LISMORE CITY COUNCIL NEWS ISSUE 290 17 SEPTEMBER 2025
PLANNING FOR FUTURE GROWTH
Lismore City Council has enlisted two of Australia’s most experienced planners to shape a long-term strategy for growth, as the regional centre positions itself for a population of around 60,000 people.
The Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), now in development, will provide the policy framework to guide land use, infrastructure, and investment priorities across the local government area. It will align with and challenge state, regional, and local strategies, ensuring that growth is coordinated and sustainable.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said early, and careful planning was critical to securing a prosperous and healthy future for Lismore.
“Lismore needs to be ready for appropriately planned growth whether it comes sooner or later,” he said
“This is about building a smart, sustainable regional city that can provide jobs, infrastructure, cultural and lifestyle opportunities for those of us who live here now – as well as the generations to come.”
“It is a about ensuring we can continue to have the lifestyle we enjoy now while acknowledging the opportunity change presents.”
Well-managed growth is critical for regional centres with research showing stronger populations attract greater health, education, lifestyle, and employment opportunities.
The LSPS is expected to identify opportunities not only in Lismore’s urban centre but across its towns and villages, with new investment and housing options anticipated as part of the long-term strategy.
Council has engaged Gary White and Brendan
Nelson of Solve Property Group to co-author the plan. White, a former chief planner for both NSW and Queensland, was named Australian Planner of the Year in 2018.
Nelson, who has served as Deputy Secretary of the NSW Department of Planning and Environment and CEO of the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation, has twice been recognised as Planner of the Year, and is a past national president of the Planning Institute of Australia.
The draft LSPS for Lismore will be released for public exhibition in early 2026, with Council seeking community input before final adoption.
“This is a once-in-a-generation chance to get the balance right,” Krieg said. “If we plan well today, Lismore will be positioned as a regional leader tomorrow.”
NEW AMENITIES FOR LISMORE RAILWAY STATION AND NESBITT PARK
The renewal and modernisation of Lismore’s public amenities blocks continues, with two new facilities now open at Lismore Railway Station and Nesbitt Park Playground in South Lismore.
Positioned at the start of the Lismore to Bentley section of the awardwinning Northern Rivers Rail Trail, the railway station facility features nine cubicles including two ambulant and one wheelchair accessible.
An historic photograph of the railway station dating from the early 1900s has been printed on both sides of the building, in an eye-catching nod to the heritage of the location.
Nesbitt Park Playground amenities block is designed for parents and children, located closer to the playground as well as the park’s popular asphalt pump track and mountain bike skills course.
Featuring three cubicles, including two wheelchair-accessible and one ambulant, it’s the second amenity block to open at Nesbitt this year, following the July opening of the toilets and kiosk adjacent to the cricket field.
Completed by Bennett Constructions, the buildings share similar external designs and fixtures as Lismore’s other new amenities, which allows for improved maintenance and accessibility while also meeting current disability and access standards.
Both projects were jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, at a combined cost of approximately $800,000.
Mayor Steve Krieg says, “Lismore City Council is working hard to improve access, comfort and amenity for locals and visitors alike, with the support of the Federal and State governments.”
“These new amenities blocks are so much better than the old ones, particularly at the railway station, and I know they’ll be hugely appreciated by the community.”
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST CITIZENS
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg welcomed a record number of more than 70 new citizens on Citizenship Day 2025 at the recently repaired old Municipal building.
The new citizens have come from Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Guatemala, India, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Sri Lanka, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Thailand, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.
Mayor Krieg said it’s an honour to take part in welcoming new citizens to our nation.
“One of the best parts of my job is to warmly welcome new Australian citizens who are now part of the common bond that unites all Australians and respects diversity,” he said.
“Congratulations and welcome to our new citizens. Australia is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world, and since 1949, we have welcomed more than five million new citizens to our shores.”
Each year, 17 September is Australian Citizenship Day and a special day to reflect on and celebrate being an Australian citizen. Australian citizenship is more than just a legal status. It is our common bond that represents our shared democratic beliefs and gives us a sense of belonging and pride in our achievements as a nation. This day contributes to educating students and bring greater cultural awareness, a sense of social unity and belonging for all Australians.
