Lismore’s flood recovery plan enters next phase

LISMORE City Council has begun a structured flood recovery plan, with emergency repairs underway and full reconstruction efforts set to take three months.

Council is working through a significant clean-up effort, balancing waste management with broader recovery efforts to benefit the region.

It will be split into phases with the second part of the work expected to take 90 days.

Engineers and other industry professionals are on the ground with emergency repairs and additional work well underway.

Lismore City mayor Steve Krieg said the recovery plan is clear and structured with the aim to understand the full impacts of the damage.

“This allows us to appropriately scope and plan for the broader reconstruction phase, which will be rolled out over the coming months.” Cr Krieg said.

“Over the coming weeks you will see Council crews focusing on emergency works and addressing immediate risks for our community.

“This involves temporary ‘make safe’ measures to ensure public safety.”

Technical and industry professionals have been on the ground rolling out the recovery plan.

The collective group works at a fast pace while addressing potential safety threats.

“Following this, the recovery process will move into the next phase of reconstruction works,” Cr Krieg said.

“This stage will span approximately 90 days and will involve a structured process of assessing damage, scoping and estimating the works and delivery of a prioritised program of work to achieve the full reconstruction of affected assets.”

Council will also work closely with the NSW Reconstruction Authority and NSW SES on a regional program later this year to increase community flood-risk awareness.

The Australian government is expected to fund the work through the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program.