On the 11th of September 2023, Lismore City Council signed a licensing agreement with community organisation Lismore Lake Incorporated. The goal for members is to revitalise Lismore Lake, bringing it back to its former glory days of the 1970s and '80s.

The Lismore Lake is a passion for Councillor Big Rob and President of Lismore Lake Inc., Brad Lancaster.

2023 was about completing the administration of the organisation, items like a constitution upgrade, ABN registration, bank account, and the tax-deductible gift recipient application.

The two have said that the Lismore Lake project will not cost ratepayers any money. Money will be raised through grant applications and generous donations from businesses and individuals.

Two years later, the Lismore Lake precinct is not showing signs of much progress, although work has been done.

"In recent times, Lismore Lake Incorporated has seen some work done along the riverbank and lakeside riparian zones through Rous County Council," President Brad Lancaster told the Lismore App.

"Some grant funding was secured last year, and work was done along the peninsula where several plants were planted. The southern island has also been prepared for future plantings, with minor preparation work also done on the north island, and further grant funding is expected shortly to see further plantings. 

"Things are moving slowly at the moment due to volunteer work and personal life commitments. However, things are expected to pick up in the very near future."

The vision for the Lismore Lake is to enhance the two bird sanctuaries on the north and south islands. When the lake is full, it will be surrounded by water, making it inaccessible to people on foot. There will be passive recreation vehicles like canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards.

Included in the vision is a 1.5km cycle path, which forms a loop with exercise stations around it.

An Aboriginal healing or yarning circle is another idea to add to the vision, as well as a dog park.

As the Lismore Lake Inc organisation makes progress and has ideas or is given community ideas that involve something not in the Master Plan, such as constructing new BBQ areas, a complete design and costing plan will need to be submitted to Lismore City Council.

"As long as it is not against the Master Plan, we can get a yes," Brad said in 2023. "Who knows, maybe we can hold events out here like a Dash for Cash run or a Food Van event."

The Lismore Lake Pool is another potential rebuild to bring it back to the glory days of the '70s and '80s.

Just like rebuilding from the 2022 big flood, this is a project that needs patience. The end result will be worth it, but it may well be 2030.