Lismore City Council has this week adopted its most comprehensive Strategic Planning Framework in the LGA’s history at the September Ordinary Council Meeting. Built on extensive public engagement, the newly adopted framework establishes a bold, long-term roadmap that balances future housing and job creation with environmental enhancement, community resilience and the preservation of Lismore’s distinctive lifestyle.
The ambitious and proactive planning framework brings together five key strategies, including the updated Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), Resilience and Adaptation Strategy, Rural Land Use Strategy, Economic Development Strategy and the revised Biodiversity Management Strategy. Together, this master suite of strategies sets out Council’s commitment to act on ensuring Lismore’s future is bright, creating a practical and transformative path forward for long-term planning.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the adoption of the framework represents a crucial step forward in securing Lismore’s position as a thriving regional centre, reversing long-term trends and setting the region on a clear path to prosperity.
“Lismore’s future will not be determined by chance. It will be shaped by the decisions we make today, the proactive steps we take tomorrow and the confidence we have in our community’s potential,” Mayor Krieg said.
“Analysis shows Lismore was effectively on a trajectory toward negative growth since 1998. This framework changes that narrative entirely, setting an ambitious and positive vision for where we want to be over the coming decades. It recognises the unique opportunities and challenges we face as a regional city and gives us a clear direction for growth, investment and renewal.
“No long-term plan unfolds exactly as expected, but every project delivered, every business supported and every family that chooses to call Lismore home brings us one step closer to achieving that vision.”
Manager Strategic Services Jamie Van Iersel highlighted the comprehensive scope of the strategies following the consultation process.
“Achieving the full vision will require collaboration across all levels of government. While some initiatives will require State Government support or endorsement, Council has adopted these strategies because they represent what we believe is in the best interests of our community,” she said.
“We will continue to advocate strongly, negotiate constructively and work with government agencies and stakeholders to secure the support, investment and policy settings needed to help deliver these outcomes.”
The framework now provides an agreed direction for Council’s long-term planning, with several strategies already moving into immediate implementation. The Resilience and Adaptation, Biodiversity Management and Economic Development strategies are now fully adopted and active, while the Local Strategic Planning Statement and Rural Land Use Strategy will progress for State Government endorsement. Council will continue to advance the work identified across all five strategies as these processes are undertaken.
The adoption of the Strategic Planning Framework marks a historic milestone in establishing a clear and confident direction for Lismore’s future, shaped directly by the priorities and aspirations of the community. To discover how community voices have informed the framework and explore the strategies guiding Lismore’s future, view the consultation report and finalised documents on Council’s website.
