Lismore City Council has released its draft 2026–27 budget, with a major infrastructure and flood recovery program set to move into construction after several years of planning and advocacy.
Mayor Steve Krieg said the $411.3 million budget represented a significant milestone for the community and supported Lismore’s growth as a regional centre.
“This is a year of delivery for Lismore. After the hard work to secure funding and preparing projects, we are now seeing that translate into real outcomes on the ground,” he said.
“The budget prioritises capital investment in roads, infrastructure, recovery and preparedness to the value of $218.4 million, all areas the community has consistently asked us to focus on.”
“Our community has been clear about what matters most, and this budget is focused on delivering exactly that.”
The 2026–27 program is underpinned by State and Federal funding secured through what council described as sustained advocacy efforts.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure Lismore receives its fair share. That means we can deliver this critical program of work without placing unnecessary additional burden on ratepayers.”
Projects scheduled for delivery include pavement upgrades on Tregeagle Road, Rous Road, Dunoon Road and James Gibson Road, along with continued work on the South Lismore Sewer Treatment Plant Resilience Upgrade.
Council said it would keep general rates in line with the State Government’s 3.1 per cent rate peg while introducing targeted adjustments aimed at maintaining service sustainability. The freeze on inner CBD business rates will also continue.
The budget also includes measures intended to ease cost-of-living pressures, including free waste vouchers, free library and gallery programs, subsidised access to pools and leisure facilities, and support for community organisations.
“We know there is significant pressures on households, and we’ve been deliberate in protecting access to services and supporting our community where we can.”
Council said the scale of the works program was expected to support local jobs and businesses across the local government area.
“This is about keeping work in the region, supporting local contractors and building confidence in Lismore’s future. This is underpinned by our draft long-term Strategic Planning Framework, which plans for a population of 60,000, 6,500 new jobs, and 10,000 homes on flood-free land.”
“We are also focused on strengthening Lismore’s reputation as a vibrant regional hub by attracting major events while continuing to grow beloved local festivals such as Eat the Street, creating a dynamic calendar that celebrates music, food, and community.”
“Through focused revenue optimisation and careful cost management in 2025/26, we have built a strong foundation for a practical, fiscally responsible 2026/27 Budget that sets us up for a sustainable future.”
The Draft Budget by Program 2026–2027, Draft Operational Plan 2026–2027, Draft Revenue Policy 2026–2027, Draft Fees and Charges 2026–2027 and Draft Long Term Financial Plan 2026–2027 will be on public exhibition from 13 May to 10 June 2026 on the Your Say Lismore website.
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