The sun finally came out yesterday, and so did the crowd, as more than 3,300 people came through the gates for the annual Gemfest event at the Lismore Showground.Sure, it was muddy underfoot in places, and boots were the fashion of the day, but the gems, minerals, and jewellery were on display, and keen customers were looking for items that would look good in the home or on the body. And there was something for every budget, from $2 to $7,000.Organisers from the Lismore Lapidary & Gem Club were slightly worried when celebrating their 60th birthday on Friday night, with the rain pouring down. By the time they woke up, 35mm had fallen in Lismore and the skies were grey.(Celebrating their 60th birthday Friday night and accepting a presentation were Lismore Gem & Lapidary Club's Jenny Vyrenhoek, Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, President Rod Knight, Karen Hogan and founding member Heather Bolton)Those fears were washed away, pun intended, when people began lining up at the gates from 8:30am."It was just a busy first day at Gemfest," Vice President Jenny Vyrenhoek told the Lismore App. "We had a thousand people in by 10 o'clock this morning. We didn't know what to expect after last night's rain.""I want to thank Richmond Sand & Gravel. They let us come over and grab whatever gravel we needed to help with the worst of the mud. We've put down hay and mulch to try and mop up the wet areas."The lack of parking spaces didn't prove a problem because more than 1,000 people caught the Gemfest bus, while others found some dry ground to park their cars.A typical Saturday entry is closer to 5,000 people, but that didn't bother Jenny. "I think it's been exceptional really," she said.There are over 140 tailgaters who were also happy that Lismore turned out once again under difficult circumstances. Christine and Doug drove down from Bribie Island with their two dogs. They love coming to Lismore because of the diverse age of attendees. "There are young people and older people. A lot of the time we go to other areas where the people are mainly old," Christine shared.An early start is the order of the day for tomorrow because of the earlier closing time of 3pm, so the tailgaters can hit the road for their next destination or travel home."We'll be happy if we make the same numbers tomorrow," Jenny said, "And if it is fine again like this, I can't see why we wouldn't."There were plenty of food and drink options, and the gem-fossicking area at the front of the main pavilions was busy with children finding gemstones and minerals.Gemfest opens at 9am at the Lismore Showground and closes at 3pm. Buses run from 9am to 1pm, leaving from the Lismore Transit Centre on Molesworth Street, then picking up further down Molesworth Street at the Koori Mail for those who would like to park at the Browns Creek carpark. It will be running from 2pm to 3pm for the run home.Cost is only $5 for adults and $1 for kids.

The review into the principle of doli incapax in New South Wales, led by the State Parole Authority’s Geoffrey Bellew SC and former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Jeffrey Loy, could have significant impacts on the state's juvenile justice system, according to not-for-profit out-of-home care provider, CASPA. They say, considering the positions held by Bellew and Loy, it could be assumed that the review’s outcome will be ‘tough on crime’.Doli incapax is the common law presumption that children aged 10 to 14 are not capable of understanding the difference between right and wrong, making it unethical to hold them criminally responsible. Removal of this principle will lead to younger children being prosecuted and incarcerated, which, CASPA says, considering the current state and effectiveness of the youth justice system, is concerning. The ABC’s recently released footage from the Reiby Youth Justice Centre depicting the violent assault on a young person is an example of what could await children if held criminally responsible. The NSW Premier has this year announced that more young people were in prison and being denied bail. "Proof," he said, "that the plan to lock up more kids is working." Caspa said that neither the Premier nor the Attorney General were able to provide evidence that this was the case. Research does, however, indicate that exposure to the criminal justice system increases the likelihood of reoffence. Naarah Rodwell, CEO of not-for-profit out-of-home care (OOHC) provider, CASPA, is uniquely positioned to understand the long-lasting consequences for children caught up with the criminal justice system. “CASPA works with children who have experienced complex trauma, family violence and neglect far too young. Inevitably, many of these young people also come in contact with the criminal justice system,” she says.