Former Newcastle restaurant operators face court

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against the former operators of a Thai restaurant in New South Wales, alleging they failed to make superannuation payments and breached workplace laws when trying to cover it up.

Facing the Federal Circuit and Family Court are Greathunter Pty Ltd, which operated Larnna Thai restaurant in Newcastle until it closed in 2026, and the company’s sole director and manager, Chengda Li.

The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated Greathunter Pty Ltd as part of a campaign targeting Newcastle food outlets.

The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges it discovered that Mr Li was involved in Greathunter failing to make superannuation payments to three employees, as required under the Restaurant Industry Award 2020.

The company had engaged the employees at Larnna Thai for various periods between November 2021 and October 2023. The FWO alleges no superannuation payments were made for any of their work at the time required.

The alleged non-payment of superannuation has been rectified by Greathunter by the company making more than $23,000 in superannuation payments to the employees in 2025, long after the FWO commenced its investigation.

One of the employees was a Thai international student and another was a young worker, aged 19 to 21 at the time. Two of the employees were engaged as cooks and one performed waiter and front-of-house duties.

It is alleged that Mr Li and Greathunter also breached the Fair Work Act by knowingly or recklessly providing false pay slips to the Fair Work Ombudsman during its investigation on two separate occasions stating that the superannuation entitlements had been paid.

Mr Li and Greathunter allegedly also committed a further breach by falsely telling the Fair Work Ombudsman that the pay slips had been prepared by Greathunter’s accountant, when they had in fact been prepared by Mr Li.

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the alleged conduct warranted litigation.

“Allegedly failing to pay superannuation and trying to cover it up with false pay slips and other false information is completely unacceptable conduct,” Ms Booth said.

“We are committed to taking action to protect vulnerable workers in this country and ensure that employers who breach the law are held to account,” Ms Booth said.

“Our experienced inspectors will see through false information. Employers need to be aware that we treat such alleged blatant breaches seriously, and penalties can follow.

“Employers should also be aware that taking action to protect young and migrant workers and improve compliance in the fast food, restaurants and cafés sector are priorities for the FWO.

“Any workers with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance.”

The FWO is seeking penalties in court. Greathunter Pty Ltd faces penalties of up to $93,900 per breach and Mr Li faces penalties of up to $18,780 per breach.

A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Sydney on 10 July 2026.

Current federal laws require superannuation to be paid by employers within 28 days after the end of the quarter in which the earnings were paid.

It is noted that from 1 July 2026, employers need to pay superannuation contributions at the same time they pay their employees’ wages.

The Fair Work Ombudsman filed 171 litigations against employers involving visa holder workers, and secured $39 million in penalties in cases that have included visa holder workers, in the eight financial years to June 2025.

Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance. An interpreter service is available on 13 14 50. Employees can also seek information from their employer or their union, if they are a union member.

DAIRY PROCESSOR FINED OVER NEWCASTLE ODOUR INCIDENT

Hexham Manufacturing Pty Ltd has been fined $30,000 by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for failing to maintain its plant equipment, resulting in sewage-like odours from its dairy processing facility.
The EPA received several odour complaints from residents and businesses between August and October 2025, prompting officers to conduct multiple inspections of the site and surrounding area in Hexham, Newcastle. They confirmed offensive odours were mainly coming from the wastewater treatment plant, with the same smell detected offsite at a number of locations.
In September 2025, the EPA issued Hexham Manufacturing with a Prevention Notice and the company undertook an extensive desludging operation.
The EPA has fined the operator $30,000 for failing to properly maintain its wastewater treatment plant, breaching the conditions of its Environment Protection Licence.
NSW EPA Director of Operations Greg Sheehy said the community had been subjected to unacceptable impacts.
“Operators are required to properly maintain equipment and respond before issues escalate. That didn’t happen in this case,” Mr Sheehy said.
“Our investigation found the facility’s wastewater treatment system had not been adequately maintained for several years, contributing to shocking conditions that caused strong odours.
“Excessive sludge had accumulated in the main aeration dam, impacting the operational performance by leaving the pond overloaded. This build-up resulted in a blanket of fatty acids and dairy waste such as whey, leading to poor settling, foam and odours.
“The local community had to deal with persistent offensive odours for too long, and the EPA will continue taking action where licence holders fail to properly manage and maintain their infrastructure.”
Anyone who experiences strong or unusual odours should report them to the EPA’s Environment Line at info@epa.nsw.gov.au: info@epa.nsw.gov.au, with as much detail as possible to support our investigations.

