Lismore City Council will advocate to the State and Federal governments for a review of proposed restrictions on “buyback” land in Lismore that mean all buildings must be removed and not replaced.

Mayor Steve Krieg told today's Council’s Ordinary Meeting that under current Federal Government policy, enforcing the removal of all structures and not allowing new buildings, prevents change of use and the ability for Lismore to retain valuable assets and opportunities.

“This policy in its current form will see several hundred vacant blocks where many residents still live, and businesses still operate,” he said.

“A review of this policy needs to allow council to utilise this land for best future use possible, focusing on commercial and industrial possibilities where suitable.”

Following a resolution at today's Ordinary Council meeting, Council will also write to the NSW Reconstruction Authority requesting “buyback” properties on Elliott Road, South Lismore, be gifted to Council so the land can be used for industrial/commercial purposes, providing a model as to how effective building design can be integrated to ensure highest and best use of the land.

Mayor Krieg said: “Lismore floods and that reality has forced us to become smarter, faster and more innovative than most cities. The question now is whether policy allows us to apply that capability, or leaves land vacant in places where safe, productive re-use is possible.”

“Leaving land vacant because it once flooded ignores the reality that smarter design and use can unlock economic value while managing risk.

“If Council can activate inexpensive industrial and commercial land in great locations to attract business investment, we can help to create jobs and ensure a vibrant and world-leading Lismore into the future.”

Mayor Krieg said that local builder Joel Jensen and the Bell Family, of Mountain Blue fame, have a desire to build and showcase the type of building that can be constructed on a floodplain.

"Joel Jensen and Andrew Bell want to showcase what can be done with this land in a really flood resilient way. And I think it's a great opportunity for us to partner with some of our local people, our tradies, to actually showcase what we can do. How we can come back."

Council will also request that a total of 14 buyback properties on Alexandra Parade, Bridge Street, Slater Street and Flick Street be gifted to the North Coast Agricultural & Industrial Society for additional carparking during major events.

“The Showgrounds is currently undergoing a $4.77 million upgrade to its facilities and is attracting more frequent and larger events, including the very popular Primex Field Days, which are attracting tens of thousands of people to Lismore. It simply needs more off-street parking,” Mayor Krieg said.

Council’s Strategic Planning Coordinator Jamie van Iersel said the Resilient Homes Program has had a significant impact on Lismore’s urban fabric and our communities and businesses.

“To date, there have been 655 approved buybacks within Lismore, representing around 40 fragmented hectares of what could become grass under this policy,” she said.

“The scale of buybacks in Lismore is distinct, and that requires distinct consideration and individualised policy response from the government. Policies that have served other areas in the past regarding the future of buyback land aren’t directly suitable for Lismore.

“While residential uses in these areas are no longer supported, there are some suitable areas in which commercial, industrial and/or community uses could be safely provided.

“Lismore City Council, together with the NSW Reconstruction Authority and our local community, under a structured Precinct Planning process, are capable and best placed to determine the future use of all buyback land within our own LGA.

“Together, we have started this process and will be engaging skilled consultants to assist in determining the best future use for all buyback properties, balancing risk with community and economic need and aspiration.”

Mayor Krieg's motion passed 6/4, with councillors Guise, Dalton-Earls, Waters and Knight-Smith voting against. Councillor Hall had left the meeting.