Pictures of the CBD and South Lismore are starting to come through showing the extent of the damage to buildings and the amount of mud on the streets.

In the days ahead, the reality of the damage to buildings will become apparent let alone the immediate loss of stock.

When will the CBD be open for business? As these photos show, we are not talking a matter of weeks with pop up shops as in 2017. We could be talking months as engineers and builders come in and assess the damage.

Will the owners of the buildings be willing to spend $100,000, $200,000 or more to make the necessary structural changes? What about the business owners that lease the building?

The Lismore App has had conversations with varying types of businesses, only 1 was confident of re-opening their doors. Everyone else was weighing up the cost of cleaning and re-stocking as well as the emotional toll a second flood in five years has taken on them and their family.

What we do know is that Lismore is going to require some serious financial support from all levels of government.

Lismore City Council has opened the Browns Creek Levee gate this afternoon.

A spokesperson said ,"While this is good news, please do not go back into flood-affected buildings until the SES gives the all clear. Due to the height of floodwaters, many buildings may have structural damage which means they are unsafe to enter."

"Please be patient while we wait for the all clear."

This message has been reiterated by NSW SES and NSW Police by reminding people of the current evacuation orders in place which include the Lismore CBD, South Lismore and North Lismore.