Lismore City Council has released its State of the City Report and 2023/24 Annual Report, showcasing a period of significant advocacy, recovery and delivery for the city.

Key milestones include securing a record funding agreement with the NSW Government to rebuild around one hundred of Lismore’s roads and bridges, devastated by the 2022 natural disaster.

The agreement not only signified the Government’s confidence in the future of Lismore but also set a new benchmark in streamlining critical funding for transport infrastructure in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Building on this momentum, the Council also streamlined its processes, dramatically reducing residential Development Application processing times.

This improvement has spurred new growth and positively impacted local businesses, with a notable rise in CBD occupancy to 76.8% as well as increased spending across the city, particularly across hospitality and entertainment.

Lismore’s resilience and vibrancy also attracted international recognition, with Qantas Travel Insider naming the city on a global list of one of the ‘Coolest Places to Visit in 2024.’

Mayor Steve Krieg said the Council’s achievements highlight the valuable role Council plays in building a resilient and prosperous community.

“We’re seeing real, measurable progress that reflects the hard work of council in advocating and delivering for Lismore,” he said.

“It really is in keeping with the spirit and strength of our community generally.

“From reducing Development Application times to achieving 80% completion on our building recovery projects, rebuilding major infrastructure and attracting world-class events, every step we take is about delivering real results for our residents and preparing our city for a bright future.”

The Council’s State of the City report reveals further growth, with a 16% rise in Gross Regional Product since 2021 and a 4.7% increase in active businesses.

In reflecting on the city's progress, Mayor Krieg emphasised that the Annual Report not only highlights recent achievements but also lays a strong foundation for Lismore’s future direction.

“These reports demonstrate that our city is on a critical path forward, but it is not just about looking back; it’s about celebrating the important groundwork that has been done to ensure a prosperous future,” he said.

“Together, we’re building a stronger, more sustainable Lismore, and we are ready for what lies ahead.”

The latest reports also highlight vital statistics reflecting Lismore’s growth and resilience across various sectors to illustrate the positive outcomes achieved for the city.

They include: 

• 16% increase in Gross Regional Product (2021-2023)
• 4.7% increase in active businesses in the LGA (2021-2023)
• 54% drop in average assessment days for DAs (compared to 2017-2021 term)
• 75% increase in riparian areas excluded from livestock (compared to 2017-2021 term)
• 45 out of 50 public buildings and spaces restored post-floods
• Increase in medium or high-density housing
• Launch of Housing Grant Program and MOU for Affordable Housing

The Annual Report also outlines the Council's progress on commitments in the Delivery Program and Operational Plan, as well as financial and asset performance against the budget.

It ensures transparency by detailing progress made on immediate goals and aligning these achievements with the city’s long-term vision.

This ongoing evaluation allows the community to track how current efforts contribute to broader strategic objectives, providing a clear picture of how today’s actions shape Lismore’s future growth and sustainability.

Both reports can be found on Council's website www.lismore.nsw.gov.au and by clicking here.