The Lismore Pie cart is looking decidedly purple today, along with many other local Lismore businesses.They are all taking part in Purple Week and have decorated their shops and windows in support of the Cancer Council's annual fundraiser, Relay For Life.Magenta Community Services.They've gone purple, not just because they want to win the inaugural Purple Week trophy, but because they want to spread the message to our local community to get involved in Relay For Life on March 28 and 29.Lismore & Villages Relay For Life committee chair Leanne Thompson said Purple Week is about raising awareness and having fun.“It’s important that we get the community involved in attending the event and raise money and awareness of the services the Cancer Council makes available in the local area," Leanne said."Things like the free Cancer Council Information Service at St Vincent’s Hospital, the free Transport to Treatment service assisting local people getting to appointments and free financial and legal assistance to local patients."Wallace Bishop is purple.If you still want to turn your business purple, its not too late - registering with Leanne means you can be in the running to win the Purple Week trophy for the best dressed window.If you register, the Purple Week team will deliver a kit to you with purple streamers, balloons and posters - and Relay For Life shirts can be borrowed to put up in the windows as decorations.“We are also encouraging businesses to hold a workplace fundraiser that week to assist us raise the vital funds needed to continue to provide essential Cancer Council services to our local community,” Leanne said.Shop Baby had gone purple for cancer.“You can hold an office morning tea, a team BBQ, a dress-up day or have donation boxes in your business during this time.”Anyone can get involved in the event, which involves a walk around the oval at Southern Cross University to raise funds for the work of the Cancer Council.The Lismore & Villages Relay will be held at Southern Cross University, Lismore Campus and will feature entertainment while the Lismore community celebrates, remembers and fights back against cancer.Janelle Saffin's office.For more information, or to register for the day, visit http://www.cancercouncil.org.au/lismorerelayTo register your business for Purple Week, contact Leanne on 0419 695 636 or Erin on 0490 912 323.Read more: Cancer doesn't rest: Relay for Life calls youBig W.

Local food and beverage producers can now apply for financial support from the Coles Nurture Fund to help them innovate and grow.Coles has opened a new round of the Coles Nurture Fund to provide grants of up to $500,000 for small businesses to develop new market-leading products, processes and technologies.Food and beverage producers affected by bushfires or drought can also apply for financial support to help renew their business.Coles chief executive Steven Cain encouraged small businesses to apply for financial support from the Coles Nurture Fund ahead of the deadline on 20 March.“At Coles, we want to win together with food and beverage producers by funding projects which drive innovation to inspire customers or improve sustainability on Aussie farms and production facilities,” he said.“As a proudly Australian company that began as a small business more than 100 years ago, supporting Australian producers to develop their businesses is a key pillar of our strategy to sustainably feed all Australians to help them lead healthier, happier lives.”Businesses with innovative ideas, fewer than 50 full time employees and turnover of less than $25 million in annual revenue are eligible to apply.Since it was established in 2015, the Coles Nurture Fund has committed more than $21 million in financial support to over 50 Australian businesses to help them introduce ground-breaking technology, establish new products and improve productivity and efficiency.Previous Nurture Fund projects include Australia’s first quinoa processing plant and an automated indoor facility that grows highly nutritious cattle fodder in just six days.To apply for Round Eight of the Coles Nurture Fund, log onto www.coles.com.au/nurturefundApplications close at 5pm AEST on Friday, 20 March 2020.

At Summerland Christian College’s first assembly of the year, Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan announced funding of $12,985 for the construction of a new environmental outdoor learning area for the Goonellabah school.  “This is an exciting project developed by the school community,” Mr Hogan said. “The purpose of the environmental outdoor learning area is to help educate the students on the natural spring next to the college that feeds the Lismore water supply, the Koala corridor that passes through the college and local indigenous environmental perspectives.“School communities nominated the projects they wanted and the Government stepped up with funding support through the $30.2 million Local Schools Community Fund.”