The Lismore City Council, representing the Department of Home Affairs, organises regular citizenship ceremonies to warmly welcome new Australian citizens into our community.
For more information about Australian citizenship, visit www.citizenship.gov.au.
COUNCIL HAS LAUNCHED A NEW DEDICATED ROADS WEBPAGE
Council has launched a new dedicated roads webpage, developed in response to community feedback through the Reimagine Lismore Community Strategic Plan, which identified safer roads as a top priority. The webpage provides a central hub for up-to-date information, making it easier for residents to stay informed about roadworks, maintenance and key projects across the network.
Features include interactive maps highlighting key road projects across the whole of the Lismore local government area, with details on timeframes, types of damage, current status and images. The community can also access information on roadworks, closures and maintenance, along with weekly updates on “Where you’ll see Council this week” and monthly highlights showcasing the work completed by the Roads team.
This initiative is designed to improtve transparency, engagement and understanding of the challenges involved in managing our road network. The new webpage will continue to be updated, with further information as guided by community feedback.
You can view the webpage by going to www.lismore.nsw.gov.au and look for “road and parking” under the Council tab.
Biodiversity Month: Celebrating our local landcare champions
This September, we’re celebrating Biodiversity Month and recognising the incredible work of our local Landcare groups who are restoring bushland, improving riverbanks and protecting wildlife habitat across our region.
Across the 2024–25 financial year, Council supported 12 local Landcare groups:
• Aquarius Park Landcare
• Browns Creek Catchment Landcare
• Bush Fruits LGBTIQ+ Landcare
• Clunes Landcare
• Goonellabah Tucki Creek Landcare Group Inc
• Just Street Community Group
• Lismore Lake Inc Landcare
• Martin Drive Landcare
• South Lismore Duck Pond Landcare Inc
• Tuntable Creek Landcare Inc- Coronation Pk subgroup
• Wilsons Nature Reserve Landcare
• Wilsons River Landcare Inc
For every $1 Council contributed to the urban Landcare groups, an additional $8.50 went into our urban green spaces.
Collectively, we achieved approximately:
The Urban Landcare Program is an initiative of the Biodiversity Management Strategy and Urban Green Corridors Plan.
WHAT’S ON AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY
Shut Up & Write!® Lismore Writing Meetups
Every Tuesday, 1.30pm-2.30pm from 23 September onwards at Lismore Library
Shut Up & Write! is a global nonprofit initiative committed to creating free and welcoming spaces for writers of all kinds to build consistent writing habits— without pressure or distractions. Come as you are, write what you want, and leave feeling accomplished.
Author Talk: Michael Brissenden & Paul Daley
Monday, 22 September, 6pm-7.30pm at Goonellabah Library
Outback Noir double feature! Michael Brissenden (author of Dust) and Paul Daley (author of The Leap) will discuss crime writing and their latest Australian crime fiction novels.
Film Screening: Pride and Prejudice
Friday, 26 September, 2pm at Goonellabah Library
With support from NSW Seniors Festival, Goonellabah Library presents the acclaimed film on the big screen. Join us to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth and the 20th anniversary of the 2005 film. A themed afternoon tea will be provided.
Expression of Interest
Lismore City Council invites local restaurants, cafés, food producers and vendors to take part in the return of NORCO Eat the Street 2025
Join us as we transform Lismore’s CBD into a vibrant celebration of food, drink, live music, culture and family fun. With an expected crowd of 10,000+ people, this is your chance to showcase your flavours and boost your business.
Participation in 2025 is FREE!
Event details
When: Saturday, 15 November 2025, 12pm – 7pm
Where: Keen Street, Lismore
Expressions of Interest close 4.30pm, Friday, 10 October
For more information, go to www.yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au
CONTACT US: 6625 0500
Corporate Centre: 43 Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm
Post: PO Box 23A, Lismore, NSW 2480
Email: council@lismore.nsw.gov.au
Web: www.lismore.nsw.gov.au
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