It’s been three years in the coming, but finally the Wilson River Cycleway is repaired and ready for walkers, skaters and bicyclists to enjoy the stunning scenery as they travel along the side of the river. 

The cycleway was destroyed in the 2017 flood, and Lismore City Council has been waiting for funding to come through under the NSW Government’s Natural Disaster Relief Assistance Program to repair the cycleway.  



Mayor Isaac Smith cuts the ribbon to officially re-open the Wilson River Cycleway which marks a milestone in the city's flood recovery. Looking on are Councillors Neil Marks and Elly Bird and Council staff members.

Today, Lismore Mayor Isaac Smith unveiled the new track and cut a celebratory ribbon.

“Three years is a long time for the community to wait to have vital infrastructure repaired but thanks to State and Federal Governments delivering the funding we now have the project completed,” Mr Smith said.

So why did it take so long to get fixed? 

Mayor Smith said the only delay was the State and Federal Government bureaucracy in getting things repaired after a disaster. 

“That’s something we’d like the government to look at in the future – how they support any community after a drought, fire, flood or pandemic,” he said.

The repair work included the installation of new timber piles and a concrete cycleway on the section of track located below the Kirklands carpark along the riverbank at the western end of Magellan Street. The track also links Fawcetts Bridge (Lower Hensley Carpark) and the Rowing Club Carpark.

What happened in the 2017 flood?

Mayor Smith said during 2017, the “massive” flood event was one of the biggest in Lismore’s history.

“Here we have the confluence of two rivers and Leycester Creek pumps into the bank here on the Wilson,” he said. “Unfortunately it scours out anything on that side of the bank. 

“But these new pylons here - more than 50 of them - will protect it in future and it won’t be scoured by a flood again.”

Mayor Smith said the previous infrastructure consisted of wooden walkways and gravel paths that were laid about 15 years ago and “sadly in a bad position and not fit for purpose”.

Lismore cycleway plan

Mayor Smith said the new track is a part of Lismore’s future cycleway plan. 

“The path connects up to the road cycleways that go down Woodlark Street and at the other end down Ballina Road,” he said.

“This will connect up in future to other cycleways across to South Lismore to make up a loop track around Lismore Base for walking, cycling and passive recreation.

“It circumnavigates the river which is beautiful. It’s a stunning spot so people need to come and have a look.”