The news from Lismore City Councils Audited Financial Statements ending June 30, 2020 provided some good news for our under siege General Manager and councillors.

The net operating result for the year before grants and contributions provided for capital purposes was a loss of $635,000.

How is that good news? A the end of the 2018/19 financial year the result was a loss of $8,508,000. This financial year included the COVID-19 global pandemic which did not have the negative impact many thought it would.

While that news was positive for the Lismore City Council, it certainly does not mean that we, as a community, are out of the woods.

Geoff Dwyer who presented the audit report did say that there were still challenges ahead due to the costly infrastructure backlog, "the challenge is going to be having assets in a condition to meet the communities expectations while at the same time balancing their books to make an operating surplus," Mr Dwyer said.

As we in the 2480 postcode all know, that infrastructure backlog is led by roads of which we have 1200 kilometres.

So, while there is definitely good news for LCC the road ahead (pun intended) will not be pothole free for some time which was supported by the September Quarterly Budget Review Statement. In the Executive Summary it said "While Council’s financial position at 30 June 2021 is likely to be satisfactory there are indicators that require immediate attention to ensure long-term financial sustainability."

The other motion passed at last nights extraordinary council meeting involved the adoption of the NSW's Government Outdoor Dining Policy which replaces Council's own policy formulated in 2015.

The bottom line is that business owners can apply on-line for an outdoor dining permit that can be granted in two days thus cutting a great deal of red tape.

Council has not lost any power as it still has to give the final approval but will forgo $28,000 in revenue through the waiving of fees for current and new permits.

The question is "will we see more outdoor dining in the CBD of Lismore, Nimbin and surrounding towns?" If we do, every business will potentially benefit with more people coming to the CBD, just like in the old days.