With the minor flooding from Wilsons and Richmond rivers late last week, a lot of eyes have been cast upwards at the sky.NSW Bureau of Meteorology has issued its five-day forecast and while it will remain hot for the first four days, there are showers daily with the odd storm predicted.According to the NSW Bureau of Meteorology tomorrow will have a shower or two, with a high of 29C, then a possible shower or storm on Tuesday as the temperature hits 31C and Wednesday sees the chance of a shower or two and possible storm with the thermometer hitting 33C.The temperature cools down on Thursday to a maximum of 27C with a shower or two and on Friday, showers are predicted with a high of 26C.NSW SES Lismore City attended more requests for assistance in the first two months of this year than the whole of 2019."One thing we know is that floods and storms will happen. Not if but when. Now is a good time to inspect your property and fix any problem areas," Northern Rivers NSW SES said on its Facebook page."Our website has good information on what to do after a flood or storm. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the site."Do you have a home emergency kit? We have resources to help you put one together."Have you seen our interactive map on the homepage? It shows current warnings and you can search for your town."We also have resources for primary and secondary schools."

NSW State Emergency Services said that there is still minor flooding along the Wilsons River at Lismore."Minor flooding is continuing along the Richmond River at Coraki and Bungawalbyn Junction. Minor flooding may occurat Woodburn," NSW SES said."The Wilsons River at Lismore is currently at 5.87 metres and falling with minor flooding."The Richmond River at Coraki is currently at 4.84 metres and near its peak with minor flooding."Flood water has inundated the lower car park behind Westlawn Finance building and Slater Creek may back up and inundate Pitt Street near the Richmond River Sports Oval inNorth Lismore.Simes Bridge remains closed.Road access between North Lismore and Lismore will continue to be restricted or closeThe following streets may close:Alexandra Parade, Tweed Street, Terania Street, the southern end of Bridge Street and over the bridge to Woodlark Street, Tweed Street, Wilson Street via the Robert White Bridge, Casino Street, Union Street then via Woodlark Street or the Bruxner HighwayBridge Street, near McKenzie Park in North Lismore may closeJunction Street, between the southern ends of Molesworth and Keen streets, may closeFlood water may inundate the Lismore Tourist Caravan ParkWoodlawn Road at the railway underpass may closeRoad access to Woodlawn College may closeFlood Water may enter low lying parts of Trinity CollegeWinterton Parade at the Richmond River High may closeAlexandra Parade on the southern edge of the showground may closeHollingworth Creek may back up and start inundation of low-lying areas in South Lismorenear the floodgate in Newbridge, Crown, Elliott and Engine streets 

The North Coast Public Health Unit is urging residents and visitors to not swim or play in floodwater due to potential contamination. Greg Bell, Acting Director Public Health, said people who came in contact with floodwater could be exposing themselves to diluted sewage, bacteria, chemicals and physical hazards. “While the risk of infection from contact with floodwater is generally low, it is important to stay away from flood-affected areas and avoid unnecessary contact with mud and floodwaters,” Mr Bell said. “Swimming in contaminated water may cause illness, including ear infections, eye infections, fever and diarrhoea.” Residents and visitors are advised to avoid swimming in the ocean, rivers, creeks and lagoons for at least three days after the rain has stopped and to also avoid swimming if there are signs of pollution such as discoloured water, oil or scum on the water, and litter or other debris floating in the water or on the tide line. When coming into contact with floodwater or items contaminated by floodwater people should: • ensure that feet are covered and always wear gloves • always wash hands thoroughly with soap or alcohol-based hand cleanser. • cover cuts and abrasions; and • if you cut yourself on something that has been contaminated with floodwater, check with your GP about your tetanus vaccination. To avoid illness, it is important to wash hands with soap and clean water after participating in any flood clean-up activities, and before eating or handling food. For more information on keeping healthy during and after floods or storms, see: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/emergency_preparedness/weather/Pages/storms- and-floods.aspx Hints for staying healthy during floods and while cleaning up: • Wear gloves and suitable footwear when removing mud or debris from homes or yards. • Yards can be raked to remove debris and, if necessary, hosed down (check for current water restrictions). 

Nimbin's water supply has been now reinstated to rural customers after flood debris caused it to stop working properly.Lismore City Council reported this afternoon that "there is a leak that has yet to be located as the rural pipeline line is 8.5 kilometres long and follows a creek for the majority of the length - which is difficult to access in the current conditions"."The water supply will be monitored closely over the weekend and repairs will be conducted under normal mains break notification procedures when the location is identified."We thank the community for its patience and understanding in resolving thisEarlier story:Lismore City Council have reported this morning that “flood debris appears to be preventing the Nimbin water supply system from operating properly”.“Crews have been sent out to investigate the situation,” a Council statement said.“Updates will be posted as further information becomes known.”