Star Struck 2026 set to light up Newcastle with Out of the Ordinary

The countdown is on.

Star Struck 2026 – Out of the Ordinary will burst onto the stage at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on 12 and 13 June, bringing together more than 4,500 NSW public school students for the Hunter and Central Coast region’s iconic performing arts events.

A major production milestone begins this week, with thousands of students to come together on the arena floor for the first time for the combined dance and drama rehearsals on Thursday 21 May and Friday 22 May.

Now in its 34th year, Star Struck continues to showcase the extraordinary talent, creativity and collaboration of NSW public school students, with over 4,500 students from more than 150 schools across Newcastle, the Hunter and the Central Coast involved in this year’s production.

This year’s production promises to be bigger, bolder and more spectacular than ever, with massed dance, drama, featured vocalists, a live student orchestra, rock band and hundreds of Aboriginal dancers across both casts sharing culture, storytelling and connection through movement.

The theme Out of the Ordinary, celebrates individuality, imagination, courage and creativity, encouraging students and audiences alike to embrace what makes them unique. Through large-scale dance numbers, powerful drama, featured vocal performances and a full live orchestra, the production promises an unforgettable arena spectacular.

The Star Struck Mass Choir will hold its next major rehearsal on Friday 5 June at the Newcastle Showground Exhibition Centre, bringing together hundreds of student voices ahead of show week.

The highly anticipated Sitzprobe rehearsal will follow on Saturday 6 June at Warners Bay High School, uniting the full student orchestra, rock band and vocal team for the first time.

Star Struck is again proud to welcome internationally renowned conductor George Ellis as conductor of the Star Struck Orchestra. One of Australia’s most celebrated conductors and composers, George brings extensive experience across symphonic music, opera, musical theatre, jazz and contemporary performance, offering students an extraordinary professional learning opportunity.

Star Struck Operations Manager Casey Smith said Star Struck remains a powerful celebration of public education and the arts, providing opportunities for students of all experience levels, from those stepping onto a stage for the first time through to highly accomplished young performers extending themselves beyond the classroom.

We are igniting high potential and gifted education in so many ways through Star Struck,” Ms Smith said.

For many students, Star Struck is far more than a performance opportunity, it is a chance to build confidence, friendships, creativity and a lifelong connection to the arts.

The production would not be possible without the incredible support of schools, teachers, families, volunteers and sponsors.”

Tickets available through Ticketek Australia and the Newcastle Entertainment Centre website but get in quick. Demand for this year’s production has been extraordinary, with the Saturday evening performance already sold out.

Star Struck is proudly presented by the NSW Department of Education and supported by major sponsor Glencore.

Additional support is provided by Platinum Sponsor NSW Teachers Federation; Gold Sponsors Newcastle School Portraits and Kinetic Creations; Bronze Sponsors Wests and Hunter Manufacturing Awards; Megastar Sponsors Cappuccino Monkey, Mango Shake, Cabarrus International and Dantza Abesti; and Product Sponsors Perry on Parry, Traffic Plan Professionals and Lake Macquarie Dance Academy.

Media partners include NewFM, 2HD, Newcastle Weekly, Newcastle Herald and Graphika.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
Media are invited to attend combined rehearsals, dress rehearsals and performances. Interview, photography and rehearsal access opportunities available.

