The Lismore Memorial Baths on Molesworth Street have been reopened to the public nearly twenty-two months after the February 28 2022 big flood.

The early Christmas present was welcomed by Mayor Steve Krieg, Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan and Councillors Jeri Hall, Andrew Bing and Vanessa Ekins.

"This really is an exciting day. Less than a week out from Christmas to be able to stand here, and obviously for once, the little guy is flanked by the big guns from the state government and the federal government. None of this would be possible without their support, but this critical infrastructure in what is very early days in the recovery in the rebuild of Lismore city."

As Mayor Krieg pointed out, there have been plenty of heat wave warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology with more to come for the rest of summer, so the news will be welcome by the people of Lismore looking for an alternative way to cool down other than air conditioning.

Mayor Krieg also gave a shout out to the Lismore City Council team led by Chief Operating Officer Brendan Logan, the team at Bennett Constructions and Durheim Painting for the quality of work and the timeframe in getting the Baths ready by Christmas.

"It really has gone from what would be considered a pretty tired facility pre-flood to a state-of-the-art regional facility that can measure up with any other centre in New South Wales."

Janelle Saffin was a regular swimmer before the flood and she famously swam to safety from her flooded home on February 28. Today was her first swim since the big flood.

(Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin swims for the first time since the big flood with Mayor Steve Krieg in the background)

"Today's a great day. It's a day of celebration. It's been long awaited. My grandson Gabrielle keeps saying every week when is the pool opening? when is the pool opening? So, he's here is ready to dive in. And I know that like a lot of kids in our area, and a lot of grown-ups who use this pool, we love it."

"It really is a mark of our progress nearly two years since the flood but this is a great marker that we're moving forward."

Member for Page Kevin Hogan iterated what a wonderful day it was for the community and explained the funding process.

"The state and federal governments get together and funds community assets, publicly owned assets to bring them back. So, this is one day of a few to come. This was part of a $36 million package that is going to not only be part of the pool that we're opening today, but they'll then be moving to the town hall, they'll be moving to the art gallery and they'll be moving to other community assets that are very important for our community to be cohesive."

"I actually haven't got my bathers. I think that's best for the community that I haven't but I think I should be pushing Steve and Janelle in."

Steve Krieg and Janelle Saffin then tried out the new Lismore Memorial Baths with its world-class new filtration system and upgraded power boards that we reported on in August.

(The upgraded Lismore Baths filtration system was cut from six to three due to technological efficiencies)

"Three of my five kids are here and can't wait to get in and the community is busting to get in here and use this facility," Mayor Krieg told the media before the official ribbon cutting ceremony.

(Cr Vanessa Ekins, Mayor Steve Krieg, Cr Andrew Bing, Cr Jeri Hall, Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, her grandson Gabrielle and Member for Page Kevin Hogan)

"The history contained on this site is right the way through (the Baths) and a lot of this history has been able to be restored and repurposed back to where it was. Lismore has a very rich history from the Wilson River and the boats coming up the river. There is a lot of history and that's why for our city it's so important to preserve it but to build back better."

There is a 150-person cap on entries to the Lismore Memorial Baths because of staffing issues and ongoing minor internal fit-outs. However, once facilities and staffing are at full capacity there will be no limit.

Entry is $6 per person with the Lismore Memorial Baths open 11am to 5pm Monday to Sunday. The pool will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.