What a tough week for the 2480 post code. Fires in November and floods in February, bring on the calm of autumn.As you know the Lismore Speedway has been called off already due to the deluge during the week and the unpredictable patterns leading into the weekend. The Fire Services Appreciation Night with free entry will now be moved to Saturday April 18.While we are on cancellations, all NR Cricket League's matches have been called off early as well.Here endeth the bad news.The good news is that the weather could be ok over the weekend or at worst not a lot of rain according to the BOM (Weather).Saturday is expecting 0-2mm while Sunday is 4-8mm with tops of 30 or 31 degrees. I'll take that after what hit us during the week.Markets and more markets is where your entertainment lies over the weekend.Lismore Farmers Markets tomorrow at 8am with Blue Knob at 8:30am. The Car Boot Markets are on Sunday from the normal time of 7:30am.The Lismore Regional Gallery has three new exhibitions for you to view starting tomorrow. RocoColonial, Binman Slag by Grayson Cooke and Media Studies by Bennet Miller. You can learn more by pushing on this link (Lismore Regional Gallery).For some live music, The Daisy Dukes are on at the Workers Club. Two highly talented women playing violin and acoustic rhythm guitar with incredible voices.Write this in your diary......Saturday March 14.That is the day of the 2020 Norco Eat The Street event. Eat The Street has become one of the iconic events on the calendar like the Lantern Parade so get your invitations out to family and friends outside of Lismore and get them in to enjoy the day and spend some money!That is the Weekend Wrap. Enjoy the sun when it shows it's face.

Flooding has affected some of Lismore City Council’s kerbside garbage bin pick-up services in the Lismore area, including parts of North and East Lismore, Corndale, Jiggi, Goolmangar, Leycester, Rosebank and surrounds.Council advises that if your bins have not been collected, please leave them out, and they will be collected over the coming week once they can get access.

10am: Lismore City Council has closed the lower Hollingsworth, upper Hensley and the Gasworks flood gates and the pumps have been checked and are on standby. Many local roads are also closed due to flooding.The NSW SES is predicting the Wilsons River at Lismore (AHD) is likely to peak near 8.00 metres around midday today, with a moderate level of flooding.Local schools have also reported closures for today, including Richmond River High Campus and Trinity Catholic College - which has been closely monitoring the flood waters as they encroach on the school site overnight. St Johns College at Woodlawn also evacuated all students yesterday.The Rowing Club carpark Friday morning 9.30am.The widespread rainfall across the Wilsons River catchment area over the last few days means the river is still rising, so where it stops is still unpredictable.The Bureau of Meteorology have also predicted a 60% chance of rain showers today, with a chance of a thunderstorm during the morning and afternoon. The NSW SES have reissued a minor to moderate flood warning for the Richmond River and Wilsons Rivers, also reporting that there is minor flooding in Kyogle, Coraki and Bungawalbyn.Road closures (at 8am)A number of local roads are closed, including:Bangalow Road, Boatharbour Road, Alexandra Parade North Lismore, Bridge Street North Lismore, Brunswick Street, Corndale Road, Hensley Carpark (Lower Level - Free Parking), Jacobson Road Causeway, Georgica, Keerong Rd (Bowens Bridge), Mackie Road Causeway Johnston Creek Rosebank, Mackie Road Ridgewood Bridge Clunes, Molesworth Street between Zadoc and Orion Streets Lismore, Nimbin Road Booerie Creek Bridge, Pitt Street North Lismore, Rowing Club Car Park (Paid Area), Simes Bridge North Lismore, Town Bridge Side Track Town Road (off Terania Creek Road) The Channon, Town Bridge The Channon, Tweed Street North Lismore, Winterton Parade North Lismore, Woodlawn Road, Wyrallah Road (RR742), Bentley Road Tullera, Boggumbill Road Rock Valley, Brewster Street near the Square, Caniaba Road, Dawson Street at Zadoc Street Intersection, Dunoon Road, Flood Reserve Road Ruthven, James Gibson Road Clunes, Kyogle Road, Lindendale Road.Pump Station countdown 7.30am.Latest river heights this morning at 6.30amLeycester Creek at Rock Valley 7.00 Falling 06:32 AM FRI 14/02/20 Terania Creek at The Channon 3.12 Steady 06:30 AM FRI 14/02/20 Coopers Creek at Ewing Bridge Corndale 7.98 Steady 06:28 AM FRI 14/02/20 Wilsons River at Eltham 8.82 Steady 06:30 AM FRI 14/02/20 Wilsons River at Woodlawn (AHD) 7.86 Rising 06:28 AM FRI 14/02/20 Leycester Creek at Tuncester (AHD) 8.43 Falling 06:28 AM FRI 14/02/20 Wilsons River at Lismore (AHD) 7.14 Steady 06:08 AM FRI 14/02/20 Richmond River at Wiangaree 8.00 Falling 06:00 AM FRI 14/02/20 Richmond River at Kyogle 13.25 Rising 06:00 AM FRI 14/02/20 Richmond River at Casino (Automatic Gauge) 9.49 Rising 06:00 AM FRI 14/02/20 Richmond River at Coraki 3.95 Rising 06:15 AM FRI 14/02/20 For more information: River Heights: http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood/rain_river.shtmlWarnings: http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/NSW SES Floods: https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/disaster-tabs-header/flood/• Listen to your local ABC radio station, follow /NSWSES on Facebook or www.ses.nsw.gov.au • Latest Weather, Warnings, Rainfall and River heights: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/ • Road Closures: www.livetraffic.com.au or www.myroadinfo.com.au • Rural animal and livestock assistance, contact Local Land Services 

