Flood recovery builds as council looks to its next set of restoration projects

LISMORE City Council has now completed 150 flood restoration projects, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing recovery effort following the 2022 disaster.

The focus of the program is now shifting toward landslip remediation, road stabilisation and upgrades to flood infrastructure, with a further 180 projects still to be delivered under the Flood Restoration Portfolio.

Across the Local Government Area, completed works include reopened and repaired roads, restored community buildings and sporting facilities, and upgraded flood pump infrastructure designed to improve resilience in future weather events.

Recent highlights include the construction of two new rural bridges, major landslip repairs along Stony Chute and Oakey Creek roads, and drainage upgrades across more than 100 rural roads.

The works form part of what has been described as the largest infrastructure restoration program ever undertaken by local government in Australia, with recovery efforts continuing across multiple phases of delivery.

While a substantial body of work remains, the council says people and place continue to guide every stage of the recovery process.

Mayor Steve Krieg said reaching the milestone was an important sign of progress for the region.

“Reaching 150 completed projects is a powerful sign that Lismore is moving forward with confidence,” he said.

“By prioritising connectivity and resilience, we’re making sure Lismore is not only better prepared for future events but well positioned to grow and thrive.”

Flood Restoration Portfolio Executive Director Charlotte Foy said the milestone reflects years of work transitioning from planning into full-scale delivery.

“What matters most is that communities can now see and feel the results – safer roads, restored facilities and infrastructure that’s built to last,” she said.

The flood restoration works are jointly funded by the federal and state governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, with council also contributing funding to extend select projects.