the Murwillumbah Services Club on March 17.

For more details on the upcoming auction visit:  https://www.fnmurwillumbah.com.au/pages/real-estate/relocatable-homes

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“It brings me great joy to see these homes from our community repurposed for young families and first-home buyers, giving them the keys to a safer future on higher ground.

“These homes are part of mine and the wider community’s shared history, and this program has always been about people. Those who received a buyback, those giving those homes a second life.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Northern Rivers Adaptation Division Kristie Clarke said:

“This year is about delivery: rebuilding, relocating and renewing communities so the Northern Rivers is safer, stronger and more resilient for the future.

“Around a thousand homes will be bought back by the end of 2026, and we’re making a final push for 600 more households to strengthen their homes through Resilient Measures grants by mid-2027. 

“As a result of these goals, we’re calling on builders and construction experts to join one of the biggest home resilience and relocation efforts ever undertaken in Australia on the back of these successful auctions.” 

Murwillumbah, Lennox Head, Sawtell and Byron Bay are four of the ten regional towns across NSW that will share in $2 million of funding to support the growth of their night-time economies.

Under the Regional Night-Time Economy Program pilot, ten regional business collectives across the state looking to uplift their local 24-hour economy will receive support to help them develop thriving, vibrant local economies day and night.

The pilot, developed in response to feedback from regional businesses, councils and industry groups, will offer tailored capacity-building bootcamps locally for each collective. Funding and ongoing support will help local business collectives to harness opportunities in their area and deliver initiatives that will create more vibrancy from day to night.

These capacity-building grants are designed to support organised teams of local businesses to collaborate and further develop vibrant economies and leverage opportunities in their communities.

The funding will support business collectives in Bathurst, Byron Bay, Hunter Valley, Lennox Head, Milton, Murrumbateman, Murwillumbah, Sawtell, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga to develop strategies, plans and ideas about how they can support their region’s unique 24-hour economy through collective initiatives such as marketing campaigns, activations and events.

More information on the Regional Night Time Economy Program is available here.

Minister for the Night-Time Economy, John Graham said:

“Our 24-hour economy strategy highlights the importance of supporting unique offerings across the state and showcasing the stories of night-time precincts across regional NSW.

“It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Across the state, groups provided feedback that an integrated capacity-building and funding approach designed to suit the unique local contexts and settings across the state would be ideal.

“The program will support these regions to harness local opportunities that make them unique and work toward developing vibrant local economies from day to night in regional town centres.”

Minister for Small Business and Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:

“We know that people are seeking out nightlife experiences closer to home, and this program will enable regional business groups to collaborate and highlight what their region has to offer – not just during major or community events but all year round, day or night.

“This round of the program is a pilot, providing an opportunity to test the approach, learn from the outcomes and inform future program expansion.”

Regional Night-Time Economy Program Pilot recipients

• Bathurst
• Byron Bay
• Hunter Valley
• Lennox Head
• Milton
• Murrumbateman
• Murwillumbah
• Sawtell
• Tamworth
• Wagga Wagga

The Minns Labor Government has today delivered a key election commitment, launching a strategic vision for transport in the South East and Tablelands.

The South East and Tablelands Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan provides a 20-year vision of the key transport priorities for the region, which surrounds the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and borders Victoria and other parts of NSW. 

The plan, comprising 60 key actions and initiatives, was shaped following extensive consultation with stakeholders and the community. Some of these actions and initiatives include:

• Enhance services within and between strategic centres (Queanbeyan, Goulburn, Bega, Moruya) and to Greater Sydney, Wollongong, and Canberra.
• Introduce new or improved bus and on-demand services, including cross-border links with the ACT.
• Enable High Productivity Vehicle (HPV) access on key freight routes (Hume Hwy, Princes Hwy, Kings Hwy, Snowy Mountains Hwy).
• Improve heavy vehicle rest stops and plan for OSOM movements to support freight and renewable energy projects.  
• Upgrade major corridors like Princes Highway, Barton Highway, and alpine routes (Clyde Mountain, Brown Mountain).
• Implement town entry gateway treatments and intersection upgrades to improve safety and resilience. 

Over the public consultation period in late 2024 and early 2025, Transport for NSW received more than 1000 pieces of feedback from residents, businesses and transport users via online survey and map pins.  

More than 50 submissions were received from individuals and key stakeholders including local councils, peak bodies, community organisations and transport interest groups.   

A copy of the final plan and initiatives, consultation summary and engagement report is available on the project webpage at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/south-east-and-tablelands-sritp.   

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:

“For too long, regional communities were silent in transport planning. This plan reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to put people in regional NSW first.

“We know roads and transport are key to better connected cities and towns. It helps people get to work, school, medical appointments and the things that matter in their daily lives.

“This is a long-term vision that gives certainty to communities across the South East and Tablelands. It sets out the priorities that will guide investment, improve safety and strengthen the vital links that support local economies and regional lifestyles.

“What we have heard from communities is clear. They want more choice, they want safer and more reliable journeys, and they want planning that recognises the unique needs of regional NSW. This final plan is about delivering exactly that, and ensuring the region thrives well into the future.

Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, said:

“The Minns Labor Government is backing communities across Monaro with a long term transport plan that puts safety, access and reliability at the centre of future investment.

“This plan recognises how important good transport is for tourism, freight, local jobs and everyday life right across Monaro.

“It gives our region the certainty it deserves and lays out a clear path forward for better roads, improved public transport and stronger links with Canberra and the coast.”

Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland, said:

“This plan is about delivering real, practical improvements for people right across the Bega electorate and the Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job.

“From safer highway upgrades to better local bus connections and stronger freight access, this plan reflects what our community has been asking for and what the region needs to keep growing.

“Transport is not just about moving from A to B. It is about access to jobs, education, health care and supporting local businesses across our region.”

Labor Spokesperson for Goulburn, Bob Nanva, said:

“The Minns Labor Government is showing what strong leadership looks like with a clear long term plan for transport in the Goulburn region.

“Communities have been calling for better connections, safer roads and more reliable transport options and this plan responds directly to that feedback.

“This is the type of planning regional NSW has been missing for far too long and it is welcome to see the Minns Labor Government getting on with the job.”

Labor Spokesperson for Wollondilly, Mark Buttigieg, said:

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering the certainty that communities across Wollondilly have been asking for when it comes to future transport investment.

“This plan recognises the rapid growth right across our region and the need for smarter planning, safer roads and better public transport options.

“It is a strong step forward that puts local communities and their future movement needs front and centre.”

Labor Spokesperson for Cootamundra, Stephen Lawrence, said:

“The Minns Labor Government is backing regional communities like Cootamundra with a long-term vision for safer, more connected transport networks.

“This plan reflects what locals have been saying. They want better access, safer journeys and infrastructure that keeps up with the needs of growing regional communities.

“Strong planning like this is essential to delivering better outcomes for families, farmers, businesses and freight operators right across the region.” 

Another significant milestone has been reached for the more than $1 billion Nepean Hospital Redevelopment as the striking new façade is revealed, providing the first look at the hospital’s future main entry.

Due for completion later this year, the Nepean Hospital Redevelopment is one of the largest hospital projects to be delivered in Greater Western Sydney.

The Stage 2 redevelopment includes a major expansion and upgrade of health services providing Nepean and Blue Mountains communities with access to modern, purpose-built health facilities for generations to come.

The centrepiece is a new 7 storey building, with construction scaffolding now removed to reveal the hospital’s new main entry and façade.

Designed to provide a welcoming and easy-to-navigate entrance to the Hospital, the new tower will enhance access to health services for patients, visitors, and staff. The building will also seamlessly connect to the existing hospital tower delivered as part of Stage 1 of the project.

The building façade is inspired by the local natural landscape, including the Blue Mountains and the Nepean River, with the colours designed to complement the existing hospital tower to give the campus a distinctive identify.

The Stage 2 building will feature:

• a new Intensive Care Unit
• Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine services
• Interventional Radiology
• in-centre Renal Dialysis
• additional inpatient beds including paediatrics
• staff education and training facilities and a welcoming main hospital entry and reception area. 

Improved wayfinding, pedestrian and vehicle connections, and easier access to parking will also be delivered as part of the project.

Construction for the redevelopment is progressing with the internal fit-out of the building under way, along with landscaping and integration works to link the new building and facilities with the existing hospital.

Construction is due for completion later this year. This will be followed by an operational commissioning period to prepare the new building to welcome staff and patients. 

The Nepean Hospital Stage 2 redevelopment is just one part of the Government’s health infrastructure pipeline across Western Sydney, which includes:

• $2 billion for the new Bankstown Hospital;
• $790 million for the new Rouse Hill Hospital plus $120 million from the Federal Government;
• $550 million for the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment plus $80 million from the Federal Government;
• $350 million for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment; and
• $120 million for additional beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals

For more information about the project, visit: nsw.gov.au/nepean-redevelopment

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney said:

“This major development is crucial for the local community and will ensure residents can access world-class facilities close to home.

“The Minns Labor Government is making significant investments in hospitals right across Western Sydney, delivering the state-of-the-art facilities our growing communities deserve.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We are committed to delivering world-class health care closer to home for the people of Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains regions.

“The more than $1 billion investment in Nepean Hospital ensures families have access to modern facilities and the highest standards of healthcare for decades to come.

“We’re building more hospitals and delivering more beds, helping to lower wait times and improve patient outcomes.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown:

“This project is not only transforming health services for our community but also creating more local jobs. From construction through to health service delivery, the more than $1 billion Nepean Hospital Redevelopment is driving opportunities for Penrith residents and supporting our local economy.

“In less than 12 months, our local community will be walking through these doors to access the very best care possible.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to deliver safer, more accessible public transport, with community members invited to have their say on the designs for accessibility upgrades planned for Canberra and Yass Junction train stations.

The upgrades will be delivered by the Minns Government’s $800 million Safe Accessible Transport (SAT) program, which aims to make public transport safe, inclusive and easy to use for all passengers, especially people with disability, older people, people with prams or luggage and others who may be experiencing mobility challenges.