If recent storms and flooding impacted you or your business, the good news is that disaster assistance has been made available in 56 local government areas across NSW. Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan said this severe weather caused major disruption to the community and threatened life and property. “This was a serious disaster event which caused significant damage to roads, electricity infrastructure, motor vehicles, businesses and residential properties” Mr Hogan said. “Importantly, a range of practical assistance measures are now available to support the affected communities with their recovery.” Local assistance is available in the following local government areas: Ballina, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour and Lismore. Assistance available under the DRFA may include:• help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged• support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets• concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations• freight subsidies for primary producers, and• grants to eligible non-profit organisations If you are uninsured and have low income, for information on personal hardship and distress assistance, please contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444. To apply for a concessional loan or grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit http://www.raa.nsw.gov.au Further information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at http://www.disasterassist.gov.au and the NSW emergency information and response website at www.emergency.nsw.gov.au

With a minor flood warning in place for the Lismore area, and another severe thunderstorm warning in place for the Northern Rivers, it’s likely we’ll see more flooding along the Wilsons River in Lismore by Friday. The NSW SES Lismore City Branch this afternoon reported that the river had already reached the underneath of Simes Bridge in North Lismore and there is a high chance it will go under tonight. The SES is also predicting the Wilsons River level may reach around seven metres by early Friday.If minor flooding takes place in Lismore, the SES predict that the low lying parts of North and South Lismore are likely to be impacted by flooding and people in these areas should prepare for potential isolation. The following areas are also likely to be affected in the following ways:• Flood water starts to inundate the lower car park behind Westlawn Finance building • Slater Creek may back up and inundate Pitt Street near the Richmond River Sports Oval in North Lismore • Slater Creek may back up and inundate Pitt Street near the Richmond River Sports Oval in North Lismore • Simes Bridge may close • Road access between North Lismore and Lismore may become restricted or close The following streets may close; • Alexandra Parade, Tweed Street, Terania Street, the southern end of Bridge Street and over the bridge to Woodlark Street, Tweed Street, Wilson Street via the Robert White Bridge, Casino Street, Union Street then via Woodlark Street or the Bruxner Highway • Bridge Street, near McKenzie Park in North Lismore may close • Junction Street, between the southern ends of Molesworth and Keen streets, may close • Flood water may inundate the Lismore Tourist Caravan Park • Woodlawn Road at the railway underpass may close • Road access to Woodlawn College may close • Flood Water may enter low lying parts of Trinity College • Winterton Parade at the Richmond River High may close • Alexandra Parade on the southern edge of the showground may close The SES have reported that low lying farm land has been affected and farmers are advised to monitor equipment and livestock. What you need to do: People in areas likely to be impacted by flooding should consider: • Refraining from driving or walking through flood water • Road closures and flood isolation may impact on work, family and educational commitments • Monitoring emergency warnings and severe weather updates on local ABC radio, NSW SES Northern Rivers Facebook Page and Bureau of Meteorology website • If your property is at risk of inundation, please raise moveable items, such as furniture, as high as possible onto benches or tables, placing electrical items on top • If you are advised by an emergency services officer to evacuate, please do so • Securing outside belongings and before leaving; turn off the power, water and take essential medicines and clothes with you • Farmers should move machinery, livestock, pumps and fodder to flood free ground For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500. In life threatening situations call triple zero (000) immediately. For more information: • Listen to your local ABC radio station, follow the NSWSES on Facebook or www.ses.nsw.gov.au • Latest Weather, Warnings, Rainfall and River heights: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/ • Road Closures: www.livetraffic.com.au or www.myroadinfo.com.au • Rural animal and livestock assistance, contact Local Land Services.

