Flood restoration team wins award for efforts in city rebuild

LISMORE City Council has been recognised for its ongoing flood recovery efforts, winning a statewide Local Government Procurement award for project of the year during a gala night at Doltone House in Sydney.

Council won the award for its Flood Restoration Portfolio, which has helped shape the rebuild of Lismore following the 2022 disaster.

The award considers financial, social and environmental impacts, as well as their potential for long-term benefits.

Flood restoration executive director Charlotte Foy said the award recognised her team’s hard work and innovation.

“The restoration of Lismore following the 2022 disasters is the most complex procurement challenge council has ever undertaken,” she said.

“This win reaffirms that our approach to disaster recovery is not only effective but also leading the way.

“Learnings from our portfolio could be applied to other disaster recovery projects across Australia.”

The projects include roads, bridges and landslips, sporting venues, cultural hubs and community facilities. They also focus on vital flood resilience infrastructure, including urban stormwater drainage.

About 115 projects have been completed under the program, with another 180 now in development and construction. Larger works include repairs on Nimbin and Blue Knob roads, and the restoration of Lismore City Library, Lismore Regional Gallery and Quad, Lismore Municipal Building and Lismore Airport Terminal.

Sports facilities at the Albert Park baseball complex, Lismore Basketball Stadium, Lismore Workers FC clubhouse and Marie Mackney Netball Courts have also been repaired.

“It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of our community and council staff. Every project completed is a step forward for our community and our future,” Lismore mayor Steve Krieg said