Lismore residents face new evictions as temporary flood shelters close
Families living in a provisional pod village in Lismore must vacate by mid-December, despite ongoing housing shortages after the 2022 floods.
Nine months after the 2022 floods that devastated Lismore, residents of a temporary pod village are being ordered out by mid-December, forcing families such as Alison Norris to find new accommodation despite limited options. The pods, originally set up as emergency housing, sit beside a new development that will eventually provide over 500 homes, including 50 build-to-rent units, but those will not be ready until next year.
A recent audit found the state’s $1 billion buy-back and retrofit program has not delivered promised outcomes, leaving many still without stable housing. Officials highlight a shift toward managed retreat from flood-prone areas, yet some, like long-time homeowner Paul Paitson, have declined buy-back offers and fortified their houses against future floods. Climate experts note that the region is moving from a La Niña-driven flood cycle to a severe El Niño drought, complicating recovery efforts. Community groups and housing advocates continue to press for permanent solutions for those left behind.