Combined dance and drama rehearsals:
Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Newcastle Showground Exhibition Centre
Thursday 21 May and Friday 22 May

Star Struck Mass Choir major rehearsal:

Newcastle Showground Exhibition Centre

Friday 5 June – 9:00am to 2:00pm

Tech and dress rehearsals:
Newcastle Entertainment Centre

Wednesday 10 June – 3:00pm to 6:00pm, Cast A
Thursday 11 June – 3:00pm to 6:00pm, Cast B

Final performances will take place on:

Friday 12 June – 11:00am and 7:00pm
Saturday 13 June – 1:00pm and 7:00pm

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS:
Abermain Public School
Adamstown Public School
Anna Bay Public School
Argenton Public School
Ashtonfield Public School
Barnsley Public School
Belair Public Schol
Belmont High School
Belmont North Public School
Belmont Public School
Berkeley Vale Public School
Biddabah Public School
Blackalls Park Public School
Blacksmiths Public School
Bolwarra Public School
Bonnells Bay Public School
Booragul Public School
Branxton Public School
Brooklyn Public School
Budgewoi Public School
Callaghan College Jesmond Senior Campus
Callaghan College Wallsend Campus
Callaghan College Waratah Campus
Cardiff High School
Cardiff South Public School
Carrington Public School
Caves Beach Public School
Central Mangrove Public School
Cessnock East Public School
Cessnock High School
Cessnock West PS
Charlestown East Public School
Charlestown Public School
Charlestown South Public School
Clarence Town Public School
Coal Point Public School
Cooranbong Public School
Denman Public School
Dora Creek Public School
Dungog High School
East Maitland Public School
Edgeworth Public School
Elemore Vale Public School
Ellalong Public School
Fassifern Public School
Fern Bay Public School
Francis Greenway High School
Garden Suburb Public School
Gillieston Public School
Glendale East Public School
Glendale Technology High School
Gorokan Public School
Greta Public School
Gwandalan Public School
Hamilton North Public School
Hillsborough Public School
Hinton Public School
Hunter River Community School
Hunter River High School
Hunter School of the Performing Arts – Primary
Hunter School of the Performing Arts – Secondary
Hunter Signing Choir
Hunter Sports High School
Hunter Trebles
Irrawang High School
Islington Public School
Jesmond Public School
Jewells Primary School
John Hunter Hospital School
Kahibah Public School
King Street Public School
Kirkton Public School
Kotara High School
Kotara South Public School
Kurri Kurri High School
Kurri Kurri Public School
Lake Macquarie High School
Lambton High School
Lambton Public School
Lisarow High School
Maitland High School
Maitland Public School
Mannering Park Public School
Marks Point Public School
Medowie Public School
Merewether Heights Public School
Merewether Public School
Merriwa Central School – Primary & secondary
Metford Public School
Minmi Public School
Morisset High School
Morisset Primary School
Morpeth Public School
Mount Pleasant Public School
Mount view high school
Muswellbrook South PS
Narara Valley High School
New Lambton Public School
New Lambton South Public School
Newcastle East Public School
Newcastle High School
Nords Wharf PS
Northlakes High School
Northlakes Public School
Nulkaba Public School
Paxton Public School
Pelaw Main Public School
Pelican Flat Public School
Plattsburg Public School
Rathmines Public School
Redhead Public School
Rutherford Technology High School
Scone Public School
Shoal Bay Public School
Shortland Public School
Singleton Heights Public School
Singleton High School
Soldiers Point Public School
Swansea High School
Swansea Public School
Tanilba Bay Public School
Tarro Public School
Telarah Public School
Terrigal High School
Terrigal Public School
The Junction Public School
Thornton Public School
TLSC Berkeley Vale Campus
Tomaree High School
Tomaree Public School
Toronto High School
Vacy Public School
Wadalaba Community School
Wallsend Public School
Wallsend South Public School
Wamberal Public School
Wangi Wangi Public School
Waratah West Public School
Warners Bay High School
Warners Bay Public School
West Wallsend High School
Whitebridge High School
Windale Public School
Wirreanda Public School
Wyee Public School.

