Council drafts plan for Lismore’s growth

LISMORE City Council is drafting a long-term plan to guide growth as the region heads toward a projected population of 60,000.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated there were 44,334 residents in the Lismore local government area in 2021, with 28,816 living in the built-up area.

Despite instability after the 2022 floods, the resident population as of June 30, 2024, was 43,783.

There is no set timeframe for Lismore to reach 60,000, but the new Local Strategic Planning Statement will provide the policy framework for growth.

Mayor Steve Krieg said early, careful planning was critical.

“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.”

The plan will identify opportunities in Lismore’s urban centre and across its towns and villages, with new investment and housing anticipated.

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 has served as deputy secretary of the NSW Department of Planning and Environment and CEO of the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation.

He has twice been recognised as planner of the year and is a past national president of the Planning Institute of Australia.

The draft plan will be released for public exhibition early next year, with council to seek 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.”