Lismore City Council has begun early planning and investigations to determine whether Blakebrook Quarry could host a future regional landfill, as part of long-term planning for waste management across the region.
The landfill at the Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre is expected to reach capacity within seven to 10 years. Council is considering options now to ensure the continuity of secure, affordable waste services.
Mayor Steve Krieg said the current stage focuses on forward planning and identifying potential options, not making final decisions.
“Planning, assessing and securing approvals for a compliant landfill facility is a complex process that can take ten years or more,” Krieg said. “Starting early gives us time to do this work carefully and thoroughly.”
“No decision has been made to build a landfill at Blakebrook. At this point, we’re simply investigating whether the site is suitable”.
Long-term project
Blakebrook Quarry was identified through a structured site selection process that assessed more than 30 locations across the Lismore local government area against social, environmental and planning criteria.
Council is investigating a disposal facility for residual waste — material that cannot be recycled or composted — and asbestos. The proposal does not include a public tip or transfer station.
If the project proceeds, residents and businesses would continue to use the Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre for public waste, reuse and recycling.
Early engagement
In September 2025, councillors endorsed Blakebrook Quarry as the preferred site for further investigation. Work is now underway, including early community engagement.
Discussions with directly affected landowners began in September 2025, followed by a meeting with the Northern Rivers Quarry Community Consultative Committee in November and community information sessions in April.
The engagement aims to share information about the proposal, listen to local concerns and draw on community knowledge before any decisions are made.
Feedback will inform the concept design and business case, which councillors are expected to consider in 2027.
At that point, councillors will decide whether to proceed to the approvals phase, including preparation of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). If the project advances, there will be multiple opportunities for further community input, including formal public exhibition as part of the NSW Government assessment process.
Following recent drop-in sessions for residents near Blakebrook Quarry, council plans broader engagement with the Lismore community in coming months. Details will be announced.
More information is available at lismore.nsw.gov.au/newlandfill.
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