Water restrictions in Nimbin have been lifted, thanks to the recent heavy rains.Rous County Council has also announced that water restrictions across the rest of the Lismore Government Area have been lifted.Lismore City Council’s Director of Infrastructure Peter Jeuken said the water capacity of Nimbin’s DE Williams Dam was now at capacity with strong waterflow in Mulgum Creek that feeds the Dam.“Council would like to thank the Nimbin community who adhered to the tough water restrictions and helped to secure the village’s water supply,” he said.“During the recent Level 3 restrictions, the community reduced their consumption and met reduction targets that greatly assisted Council with managing water supply issues.“While the lifting of restrictions is great news, I think the recent long dry spell is a reminder of the need to be water wise and consider our daily water use on an ongoing basis. “ 

After a night of heavy rainfall in the Rocky Creek Dam catchment, the dam level is at full supply with more than 300mm flowing over the spillway on Thursday morning. Rous County Council Planning Manager Andrew Logan said this is a welcome sight after a prolonged period of unseasonal dry conditions with the dam last spilling in October 2018. “Rainfall readings for Rocky Creek Dam show that in the first 6 weeks of 2020, we have had the same amount of rainfall recorded in 2019,” he said.“Although there has been a considerable amount of rainfall over the region in the last few weeks, not all of it has fallen over the Rocky Creek Dam catchment.“However, with the overnight heavy rain, the dam has now reached capacity and the decision has been made to lift all water restrictions.” This applies to the council areas of Ballina, Byron (excluding Mullumbimby), Lismore (excluding Nimbin), and Richmond Valley (excluding Casino). Lismore City, Byron Shire and Richmond Valley Councils will continue to manage water restrictions for Nimbin, Mullumbimby and Casino independently. Rocky Creek dam spillway.“We had a good response from the community during the water restrictions period,” said Rous County Council General Manager, Phillip Rudd. “It’s been a tough few months going from an intense dry period to widespread rainfall, with water restrictions still needing to be kept in place. Generally, people have understood our role to ensure that we aren’t reacting too quickly to remove restrictions until we had that certainty of supply.” “Now that the Rocky Creek Dam level is more than 100%, it certainly takes the pressure off.” Regardless of water restrictions being lifted, Rous County Council will continue to keep the community’s focus on reducing water consumption in our homes and gardens, so that in the event of another extended dry spell, we can be in a better position. 

1pm: An initial minor flood warning has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for the Richmond and Wilsons Rivers.The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Lismore Unit is warning that minor flooding is likely along the Wilsons River at Lismore."The Hensley and Rowing Club car parks are now closed,” the SES said. “Heavy rainfall has been recorded across the Wilson River basin with further heavy rain possible over the next 36 hours.“The Wilsons River at Lismore (AHD) is likely to exceed the minor flood level (4.20 m) around 03:00 pm Thursday. “The river level may reach around 7.00 metres early Friday with minor flooding,”The SES advise people to stay safe and if there is a life threatening emergency, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.* Avoid drowning. Stay out of rising water, seek refuge in the highest available place.* Prevent damage to your vehicle. Move it under cover, away from areas likely to flood.* Avoid being swept away. Stay out of fast-flowing creeks and storm drains.* Never drive, ride or walk through flood water. Flood water can be deceptive and dangerous.For more information, visit: Weather or Weather Radar

If you missed out on getting into one of the Lismore City Council community workshops to help plan the future, the good news is there's another one in late February. The workshops, part of Council's Planning for Lismore’s Future engagement exercise, are being held around the region throughout February to get feedback for the development of a new 10-year Community Strategic Plan and a Local Strategic Planning Statement.Council wishes to identify the community's main priorities and aspirations for the future of the region as well as develop a 20-year vision for land use in the local area and discuss how growth and change will be managed in the decades to come.There has been significant interest in the community workshops to date so Council will host an additional workshop on Monday, 24 February at the Lismore Workers Club from 9am to 12pm.“We have had an excellent response to our evening workshops around the region and we wanted to host an additional workshop in Lismore to capture a different group of residents and business owners,” Community Engagement Coordinator Casie Hughes said.“These workshops will lay the foundation for our new 10-year Community Strategic Plan – a document that guides Council’s ongoing works program and roster of activities. We are also seeking input into the Local Strategic Planning Statement, which will detail where growth can occur in the future, and how we want population growth to be managed in the future.“If you are interested in these issues, now is the time to get involved and bring your ideas to the table.”The additional workshop is on Monday, 24 February at the Lismore Workers Club from 9am to 12pm. To register, visit www.yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au.