Albanese Government to commence Collins class life of type extension

The Albanese Government is enhancing Australia’s fleet of Collins class submarines, through a life of type extension that will reduce risk, enhance capability and maximise availability for the Royal Australian Navy as Australia transitions to a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet. 

The life of type extension will commence with HMAS Farncomb at the end of the month, the first of six submarines to receive an extension. ASC, as the Government’s sovereign submarine sustainment partner, will continue to be responsible for delivering the program. 

Informed by independent expert advice, detailed planning and industry engagement Defence will undertake a conditions-based sustainment approach across the life of type extension program. This will see Defence and ASC retain and restore base components, while continuing to upgrade critical weapons and systems. 

This will reduce engineering and schedule risks and ensure the Collins class remains a formidable deterrent for years to come. 

As one of the oldest boats in the Collins class fleet with the highest number of sea days and distance travelled, HMAS Farncomb’s life of type extension will also include a detailed engineering assessment period to tailor its life of type extension upgrades and inform work required across the class. 

The program will also accelerate and prioritise sustainment work on the fleet’s youngest submarines, commencing with HMAS Rankin. 

Safety will not be compromised and the Collins class will be supported by increased investment of up to $11 billion over the next decade for sustainment, including life of type extension maintenance and the skilled workforce and infrastructure required to maintain this capability. 

In 2024, the Government listed the Collins class submarine capability as a Product of Concern to increase ministerial oversight and management of the capability. This is now driving improvements in process and productivity across Defence and industry. 

Defence industry will continue to play a central role, with both Osborne in South Australia and Henderson in Western Australia remaining integral to sustaining the Collins class fleet. 

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles: 

“These decisions reaffirm the Albanese Government’s commitment to keeping the Collins class a potent and highly capable strike and deterrent capability today, and for years to come. 

“Extending the life of all six Collins class submarines is critical to maintaining that edge as we transition the Navy from conventional to nuclear-powered submarines.” 

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy: 

“The Collins life of type extension is a critical capability decision and a major investment in Australia’s sovereign defence industrial base and submarine supply chain. 

“Strong collaboration with Defence industry partners will be essential to keeping the Collins class fleet available as we move towards a nuclear-powered submarine capability.” 

Albanese Labor Government helps secure more jet fuel and fertiliser

After discussions between Australia and China, including between the Prime Minister and China’s Premier Li, the Albanese Labor Government has helped to secure three shipments of jet fuel, totaling more than 600,000 barrels or about 100 million litres.

The Government has also helped to secure another 38,500 tonnes of agricultural grade urea from Brunei, for Australian farmers, producers, and our agriculture industry, to keep Australia’s food and fiber production systems strong.

This adds to fertiliser and fuel that has been secured through the Albanese Labor Government’s $7.5 billion Fuel and Fertiliser Security Facility, designed to help Australia’s agriculture and transport industries manage the impacts of the conflict in the Middle East.

The Fuel and Fertiliser Security Facility has now helped to obtain around 125,000 tonnes of agricultural grade urea, in addition to the 250,000 tonnes of agricultural grade urea secured from Indonesia in partnership with Incitec Pivot.

This extra fertiliser gives greater certainty to farmers as they make planting and growing decisions, safeguarding our domestic food supply and the food security we provide to our neighbours in the Indo-Pacific region.

The three cargos of jet fuel from China are expected to arrive from early June, and are in addition to the 600,000 barrels or about 100 million litres of jet fuel already secured through the Fuel and Fertiliser Security Facility.

These cargoes from China are a first step and we are working to ensure there will be more to come, to keep our aircraft flying, including to rural and regional areas.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“In the face of global challenges, my Government will leave no stone unturned to shield Australians from the impact of global fuel challenges.