The planned upgrades, designed with input from People with Disability Australia, the Accessible Transport Advisory Committee and Guide Dogs Australia, include ramps, increased disability parking spaces and bus shelters.

Both SAT projects will upgrade the stations to achieve Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport compliance, improving amenity, access and safety, and acknowledging the important role these locations have in the communities they serve.

The Minns Government has funded $900,000 each for investigations, design development and to obtain planning approvals for the Canberra and Yass Junction station upgrades.

Consultation is now open to community feedback on the designs until 11.59pm, Tuesday 31 March.  

The feedback will be considered and will inform the detailed design development.

For more information call 1800 684 490, email projects@transport.nsw.gov.au or visit haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/design-accessible-stations.

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on delivering safer, more accessible public transport so people can get where they need to go, regardless of age, ability or mobility needs.”

“Canberra and Yass Junction stations are important transport hubs for their communities, and it is critical that they are inclusive, safe and easy to use for everyone, including people with disability, older passengers, parents with prams and people carrying luggage.

“These proposed upgrades, funded through the Minns Labor Government’s Safe Accessible Transport Program, are about removing barriers to travel and improving the overall station experience, both on platforms and in surrounding precincts.

“We are investing in detailed investigations and design work to ensure these upgrades are done properly, and we want to hear directly from the community before moving to the next stage.

“I encourage anyone who uses these stations, or who currently avoids them due to accessibility or safety concerns, to review the designs and provide feedback so we can deliver outcomes that reflect local needs and expectations.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent people from fully participating in their communities with dignity and safety – accessible public transport is a critical part of that.

“I urge locals to have their say, especially people with disability, because we know we get better outcomes when lived experience helps shape our communities.”

ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr said:

“We welcome the NSW Government’s announcement today regarding accessibility upgrades to the Kingston train station in Canberra. The additional investment in accessibility infrastructure in Yass is also welcome news for our region.

“The improvements also represent an encouraging first step in the broader work that has been underway with the NSW Government to improve the Canberra–Sydney rail experience.

“The upgrades will help ensure the stations better meets the needs of all passengers, including people with disability and older Canberrans or people with mobility issues. I encourage everyone to have their say on the upgrades.

Mayor of Yass Valley Council, Jasmin Jones said:

“These proposed upgrades are a welcome step forward for the Yass community and will make it easier and safer for more people to use Yass Junction station.”

“Improving accessibility helps ensure our transport network works for everyone, including older residents, people with disability, families with prams and visitors to the region.”

“I encourage local residents to take part in the consultation and share their feedback so the final design reflects the needs of our growing community.” 

Family First NSW Legislative Council candidate Lyle Shelton has called for ASIO to investigate Liverpool City Council after a council-owned facility was reportedly used to host a memorial for Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei the architect of a regime responsible for mass murder at home and sponsoring terrorism abroad through the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
 
Mr Shelton said the use of a council venue to mourn the head of the terrorist-designated IRGC raised serious national security and social cohesion concerns.
 
“Liverpool City Council should be investigated by ASIO to determine how a public facility came to be used for an event mourning the head of one of the world’s most violent regimes. The people who attended the vigil at the council facility should be placed on the ASIO watch list,” Mr Shelton said.
 
“The Iranian regime under Khamenei hanged gays, treated women with brutality and machine-gunned tens of thousands of protestors in the streets. Allowing council venues to be used to venerate such a figure is an affront to the victims of that regime and to the many Iranian Australians who fled it.”
 
Mr Shelton said the response of Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun, who defended the memorial being held in a council-owned building, was deeply troubling.
 
“It is alarming that Liverpool Mayor, a member of the Liberal Party of Australia, has defended the use of council facilities for a memorial to Khamenei,” Mr Shelton said.
 
“The Liberal Party should immediately distance itself from these remarks and consider whether Mr Mannoun should remain a member if he is prepared to defend the eulogising of a tyrant responsible for terrorism and mass murder.”
 
Mr Shelton said Australia must be clear that glorifying such figures has no place in a peaceful democracy.
 
“Too many Muslim leaders in Australia appear willing to openly support or glorify figures linked to terrorist movements and violent regimes,” he said.
 
“Australia is a peaceful nation and we do not want the hatreds of the Middle East imported into our suburbs or fanned in our communities.”
 
Mr Shelton praised NSW Premier Chris Minns for condemning the memorial events despite the political risk of offending segments of the Muslim community.
 
“Chris Minns deserves credit for being willing to call this out even though it risks offending sections of the Muslim community who support these figures,” Mr Shelton said.
 
“That kind of leadership is necessary if Australia is to maintain social cohesion and stand firmly against the threat of Islamic terrorism, which is only too real after the Bondi massacre.”
 
Mr Shelton said Liverpool Council should now show the same courage.
 
“Liverpool Council should follow the Premier’s lead and make it clear that council facilities will never be used to glorify tyrants or terrorist leaders,” he said.
 
“Social cohesion in Australia depends on communities being united against Islamic terrorism. That is in the national interest.”