There were fears that the NSW Government could abandon Lismore after they, like everyone else in the CBD, suffered extension damage to TAFE and Service NSW.

Early on there was no indication from the government what the next permanent steps would be operating key businesses in the Lismore LGA.

Last week, the Lismore App asked TAFE NSW for an update following the demolition of buildings on its Conway Street premises.

When asked about the future, A TAFE NSW spokesperson said, "NSW TAFE is currently developing options for the return of service delivery at Lismore and will be conducting consultation with the local community about those options before finalising a proposal for review by the Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education." 

Getting an answer from Service NSW about the fate of the Lismore Service Centre took longer, however, we did learn that the long term plan is to have a new centre built in Goonellabah in 2025.

A Service NSW spokesperson said, "Lismore Service Centre was located on Ballina Road, near Conway Street prior to the February and March 2022 flooding events. Service NSW no longer leases that building."  

"Since May 2022, people have been able to complete NSW Government services and transactions at the temporary Lismore Service Centre on the ground floor of the Lismore Workers Golf Club at 1 Barham Street. The centre is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm." 

"Service NSW is exploring the opportunity for a new location for a temporary centre to increase the number of staff counters in a location closer to Lismore’s CBD until a new permanent centre is completed."  

"Planning is underway to build a permanent Lismore Service Centre at Goonellabah in 2025."

"Service NSW will provide further updates to the community as work progresses."