“The additional 600,000 barrels of jet fuel will help keep Australia moving, and the extra fertiliser will help provide certainty to our farmers.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong:

““Australia is working with countries in our region to respond to this unprecedented shock to the global economy and ensure the continued flow of essential fuels.

“The Albanese Government is focused on securing the supplies – including diesel, jet fuel, petrol and fertiliser – that Australia needs.”

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell:

“The additional jet fuel will support travel to Australia’s world class tourist destinations and support the movement of freight within Australia and exports overseas.”

“The fertiliser we have secured will support Australian farmers to produce the agricultural exports that we sell to the world, helping grow our economy and maintain our reputation as a supplier of world-class exports.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen:

“The Albanese Government is continuing to secure more fuel to help Australians now while we set Australia up to better prepare for future shocks.

“Our efforts throughout Government have made Australia more energy secure now and into the future.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:

“Securing these jet fuel supplies is just one of the ways the Albanese Government is working with industry to keep people and goods moving.

“This additional fuel will be a welcome boost for our aviation sector and ensure the public can continue to fly with confidence.”

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins:

“At a time of global uncertainty, our Government is doing everything we can to give our farmers confidence for the future.

“The additional fertiliser we have secured through our $7.5 billion Fuel and Fertiliser Security Facility will mean Australia’s farmers can keep farming.

“Having access to critical inputs like fertiliser underpins the food security of Australia and the countries we export to, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, which is why we’ve been working day and night with industry to get fertiliser to our farmers.”

Inquiry reveals widening gap in housing inequality

A Greens-led Senate inquiry into intergenerational housing inequity, has today revealed a housing crisis out of control where younger generations of renters, first home buyers and people experiencing homelessness are being left behind.

Evidence to the committee today showed:

  • Younger people have been disproportionately harmed by government decisions to walk away from directly providing housing. 
  • Renters are being left behind by unlimited rent increases and short-term leases.
  • In 2024, 40% of young renters in our major capital cities were spending more than 30% of their disposable income on housing. In 2001, that figure was just 26%.That’s a 14 percentage point increase in a single generation.
  • The Government won’t meet its target of building 1.2 million houses by 2029. 
  • 640,000 people are in need of social housing. Even if the Government manages to fully deliver on the HAFF’s 40,000 promised social and affordable houses, this will only amount to 6% of what’s needed, and there will still be a long waiting list.
  • Increase in investor demand for housing has caused massive house price growth and fuelled the current housing crisis.
  • Big banks are among the biggest winners of the housing crisis as they make more profit out of home loans than business loans – they make $229,000 in profit on the average 30 year home loan.
  • Immigration does not explain the housing crisis. For example, during COVID dwelling prices increased by 32% despite there being effectively no migration during this time.

Greens spokesperson for finance, housing and homelessness and Senator for South Australia, Barbara Pocock:

‘The evidence of this inquiry is clear: The housing gap between generations is widening thanks to successive governments’ failures.

“45% of tax breaks for wealthy property investors have benefited baby boomers. Meanwhile young people today face rising rents and house prices, more insecure employment and massive HECS debts. We are looking at an intergenerational chasm. 

“Housing affordability has deteriorated significantly in Australia, particularly for younger generations. Home ownership rates among young people are falling, rents are rising while wages aren’t keeping up, and young people are making up a large proportion of people experiencing homelessness.

“Labor’s budget does nothing for renters, homeless people and for the 190,000 people on public housing waiting lists. 

“640,000 Australians are in need of social housing right now yet the HAFF will only meet 6% of this demand when it’s fully implemented. That’s unacceptable. 

“The HAFF is too slow, it’s too complicated, it isn’t touching the sides, and it isn’t delivering housing for future generations. 