NSW Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Lismore.The warning issued at 7.45pm is for heavy rainfall with slow-moving storms.In addition the NSW Bureau of Meteorology predicts that Lismore could see between 60mm to 120mm of rain tomorrow."A humid easterly airstream is feeding into a pair of low-pressure troughs; one located offshore and another inland. This pattern is bringing unsettled weather across NSW resulting in localised heavy rainfall with thunderstorm activity this evening, extending into the overnight period," the bureau said."Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Armidale, Tenterfield, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Moree, Narrabri, Walgett, Dorrigo and Lightning Ridge."Almost 30mm of rain had fallen at Lismore Airport in the 12 hours to 9.30pm.In Lismore, the rainfall will ease on Friday with 6mm to 25mm of rain predicted. There will be a high chance of showers with a chance of a thunderstorm.The weekend will see up to 1mm of rain on Saturday, and 2mm to 8mm forecast on Sunday.

Northern Rivers Children's Services (NCRS) has been awarded $13,500 in funding for its Gingerbread House occasional child care centre.Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the funding was part of the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Programme.“The funding will provide a much needed update to Gingerbread house with shade sails and soft fall for the outdoor play area and rejuvenate inside with new flooring and window coverings,” Mr Hogan said. “Gingerbread house contributes so much to our local community, ensuring excellent care and enhancing our community as a great place to live, work and raise a family.” The Stronger Communities Programme supports our commitment to deliver social benefits in communities and Gingerbread house provides a safe and caring environment for many children and families experiencing crisis, upheaval and trauma.

Lismore City Council’s application for a Special Rate Variation (SRV) has been received by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).IPART reported today that Council's application for a special variation to increase its general revenue above the rate peg in 2020-21, would now be assessed. IPART chair Dr Paul Paterson said Lismore community members wishing to make submissions about the SRV directly to IPART can do so until March 4.“We will consider these submissions as part of our determination,” Dr Paterson said.Out of three councils which applied to IPART for a special variation last year, Lismore is the only one continuing with the request. Bega Valley Shire Council and Georges River Council resolved not to proceed with their applications.The SRV is intended to raise revenue to pay for a backlog of roadworks needed in the Lismore Local Government Area. The increase has caused an uproar in the local community, with many people opposed to the rate rise, claiming it will harm local businesses.For NSW councils, the total annual increase to the amount of income that a council can raise from certain rates and charges is limited by the rate peg, which is determined on an annual basis. IPART has set the rate peg for 2020-21 at 2.6%, down from 2.7% in 2019-20, primarily due to increases in labour and construction costs, offset by falling telecommunications, IT and energy costs.Councils requiring additional revenue are able to apply to IPART for either permanent or temporary single year or multi-year increases above the rate peg, which are known as special variations.Lismore City Council’s application requests a 24% cumulative increase over four years in total permissible general income, to be retained permanently in the rate base, to improve financial sustainability, reduce infrastructure backlog, and deliver economic development objectives.Dr Paterson said IPART will make a determination on the application by mid-May and if successful, Lismore City Council would be able to apply any approved increase for the 2020-21 year, if it chose to do so.“We will assess the application against the criteria established by the Office of Local Government in its guidelines for special variations, which require councils to demonstrate the need for and the purpose of the additional revenue, evidence of community consultation and an assessment of the impact on affected ratepayers,” Dr Paterson said.“As councils must engage with the community when assessing options for a special variation, we expect Lismore City Council will have already sought and considered the community’s views on the proposed special variation.“The Office of Local Government’s guidelines aim to ensure that special rate variations are appropriately planned and incorporated into council delivery strategies.”Lismore City Council’s application can be found on the IPART website www.ipart.nsw.gov.au. The IPART website also has information about the assessment criteria for special variations, and how to lodge a submission.