“Locking up children as young as 10 without consideration for how these environments magnify their childhood traumas and cause further harm does not address the issue’s true cause. Instead, it continues the generational cycle of disadvantage and abuse.”Extensive research shows that while the adolescent brain is still developing, exposure to abuse and violence in youth justice facilities can profoundly impact a young person’s future. Once caught within the system, there is an increased risk of reoffending. It is crucial to direct children and young people away from this trajectory and towards interventions that address their underlying vulnerabilities.A recent NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR) report found the youth justice system has a significant overrepresentation of regional, remote children and Aboriginal children under 14, and that two-thirds of allegations were for non-violent crimes. CASPA says it is not through further incarceration, but through providing trauma-informed care, mental health support, and educational opportunities, that young people, but especially those from these communities, can heal and build a better future. The impact of removing the principle of doli incapax from NSW common law promises to be significant:Young children will no longer be protected: Doli incapax is a safeguard that protects children aged 10 to 14. Its removal will mean younger children being incarcerated.Burden of proof not required for incarceration: To incarcerate someone under 14 years of age, the prosecution must prove they can understand the wrongness of their actions. This would no longer be the case if doli incapax were removed. Developmental considerations no longer needed: Recognising that children's brains are still developing, doli incapax ensures children are not unjustly punished for actions they may not fully comprehend. Current facilities not appropriate for young children: If younger, more vulnerable children are being prosecuted and incarcerated, there are significant concerns about the current youth justice system and its appropriateness, effectiveness and safety.  Impact on rehabilitation: Without the protection of doli incapax, there is a risk that children could be subjected to punitive measures rather than rehabilitative support. This would amplify existing trauma and increase the risk of reoffence, rather than addressing the root cause of their behaviour. As advocates for vulnerable children and young people, CASPA implores the government to reevaluate this approach to youth justice. “If the government is serious about preventing youth crime,” says Rodwell, “the focus should be on the lived experience and the suffering of children and young people, rather than the misplaced notion that doli incapax is just a way for them to avoid consequences. Locking up more children will not result in our communities being safer in the long term.”Doli incapax plays a crucial role in ensuring the legal system treats young children fairly and according to their developmental capacity. It provides a buffer so that children on the trajectory to a life of offending and reoffending can break the cycle and be diverted to rehabilitation and support services. Its potential removal could have far-reaching consequences for the futures of vulnerable young offenders.

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, has welcomed four great active transport projects to help school students get to school safely and improve walking access for all. The funding announced today includes:More than $800,000 for the North Lismore Connections project to deliver safe pathways linking North Lismore residents to the CBD, sportsfields, showgrounds and the planned new Richmond River High Campus.The Dibbs Street – School to Hospital project will create an active transport link to Lismore Public School and Lismore Base Hospital. This will benefit students, staff and the community and encourage walking.In Murwillumbah, there is a project to upgrade pedestrian facilities on Queensland Road with three raised crossings, which will particularly benefit students travelling to Mount St Patrick School.And Wiangaree Public school students will benefit from the building and upgrading of the footpath and kerbs from Summerland Way, along Kunghur Street.“All of these projects are about making it easier and safer for people to take active transport options, to walk safely to school or link residents to key places.“Today is Walk to School Day, and it is projects like this that make it so much easier for our children to walk or ride a bike to school and start a healthy exercise habit that is such a good start in life.

If you are unsure whether to jump in the car and head to the final day of Norco Primex, let us convince you it is. The weather is a part of the experience; it adds to the authenticity. Just put on your boots.If you forget your gumboots go to Bisley Workwear, they have you covered!On the things to see list is the working dog demos. Dogs are such agile creatures, and this is as close to their natural state you want to see them - observing, diving and ducking out of the way just in time. These are star acrobats, tacticians and daredevils all rolled into one. 9.30 to 10 am in the southwest corner.The Dinky Di Rail is a novel way to get around. It is free to use and very easy to call out and let them know you want to stop at whatever you see!The cooking demos are always inspiring and often a treat, if not there, when you get to try it at home. There are plenty of amazing BBQ and smokehouse stalls to satisfy any hunger pains. From 10 to 11 a.m., there are two shows in Pavilion 2 and some others in the afternoon.There are always the happy CWA ladies in the back of Pavilion 1 who have all kinds of delicacies to tempt you. There are ladies from a lot of branches all over the region working together to raise money to help support kids transitioning into higher levels of schooling.(CWA ladies, Jo, Elly, Carol and Jennifer. I can recommend the raspberry and lemon cake!)Karen Hurst and Tina Irish from Lismore City Council's Destination Lismore are launching Lismore’s “Great Pie Trail” at Primex. The trail names all the wonderful bakeries and pie shops to investigate around the area.