Record spend to fix Lismore roads and services

LISMORE City Council will spend a record $244.1 million to upgrade roads, bridges, buildings, water and sewerage infrastructure in the coming financial year.

Councillors adopted the budget at their last meeting.

Mayor Steve Krieg said the capital works budget was almost double last year’s spend and rates would remain capped at the State Government’s peg of 3.9 per cent.

“Council recently went out to the community to find out what they wanted Council to deliver. You told us roads, stormwater, drains, waste management, flood mitigation, youth services and housing,” he said.

“We listened and that is the focus of this year’s budget.

“This budget is about investing in the right areas across all Council operations to strengthen Lismore’s economy and create a city and villages that attract people to come live, work and raise a family.”

The council will spend $184.9 million on roads and bridges, up from $74 million last financial year.

A further $28.6 million is allocated for sewer system improvements, up from $13 million, and $1.04 million will be invested in drains, a 25 per cent increase.

Council’s total budget for 2025/26 is $430 million, up from $301.1 million, with a forecast cash surplus.

Mayor Krieg said the increased funding was due to lobbying and advocacy efforts after the 2022 flood disaster.

“Councillors also understand people are doing it tough with the rising cost of living, that’s why we have frozen rates at the State Government’s rate peg of 3.9 per cent,” he said.