The long-neglected western entrance to Lismore is about to get a major makeover after Lismore City Council signed a licensing agreement with community organisation Lismore Lake Incorporated to manage the Lismore Lake Precinct.

Lismore Lake Incorporated’s president Brad Lancaster said the group already had an offer from a local farmer to transfer 5 megalitres of his water licence which will allow us to take water from the Wilsons River to replenish the lake as required, as well as water the soon-to-be cared for 14 hectares of parkland surrounding the 10 hectares of lake.

“The area is a gateway. We have people coming in from the airport and the west of Lismore so it will make a much more appealing entrance to the town,” he said.

Mr Lancaster said the group will be fund-raising, applying for grants and lobbying both the State and Federal governments to help fund planned works.

“Top of the list is raising the money to pay for the water licence transfer costs. We are also working with Landcare to regenerate the area by removing all non-native trees, such as Coral Trees which destabilise the lake’s bank, and planting native trees around the precinct.”

“Back in its heydays in the 1970s, 80s and 90s, the area was regularly full of picnicking families playing in the now dilapidated pool area and skiing on the lake.”

Mr Lancaster said motorised boating will not be allowed under the new plans as the lake has become a bird sanctuary and, among the many other birds which frequent the lake, is home to the endangered Black-Necked Stork and vulnerable Comb-Crested Jacana. However, paddle boards, kayaks and canoes could possibly be used as they have less impact on bird life. 

As part of the plan, bird hides will be strategically placed for the many birdwatchers and photographers who already visit the lake. However, Mr Lancaster said the group’s immediate focus is on improving the water quality of the lake.

“Once we get there, which will probably be in a year or so, people may be able to swim in it,” he said.

“It is hoped the existing toilet block will be upgraded with accessible toilets added, and a 1.5km path will be laid around the lake to make it more accessible.”

While regenerating the lake and precinct are the group’s primary focus, it will be lobbying Federal and State governments for grants in the hope of bringing the free pool back to life.

Mr Lancaster said signing the licensing agreement was the culmination of years of lobbying councillors over several terms of council.

“This document gives us formal permission to work the site. There's a Plan of Management that we have to follow, which is why there's no motorised craft allowed. There is also a bush regeneration plan that we must submit and follow every year through our Landcare work. None of this is expected to cost council or ratepayers anything,” he said.

“Personally, I can’t wait to see families picnicking by the lake again, and one day maybe swimming in a free pool.”