Lismore City Council has adopted a major strategic planning framework aimed at guiding population growth, housing, jobs, investment and resilience across the region in coming decades.
Councillors adopted the framework at the September ordinary meeting following extensive community consultation.
The framework brings together five key strategies: an updated Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), Resilience and Adaptation Strategy, Rural Land Use Strategy, Economic Development Strategy and revised Biodiversity Management Strategy.
Together, the strategies establish a long-term approach to accommodating future housing and employment growth while protecting the environment, strengthening community resilience and maintaining Lismore’s lifestyle.
Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said adopting the framework was an important step towards strengthening the city’s position as a regional centre and reversing long-term population trends.
“Lismore’s future will not be determined by chance. It will be shaped by the decisions we make today, the proactive steps we take tomorrow and the confidence we have in our community’s potential,” Krieg said.
“Analysis shows Lismore was effectively on a trajectory toward negative growth since 1998. This framework changes that narrative entirely, setting an ambitious and positive vision for where we want to be over the coming decades. It recognises the unique opportunities and challenges we face as a regional city and gives us a clear direction for growth, investment and renewal.
“No long-term plan unfolds exactly as expected, but every project delivered, every business supported and every family that chooses to call Lismore home brings us one step closer to achieving that vision.”
Council’s Manager Strategic Services Jamie Van Iersel said delivering the framework would require cooperation between different levels of government.
“Achieving the full vision will require collaboration across all levels of government. While some initiatives will require State Government support or endorsement, Council has adopted these strategies because they represent what we believe is in the best interests of our community,” she said.
“We will continue to advocate strongly, negotiate constructively and work with government agencies and stakeholders to secure the support, investment and policy settings needed to help deliver these outcomes.”
The framework will now guide the council’s long-term planning, with several strategies moving immediately into implementation.
The Resilience and Adaptation Strategy, Biodiversity Management Strategy and Economic Development Strategy have been adopted and are active.
The Local Strategic Planning Statement and Rural Land Use Strategy will progress to the NSW Government for endorsement.
Council will continue work identified across all five strategies while those processes are underway.
The framework was developed following community consultation, with the final strategies and consultation report available through Lismore City Council’s website.
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