There are less than two weeks for you to have your say on how Lismore builds in flood-prone areas to prepare for future flood events.

Lismore City Council's Development Control Plan (DCP) can be a confusing and time-consuming document to read. The Lismore App is giving you an abridged version to help you understand the updated rules. You can refer to the LCC DCP link for more detailed information.

LCC has a very good video that outlines the basic premise:

The proposed flood planning level (FPL) for the Lismore LGA is the 1%AEP (or 1-in-100 years) plus a climate change factor (an additional 500-600mm depending on location within the floodplain) plus 500mm freeboard. This represents approximately 13.4 metres for more regular extreme and high flood risk.

You can now type in your address through the search bar (bottom left of the page) on the Property Flood Information section which will show you the flood level of your home using different scenarios such as 1% or 1-in-100 years, 0.2% or 1-in-500 years or the February 2022 flood event. Click here to be taken to the map.

Lismore City Council (LCC), like the NRRC, is not using the February 28, 2022, flood level in the draft flood planning level. LCC is running a community survey asking residents whether they should include that data. There is information on how to make a submission or give council feedback at the end of the story.

Lismore City Council has developed four Flood Risk Precincts using extreme, high, medium and low as its measures plus two additional precincts have been identified based on their unique characteristics. This includes the “South Lismore Restricted Evacuation Precinct” and “CBD Development Precinct”.

Extreme Risk Precinct is an extremely dangerous part of the floodplain due to high velocities and/or depths of floodwaters, even during relatively common floods. The DCp says "The extreme risk precinct applies to the deepest areas within the CBD basin, along with areas adjacent to the Wilsons River, Leycester Creek and Hollingworth Creek where the highest flow velocities exist."

Generally, no new development will be permissible in these areas given the extreme risk to life and property. Some recreational and non-urban development, as well as concessional development, may be allowed subject to assessment.

High Risk Precinct applies to the remaining areas within the CBD basin, South Lismore, the airport and through to Gundurimba, representing areas classified as flood storage and floodway. It also applies to the Browns Creek conveyance corridor once the CBD levee is overtopped. Due to the significant risk to life and property in this area, no new residential development is permitted (unless within the CBD Development Precinct). Some commercial, industrial and community development may be permitted subject to assessment.

Medium and Low Risk Precincts apply to the rest of the floodplain area not mentioned above, such as flood fringe areas, up to the PMF extent. Most development is permissible in these areas, subject to meeting flood development controls, except for critical uses and facilities required in the event of a flood emergency. Additionally, sensitive and hazardous development is not permissible in the medium risk precinct.

South Lismore Restricted Evacuation Precinct applies to land in South Lismore, as shown by the pink border below.

The DCP says the area south of Hollingworth Creek is isolated in the event of the South Lismore levee overtopping and has a lengthy evacuation route via Union Street, the Ballina Street Bridge and Ballina Street or Conway Street to Wyrallah Road. The Hollingworth Creek bridge represents a low point on the evacuation route that is cut immediately when flood waters overtop the levee.

The area north of Hollingworth Creek also has significant evacuation constraints due to roads getting cut early in the event of floods. As such, no additional residential development is permitted in this area. Due to evacuation constraints, there are additional requirements regarding fill, flood refuge, structural soundness and flood evacuation for commercial, industrial and community development south of Hollingworth Creek. Development in areas marked as extreme risk within the precinct will not be permitted, unless the development is characterised as non-urban/rural or concessional development.

CBD Development Exemption Precinct applies to the Lismore CBD area, and allows for forms of residential development (shop top housing and tourist and visitor accommodation), provided that habitable floor levels are above the Flood Planning Level (FPL), structural soundness is proven, a site-specific evacuation plan is prepared, and refuge is available above the Probable Maximum Flood.

This is due to the CBD development having adequate evacuation routes, the limited protection provided by the CBD levee, and the ability for dwellings such as shop-top housing to be constructed above the FPL on existing buildings. Commercial and community development is also permissible. Development in areas marked as extreme risk within the precinct will not be permitted unless it is characterised as non-urban/rural or concessional development.

If you would like to read the full draft DCP document click here, this may be better on an iPad or PC (www.lismoreapp.com.au).

LCC is asking for your feedback via submission until 4pm, Monday 17 July 2023.

You can provide your feedback in the following ways:

• Online: click here.
• Email: council@lismore.nsw.gov.au
• In writing to the General Manager, Lismore City Council, PO Box 23A, Lismore, NSW 2480

You can also ask council staff questions in person through the Living Lab, 11 Woodlark St, Lismore from 1pm - 4pm

• Wednesday 5 July
• Tuesday 11 July
• Wednesday 12 July

The Farmer's Markets, Lismore Showgrounds from 8.30am - 11.00am

Saturday 8 July