A tree-lined path linking Lismore’s CBD to the hospital, shops, art gallery and sporting fields is on the way, with design concept plans now open for community feedback after Council locked in state funding to get it built.
Lismore City Council has secured $2,383,030 through the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active 2025-2026 program, administered by Transport for NSW, to deliver the Lismore Boulevard, a shared user path.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the project would create a safer, more connected pedestrian and cycling corridor linking the city’s key destinations and community spaces.
“This project will deliver a direct, tree-lined four-metre-wide shared path through Lismore Park connecting the CBD with our cultural precincts, sporting facilities and health services, making it easier and safer for residents and visitors to walk and cycle around our city,” Mayor Krieg said.
The landscaped concrete path will connect Lismore Shopping Square, the CBD, the Skatepark, Dawson Street, the Art Gallery and the Lismore Base Hospital precinct.
“The boulevard will create new opportunities for recreation and community connection throughout the surrounding parklands, while secondary pathways will further strengthen connectivity to our key sporting fields including Crozier Field and entry points to Oakes Oval,” he said.
“With improved shade from trees, seating, bike racks at destination points, bubblers, and modern pavement designs, the boulevard will encourage interaction, active transport, and leisure while supporting wellbeing, inclusivity, and a shift away from car dependency.
“Good lighting along the route will create a warm, welcoming atmosphere at night, making it a place people feel safe and comfortable using and enjoying beyond daylight hours.”
The boulevard will also link to the region’s major school bus interchange, bus stops and taxi facilities, giving students, commuters and visitors more ways to get around without a car.
The project ties in with the Healthy Streets project backed by Transport for NSW and Lismore’s Walking, Cycling and Micromobility Strategy.
“The boulevard design prioritises safety, with clear views along the path, good lighting, and a wide shared space and supports safe, low-speed movement between pedestrians, skaters and cyclists,” he said.
State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the project would greatly enhance connectivity between the CBD, the new Lismore Skatepark, sporting ovals, Lismore Shopping Square and the Base Hospital precinct.
“This major upgrade of an existing active transport route will really open up these areas, encouraging more locals and visitors to walk or cycle between them, with lighting improving public safety after dark,” Ms Saffin said.
“I am mindful to bring our CBD back better than ever and have for decades now advocated to ensure connectivity with what I call Town and Square, even to think out loud about various forms of mobility, think tuk tuks, EV ones of course.
“This project speaks to economic development and environmental care, which is what we all like.”
Council acknowledged the support of the Get NSW Active program, which promotes walking and bike riding and aims to make active transport accessible to everyone.
Construction is scheduled to start mid-2027, with completion targeted for March 2028. The total project cost is $2,483,030, including a $100,000 Council contribution.
“I strongly backed in Lismore Boulevard as an ideal fit for funding under the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active program and encourage people to check out design concept plans and provide feedback to Council,” Ms Saffin said.
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