Plans to build a new Service NSW customer service centre at The Village Shopping Centre in Goonellabah have officially been approved by Lismore City Council, clearing the way for the project to move to the next stage.

The development application (DA) for the proposed ‘Public Administration Building’ at 1 Simeoni Drive was granted consent by Council on 3 March 2026, allowing the project to proceed subject to a range of conditions and further approvals before construction begins.

The new facility is planned for land behind Coles at The Village, with the entrance facing Simeoni Drive. When first announced in 2024, the project was expected to cost around $2.56 million and provide a full Service NSW centre for the Goonellabah community.

Before building works start, the project must meet several conditions outlined in the approval, including obtaining a Construction Certificate, which happens after securing approvals for water, sewer and stormwater connections.

Once these steps are completed and construction begins, building works are expected to take between 12 and 18 months, weather permitting.

When completed, the new centre is planned to deliver the full range of Service NSW transactions and services for the region, including driver testing. Currently, driver testing for the area is conducted at the Lismore Workers Golf Club in East Lismore.

A Service NSW spokesperson said the organisation remains committed to establishing a permanent presence in Goonellabah.

“Service NSW remains committed to establishing a new and permanent Service Centre in Goonellabah.

“Customers in Lismore and surrounding communities can continue to access more than 1,300 NSW Government transactions and services including Business Concierge appointments and driver testing via the Service Centre at 152 Molesworth Street, Lismore, and the Lismore Driving Testing Centre at the Lismore Workers Golf Club.

“The Mobile Service NSW Centre also regularly visits a number of communities across the Northern Rivers including Coraki, Kyogle and Mullumbimby.”

The relocation to Goonellabah has been dependent on the shopping centre expansion proceeding through construction by the building owner. Once the building is completed, Service NSW will undertake the internal fit-out before the centre can open to the public.