“Tinkering around the edges of a broken housing system won’t fix the housing crisis. Labor needs to stop working for the 1% and instead start treating housing like a human right.

“It’s time this government looked after the 30% of Australians who rent, many of them young people, who are increasingly facing housing stress.”

RBA confirms corporate price gouging fuelled inflation

New research from the Reserve Bank has confirmed what millions of Australians already knew: big corporations used the cost of living crisis to push through higher prices and boost profits.

“The Reserve Bank has again acknowledged that changes in corporate pricing behaviour played a sizeable role in the inflation crisis,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

In Senate Estimates in 2024 Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock agreed with Senator McKim that corporations were using the cover of a significant rise in inflation and a lack of competition to boost their profits over and above what would be required to meet increases in their input costs.

“This backs up what the Greens have been saying for years. Corporations used the cover of global shocks to gouge consumers and pad their profits,” Senator McKim said.

“The answer cannot be higher interest rates and more pain for ordinary people while the corporations driving inflation walk away with billions. We need strong anti-price gouging laws to stop corporations exploiting crises to rip people off.”

“One of the reasons Australians are paying too much for food, insurance, banking and flights is because a handful of giant corporations dominate entire sectors of the economy.”

“We need a boost to competition powers to meet this challenge of concentrated market power. Divestiture powers – as exist around the world – are needed so that courts and governments can break up companies that misuse their market power and squeeze Australian consumers.”

“Labor has spent years protecting corporate profits while households have been smashed by higher prices.”

“The Greens will keep fighting for laws that put people ahead of corporate greed.”

The RBA paper can be found here.

Greens: VICTORIAN GREENS CALL FOR THE ALBANESE GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT 11 AUSTRALIANS HOME WHO HAVE BEEN KIDNAPPED BY ISRAEL?

The Victorian Greens have called on Minister Penny Wong and the Albanese Government to intervene to protect 11 Australians who have been kidnapped by the Israeli Defence Force.

It comes as 11 Australians trying to bring urgent aid to Gaza were illegally intercepted in international waters by the Israeli Defence Force on Tuesday. The whereabouts and wellbeing of these individuals is currently unknown.

Due to global inaction, many brave humanitarians have attempted to deliver aid to people in Gaza who have been systematically starved and bombed by the Netanyahu Government over the past two and a half years. 

The Greens say, for too long, the Albanese Labor Government has refused to properly sanction the Netanyahu Government and end the arms trade with the Israeli Government. Kidnapping our citizens is totally unacceptable and needs a strong and unequivocal response from the Australian Government.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell: 

“In the face of government inaction, these brave people have taken it upon themselves to deliver aid to the people in Gaza. The least the Australian Government could do is intervene to protect these Australians, who have been illegally kidnapped by the Israeli Defence Force.” 

“My office has been inundated with messages of concern from everyday people for their fellow Australians, yet we’ve had silence from this Labor Government.”  

Call for regional voices to help shape healthcare across NSW

People passionate about improving healthcare in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW are invited to apply to join the Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel.

Expressions of interest (EOIs) are now open due to the conclusion of the current Panel’s three‑year term in July 2026.

The Panel is an independent advisory body that provides strategic advice to the Minister for Health and Regional Health, and the NSW Health Secretary.

Its role is to identify opportunities and solutions that improve healthcare access, outcomes and service delivery across hospitals and health support services in regional, rural and remote NSW.

The Panel also plays an important role in strengthening community engagement and ensuring local perspectives inform the design and delivery of healthcare services.

Applications are encouraged from people who can represent the interests of regional communities, including Aboriginal people, and those who have knowledge, experience, or expertise in one or more of the following areas, aligned with the NSW Government’s priorities for regional, rural and remote health:

  • Strengthening and supporting the regional health workforce
  • Enabling better access to safe, high-quality, and timely health services
  • Keeping people healthy and well through prevention, early intervention and education
  • Keeping communities informed, building engagement and seeking feedback
  • Expanding integration of primary, community, and hospital care across regional, rural and remote settings
  • Harnessing and evaluating innovation, technology, and digital solutions to support a sustainable regional health system.