“We discovered on our travels that every little village and town made a really good pie. So this is a fun pie field adventure that you won't forget,” said Karen.“There's something for everyone. You’ve got savoury, you've got sweet, and we even do exotic flavours really well in our region.”The most unusual flavour is Prawn Laksa at Modanville, which is one of the more isolated destinations.“But the drive is beautiful, and the views from town are amazing once you are there,” said Tina.  Make sure you get a pie voucher when you visit them… Southern Cross University is running a hands-on demonstration using microscopes to understand soil health. However, you will only get the full experience between 10.30 and 11 a.m. The microscopes are part of their display (H12), but this gives you an in-depth look.It gives you a deeper sense of appreciation for the food on your plate when you see all the work that goes into obtaining the right animals, fencing them in, feeding and nourishing them and keeping them healthy, getting the right amount of food and water to them in a weed-free location… Farming is a highly complex workflow of knowledge, technology and coordination.The NSW Government Land Services pavilions have great displays, focusing on safety and caring for the land we depend on so much. There is also great entertainment with the Wildlife Twins, live music, and some demos of pretty crazy-big drones…If you are on the verge of looking for an industry to work in, there are some great opportunities here, whether it is in industry or training to get to where you would like to be. If in doubt, ask. I have found people are happy to share their stories at Primex.Getting up close and personal with some of the animals can be a real treat, too. Tiffany from the Yugilbah Station, a big Santa Gertrudis heifer, is keen to get a scratch from anyone. Hold your hand out, and she will do the rest. Over at the east end, there are LOTS of modes of transport, from farm plants to luxury vehicles and helicopters to see. At CAT, the kids can practice their digging in the sand pit, or you can just wonder about FIFity.For those who like stealth photo bombing tech, Phil and Luke at Falcon UAV have a treat for you. Their stealth-looking drones take near-infrared imagery that can see things that the human eye can’t.“The drones take special imagery that detects crop health. If a question area is found, you can go in and do testing on that soil. And then rectify by treating that specific area with the nutrients and the right biologicals it needs,” says Phil.  Luke adds, “The nutrients to make that area ultra performing - the right amounts, in the right places. You save money, but because you're getting exactly what you need, where you need it.”“Farming with a scalpel, not a Stanley knife!” quips Phil.(Phil and Luke with their stealth photo bomber.)That last phrase sums up a lot of what is on offer at Primex. Technology and ideas that make farming easier and more efficient.  See you there! Gates open from 9am at the Richmond Valley Events Centre in Casino.

A fabulous Friday until the trough from Queensland makes its way to the Northern Rivers tonight. Once the showers ease early tomorrow morning (Saturday), the weather should start to improve for the weekend.It doesn't mean the rain will disappear, and we will see clear blue skies, but it does mean a shower or two and a 50-60% chance of rain with blue sky appearing at times.Certainly, some positive news for the organisers of Gemfest and Primex and those wishing to get along to each event.Norco Primex 2025 has its final day tomorrow, with a full schedule of events, which you can read below. Saturday is typically Primex's busiest day as exhibitors look to make the most of wet 2025.Gates open at 9am and close at 4pm. at the Richmond Valley Events Centre in Casino.As for Gemfest, their gates also swing open at 9am tomorrow and close at 4pm, with Sunday's times 9am to 3pm.About 150 tailgaters have arrived in Lismore with a plethora gemstones, minerals, fossils and jewellery that always attract large crowds into the Lismore Showgrounds in North Lismore.Due to the continuous rainfall and the sodden ground, there is very limited parking available for the general public. There are disabled parking spots available and a pickup/drop-off area.You are encouraged to use the free shuttle bus that will be running from the CBD to the North lismore War Memorial, and then a short walk to the main gates.There are two pick-up points in the CBD. The first at the Transit Centre on Molesworth Street, and the second opposite Browns Creek carpark at the Koori Mail.The free shuttle bus will run from 9am to 1pm on a continuous 10 minute loop and again from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday and 2pm to 3pm on Sunday.You can get a 2-for-1 event deal at the Lismore Showgrounds. Visit the Lismore Farmers Markets, open from 7:30am, and then make your way to Gemfest.On Sunday, the Lismore Free Market is on at the Lismore Community Gardens on Brewster Street between 9am and 11am.Yes, all items are free. Nothing is for sale, can be bartered or traded. Items include food, household items, books, bikes, toys etc.While talking about free things to do around town, the Lismore Workers Club has a free concert on Saturday night with Tommy Memphis on stage playing songs that shaped the generation who grew up in the 1980s.Click here to book