Just before the Easter Break, the Lismore App asked for updates on some of our regular questions emailed daily on electricity supply (nearly complete!), Lismore Centro and Lismore Square.

Essential Energy

Essential Energy crews and contractors have been continuing with marathon electricity restoration efforts in Lismore and are working toward having power available to all CBD customers before Easter.

"We are still on track for power to be available to all connections in the CBD," Raelene Myers from Essential Energy said.

"Reconnection will still be needed for many businesses who have not yet provided the Certificate of Compliance confirming their internal wiring is safe." 

Flood-affected customers are reminded that while power may be available, for safety reasons reconnection cannot occur until a Certificate of Compliance of Electrical Work has been submitted. Information on the reconnection process can be viewed at www.essentialenergy.com.au/our-network/floods/flood-reconnecting or customers can call Essential Energy’s 24-hour Contact Centre on 13 20 80.

"Essential Energy thanks customers and the community for their patience as we all work together to safely get the lights back on to everyone in Lismore."

Lismore Central Shopping Centre

Lismore Central Shopping Centre has reopened its doors since the second wave of flooding, and welcomes back Woolworths, Chempro and Ciao Bella Café, who are operating out of temporary stores.

SCA Property Group, owner of Lismore Central Shopping Centre, is continuing to support existing retailers who can trade out of a temporary solution.

SCA Property Group COO, Michelle Tierney said “I am pleased that we will be supporting another retailer to open a temporary store.

“It is wonderful that I announce, local fruit and veg favourite, PJ’s has opened a pop-up store, which will provide another option for the community to access the essential goods they require.

We are committed to not only supporting our retail partners, but the wider Lismore community through several initiatives. We understand that many community groups and social enterprises have mobilised their support throughout the community. We also understand that many of these support groups require weather-protected locations to operate out of. I would like to invite these community groups to utilise space at Lismore Central so that they can help rebuild a thriving Lismore community.   

In support of our partnership with The Smith Family, we have also donated $10,000 to their Flood Relief Appeal, where 100% of all donated funds will go directly to affected families who have been impacted by the floods, and assist with getting sponsored children back learning as quickly as possible.  

We will also be donating a combined value of $18,000 worth of Woolworths and Chempro gift cards to all our Lismore Central Shopping Centre specialty retail partners and their staff, which we hope will help them get back on their feet.”

Lismore Shopping Square

All retail tenancies have been de-fitted, all Major Tenants have been de-fitted and landlord works and reinstatement of services we are well on track and we preparing for a staged re-opening in June.

As this is the first time that floodwaters have reached the trading floor of the centre, the biggest task has been repairing all individual tenancies within the centre. However, we have worked closely with all our retailers throughout this rebuilding process. The commitment to rebuild and reopen as quickly as possible by our retailers has been incredibly positive.

The centre opening will be a staged process to ensure that we can start servicing the community again as quickly as possible. All Major tenants including Woolworths, Big W, Coles and Kmart are currently rebuilding their stores and will be able to announce opening dates in the coming weeks.

All retailers worked hard to salvage as much stock as possible, however, any water damaged stock could not be retained due to contamination and health risks. There were 1500m3 of debris removed in the first 7 days after the flood event.

Chief Financial Operating Officer Glen McAnulty told the Lismore App, "McConaghy Properties have owned and managed Lismore Shopping Square since 1998 and have been a proud part of the Lismore community for over 20 years. First and foremost, our thoughts are with the community of Lismore as we all manage through this extremely challenging time together."

"McConaghy Properties is absolutely committed to re-opening Lismore Shopping Square, and we are pleased to report that great progress has been made at the centre."

"The McConaghy Projects construction team have been mobilised with the repair and rebuilding works well progressed."

"We can’t thank our long-standing retail partners enough for their support over the past 6 weeks. Without their support and commitment to the community of Lismore we would not be in the position we are in."

"We are working closely with our key retailers, Woolworths, Coles, Kmart and Big W, on their reopening plans, along with our 70 specialty retailers."

"Our team are working tirelessly to ensure we can re-open Lismore Shopping Square as soon as possible to serve the Lismore community once again." 

"Thank you for all your support and together as a community we will rebuild and reopen."