Four new mega precincts to transform Lismore

LISMORE residents will help shape the future of four new precincts as part of the next stage in the city’s flood recovery.

The NSW Government and Lismore City Council have announced a staged planning process for more than 50 hectares of land acquired through the Resilient Homes buyback program.

More than 650 former housing sites across Lismore Centre, North Lismore, South Lismore and East Lismore will be repurposed for community, cultural or economic uses that are compatible with flood risk.

Mayor Steve Krieg said the approach would allow each area to respond to local needs and ideas.

“That’s already part of the discussion, that you have your entertainment precinct, you have your sporting precinct, you have your commercial precinct,” he said.

“I think that makes sense, but we all know that all levels of government don’t necessarily do things that make sense at times.”

The Lismore Centre precinct will be the first to undergo detailed planning, beginning in early 2026.

Planning for the other three precincts will follow, with all four expected to be completed by early 2027.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the planning would focus on connectivity, economic opportunity and community use.

“What I envisage is these precincts will have a connectedness we never had before,” she said.

“We’re on the outskirts of the CBD, and gradually it’s hooking up to the Square, or the Square is hooking up to the CBD.”

Council has confirmed the land cannot be used for housing, but could be used for open space, events, sports, or commercial activity, depending on location.

A mix of in-person and online consultation will be held throughout 2026 to help guide the design of each precinct.

Funding has been secured for the planning process, but further grants will be needed for construction, landscaping or facilities.

Council and the NSW Reconstruction Authority will also work with other state agencies to ensure the plans are backed across government.

Saffin said the precinct plan was an important step in Lismore’s recovery and long-term future.

“We can recover from what happened in 2022 and have the best possible place to live, work and play.”

For more information visit nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-reconstruction-authority/