your free ticket.Coming up at the Workers Club is:Who's Bad - a tribute to Michael Jackson on Friday, May 30.Kevin Bloody Wilson on Wednesday, June 25Dorothy the Dinosaur on Sunday, July 27 at 10am and 12noon.Live music at the Northern Rivers Hotel, Bridge Street, North Lismore this weekend, includes Adam Gardiner tonight (Friday) from 7pm to 10pm and Lonesome Boatmen and special guests for the Sunday Session from 2:30pm.There are a couple more events to put in your calendar:Beef Week - 24 May to 1 JuneLismore Lantern Parade - 21 JuneSome good news at the petrol bowsers with fuel prices down about 3 cents a litre at various service stations. Diesel owners will save money in the three main centres.Here is the list of the cheapest service stations, saving you the most money in each town:E10 is 175.9 across Lismore, 172.4 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino, and 159.5 at the Mobil on River Street, Ballina.Unleaded 91 is 169.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road near the Workers Club in Lismore, 174.4 at The United and the NightOwl Puma on Johnston Street in Casino, and 161.9 at the BP North ballina on Southern Cross Drive.U95 is 185.5 at the two Independents (Brad and Sharon) on Terania Street, North Lismore, 193.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street, and 173.9 at The Shell at 273 River Street, Ballina.U98 is 193.9 at the Astron and the Liberty on Ballina Road in Lismore and the Liberty on Union Street, South Lismore, 194.9 at Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino, and 183.9 at The Shell on River Street in Ballina.Diesel is 175.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road and the Caltex on Leycester Street in Lismore, 177.4 at The United and NightOwl Puma in Casino, and 182.5 at The Mobil and The Metro on River Street in Ballina.Have a great weekend!Now, have a laugh with the Friday Funnies.....

A sunny Friday at Primex has brought out the crowds, but it is still gumboot weather as Simon Stahl, CEO of the Casino Food Coop, says, “I forgot mine, and I am going to pay for that later!”Today's focus has been on food and the future, with a couple of Paddock to Plate events, cooking demos, and a celebrity chef event.  Mindy Woods, a proud Bundjalung woman, chef, author and advocate of all things connection, talked about Land Care on Bush Tucker.Mindy has a coolamon packed with all kinds of fruits and leaves. She said, “On the beautiful north coast, we have 6,500 ingredients that are unique to this place.”(Celebrity Chef, Mindy Woods at Primex today)Mindy pointed out some of the foods, “And here is everyone's favourite, the Bagu Alum, the finger lime, the original citrus of the world.“A lot of people don’t realise that Oranges, lemons and limes actually originate from this beautiful food from the Big Scrub.”The future of farming is a major issue today, with tech and land planning taking a front seat.Local Land Services (LLS) hosted a morning tea with the Minister for Agriculture, MP Tara Moriarty, addressing some of the most pressing issues - biosecurity.Ms Moriarty spoke of a $10 million grant for the Good Neighbour program. “It is about coordinating how we are tackling high-priority weeds," she said."I've had a look at some of the work we are doing around the Soda Apple, and we've got to throw everything at these problems."Janelle Saffin, the NSW Minister for Recovery, joined her in support of the program, as did some of the board members from the LLSJolyon Burnett said, “This is greatly appreciated. We have such a high volume of people, area and diversity of land uses in the region. So our staff are dealing with every rural issue you could imagine."A greater focus on biosecurity in the Good Neighbour Program, which is about helping landholders work more effectively with neighbours, often local and state government agencies, is appreciated."Simon Stahl spoke of the importance of Ms Moriarty’s announcement, “ LLS are doing some good work with farmers in our district. She was very informative."That, and wear gumboots are my big takeaways!"In other areas of Primex, the competition is rife. Down at the dog trials, Butch started the day off, as the commentator said “letting off some steam” as he put his heifers through the yard.There is a young contingent from Yugilbah, riding the Dinki Di trains, making the most of what the day offers. Mackiinlay, Olivia, Jewel, Dusty, Logan, Clay and Hunter are all having a great time. (Photo - kids on Dinky Di train)There is plenty to see and do. Zoey can help you with fencing, and Steven Rogers at the Natural Rice Company would like to speak to you if you have waterlogged land - the more the better as far as he is concerned!The rural Boys in Blue, Sam and Lee, are keen to talk to you about things that go awry in the rural world. They deal with crime in agriculture, pastoral and aquaculture. Lee said that “Crime is generally under-reported in these areas.”Sam explained that even if your tractor is emptied of fuel, it's easy to just move on - no one talks about it. “That is often 120l of fuel. We ask if they have spoken to the neighbours. If this kind of thing is happening in an area and we know about it, we can do something.”Everywhere you go, there are people here providing solutions. There is so much information and entertainment on offer at Primex. It's definitely worth a visit. Norco Primex's final day is tomorrow (Saturday) at the Richmond Valley Events Centre in Casino from 9am to 4pm.

