Another South Lismore business has just completed its post-flood rebuild, nearly 18 months after it was decimated for the very first time.

Like many large businesses, Lismore Toyota, MG and Used Car Superstore has rebuilt in stages. The first stage was to keep cars coming into Lismore that people had pre-ordered.

Dealer Principal of Lismore Toyota Sara Smith said they relocated some staff to Brisbane for 3 months to the Toyota Training Centre.

"We prepared our new vehicles there and then drove them down to the depot in South Lismore before we delivered the cars to customers. I want to give a big shoutout to Carways, a vehicle transport business, that helped us out two weeks after the flood. We were selling and delivering 50 vehicles per month."

The fact this was achieved two weeks after the big flood on February 28, 2022, is incredible as the damage and the losses were substantial. 175 cars were written off, plus the loss of computers and paperwork, stainless steel cabinetry in the kitchen, carpet areas and all power points as the water went into the building.

The irony was that most other businesses brought their vehicles to the Lismore Toyota site because it is one of the highest point in South Lismore and had never flooded before.

"We have a whole new flood plan now. We have arranged to use the Caniaba Primary School in the event of another major flood. All of our computers and paperwork will now be lifted 1.8 metres above floor level. There was 1.4 metres in our building on February 28."

Apart from the loss of 175 cars and what was listed above, the Lismore Toyota workshop also lost all their servicing tools, all 2,500 individual tools. These had to be replaced as quickly as possible so the mechanics could start servicing cars once again which was the 1st of July, 2022.

The new working environment was demountable's and picnic tables for three months before the main showroom reopened in October, then by the end of November, the Toyota building was fully operational.

"We were lucky that we didn't have to put anyone off," Sarah said, "Those that were not working were helping others in the community with the cleanup."

The Toyota Showroom and Service Centre was Sarah's priority as the majority of staff were working there.

Once Lismore Toyota was ticked off, the next item on the rebuild list was next door where MG and Lismore Used Car Superstore (second-hand cars) operate from. The two operate as separate entities to Toyota.

This week, that final piece in the rebuild puzzle was put in place for the MG and Used Car Superstore team.

"This was the last of the flood rebuild. It's been a long journey. I think relieved is the word I would use. While the bulk of the work is complete there is always the smaller details and fine-tuning that feels as if it is never ending."

There was a delay in the rebuild for the MG/Used Car Showroom due to structural damage to a concrete pit that separates chemicals from wastewater, this is situated behind the showroom.

Since July last year, Darryl Smith and colleague Paul have been working in a small 'donger' which did have its difficulties over the 12 months.

"It did have air conditioning, which was good," Darryl explained, "But we had to keep the door open so we could see customers come in because the windows were at the back."

"We had one on the side as well and the sun used to come in and you couldn't see the computer monitor because of the glare."

Now the rebuild is complete, Sarah said, "We are excited that we can offer the standard of facilities that staff are used to and have a professional and spacious environment to conduct business."

Darryl joked, "I can't believe how much space we've got. We've got all new furniture, carpet and equipment. It's good."

Lismore Toyota, MG and Lismore Used Car Superstore are at 73 Kraus Avenue, South Lismore. Next door to the Lismore Airport.