The Panel members may be appointed for a term of up to three years and will meet at least every three months.

For more information, including how to apply, visit EOI Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel or contact MOH-ODS-Regional@health.nsw.gov.au. Applications close on Friday 29 May 2026.

For more information on regional health initiatives, visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/regional.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The NSW Government is investing in regional health services so communities across the state can get the care they need, closer to home.

“No matter where people live, they deserve access to safe, high‑quality healthcare. Listening to our local communities is central to tailoring our health services to what families need.

“That is why the Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel is so important. Its members bring the voices of regional, rural and remote communities to the table, helping us deliver safe, sustainable and high‑quality healthcare with real outcomes for people who live outside our major cities.”

New purpose for buyback land confirmed in Northern Rivers and Central West

Land purchased through the Resilient Homes Program at sites in the Northern Rivers and Central West will now have more flexible land uses, allowing them to be repurposed for community benefit.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) will work with local councils to plan the future of these buyback areas as parklands, community hubs, or environmental projects. In specific cases where flood risk is strictly managed, some sites may also be used for commercial or industrial purposes. Meaning valuable land can continue to serve a public purpose.

However, the fundamental requirement remains: buyback land cannot be returned to residential use.

RA is partnering with local councils to ensure the future of these sites is informed by the community. Over 1000 parcels of land will be integrated into local planning, with work already progressing in key areas:

  • Lismore – Planning is underway for more than 600 properties across four precincts. Residents will be invited to share feedback on preferred land uses and locally supported outcomes to ensure the transition reflects community needs.
  • Tweed Shire – Work has begun on a resilience-focused master plan for South Murwillumbah. A specialist consultant has been appointed to lead a comprehensive design and engagement process with the local community.
  • Northern Rivers Expansion – Future planning will also extend to buyback clusters in Richmond Valley, Kyogle, Byron, Ballina, and Clarence Valley.
  • Central West – RA is working with Cabonne Shire Council on future land use for Eugowra and Molong, ensuring outcomes reflect the unique character of these towns.

Community members are encouraged to participate in upcoming consultations and track the progress of these projects at nsw.gov.au/resilienthomesprogram

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said:

“The Albanese and Minns Governments are continuing to work constructively through the Resilient Homes Program to help ensure Northern Rivers and Central West communities thrive in their recovery.

“Our aim is to move people out of areas that are prone to flooding so that they, their families, and their homes are safer and better prepared during the next flood emergency.

“This change to the Resilient Homes Program will ensure these communities will also benefit from new community and commercial spaces.”

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said:

“Our recovery continues in the North Coast following the devastating 2022 flooding event.

“As your strong voice in the Albanese Labor Government, I’m proud to be working with the NSW Government and local councils to unlock this land for community use.

“This ensures we can build back better for our community and improve our resilience against future flooding events.”

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“The Resilient Homes Program has already given hundreds of families across our regions certainty and peace of mind.

“Now that we are moving into a vital new phase – we are giving this land back to the community in a way that is safe and sustainable.

“We are creating space for new opportunities. Whether it’s parklands, community hubs, or environmental projects, the future of these sites will be shaped by the people who live there.

“It is essential that the community has a direct say in how we restore these connections and grow our local communities and economies.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Kate Fitzgerald said: 

“We welcome the Australian Government’s confirmation that flood buyback land can be used for things other than housing, such as community spaces, environmental projects, businesses, or industry, if planning rules allow it and the flood risk is manageable.

“It’s an important next step in the recovery for the Northern Rivers and the Central West communities.

“This decision shows the value of the existing planning and flood risk management frameworks in NSW, which guide what can be built in flood-prone areas.

“We will make these decisions with councils and communities, with the main focus on reducing future flood risk and supporting strong local communities.”