The weekend weather is looking more optimistic than during the week, as the Bureau of Meteorology say showers easing on Saturday and a shower or two on Sunday.Certainly good news for those attending Lismore Gemfest 2025 at the Lismore Showground.The rain has caused the Lismore Gem & Lapidary Club, organisers of Gemfest, to cancel car parking on the grass off the Dunoon Road entrance. The risk of cars getting bogged and long term damage to the grass is too high.The result is that car parking will be restricted to off-street, which will entail a walk to the entrance gates. They too are limited as Council has restrictions in certain areas of the showground.There will be disabled parking and a drop-off section near the main gates on Alexandra Parade.Jenny Vyrenhoek, the club's Vice President, is taking a realistic view and is encouraging people to use the free bus shuttle over the two days."Look, there's nothing we can do about the weather; it is what it is. It's totally out of our hands. I know the people of Lismore and surrounds will come to the showgrounds and support Genfest, as they do every year."This is the reason we started the free bus shuttle service. People can park in the CBD, near the Transit Centre or at Browns Creek (Molesworth Street end), where a bus will pick up and drop off, and travel to the North Lismore War Memorial. Then it is a short walk through the main gates," Jenny explained."The longest you will wait is 10 minutes, as the shuttle bus is on a loop."The good news is that the $1.4 million road safety works that were completed in 2024 will play their part in helping you get around the showgrounds over the weekend.The 1.1 kilometres of new road network and drainage means walking around the 150 tailgaters to view and buy the precious gemstones, opals, and fossils will be dry and not involve mud. Of course, if you venture onto the grass, it will still be soft and potentially muddy underfoot, so boots are the order of the day. Many of the tailgaters will display in the top three sheds at the northern end of the showground.Lismore Gemfest 2025 opens tomorrow (Saturday) from 9am to 4pm and 9am to 3pm on Sunday at the Lismore Showgrounds on Alexandra Parade, North Lismore.The free shuttle bus runs on a 10-minute loop, between 9am & 1pm, and 2pm and 4pm on Saturday and 9am to 1pm, and 2pm to 3pm on Sunday.This year, there are more food and drink options, with Potato Works, Thai Kitchen, Goonellabah PS P&C (sausage rolls, pies, sandwiches), Haps Health Bar, Authentic South Indian Food, the Speedway Takeaway, Lismore City Lions Club, Bugsy's Ice Cream Van, Amici Italian Food Van, and Coffeee Addictions.

The NSW Government is in the middle of a three-day blitz to keep invasive fire ants out of NSW, with joint teams of personnel from NSW Police, Heavy Vehicle Regulation Authority and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) undertaking random compliance checks of heavy vehicles entering NSW from Queensland as part of a $95 million investment to eradicate the destructive insects.The Government’s plan is to prevent fire ants from taking hold in NSW by raising awareness amongst communities and businesses on both sides of the border, and establishing a community-wide monitoring effort, so that any infestations are identified early and then quickly eradicated.The Government’s team for conducting this sixth wave of Operation Victa brings together biosecurity specialists, vehicle regulators, Police, and Transport officials to pull over vehicles, check their compliance credentials and inspect their loads and vehicle condition.Over five previous waves, 382 heavy vehicles have been stopped, with 14 vehicles returned to Qld under individual biosecurity directions for failing to meet entry requirements, plus issuing 13 penalty notices and 3 warnings. (NSW Minister for Agriculture at Operation Victa. Photo: supplied)This sixth wave of Operation Victa is a 3-day operation with NSW Police and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator that started yesterday (Thursday, 15 May) until Saturday, 17 May, at three key locations in the north of the state in Chinderah, Yelgun and Jennings.This follows the NSW Government’s suspension of turf being moved from Queensland Fire Ant-infested areas into NSW in November last year. The Government then cracked down on the movement of hay after the near cyclone Tracey period in April, suspending any movement of hay into NSW from Queensland.In February this year the NSW Government ensured that two Queensland businesses were prosecuted and then separately convicted in the NSW Local Court for breaching biosecurity regulations and in total ordered to pay $60,000. These successful prosecutions highlight the effectiveness of the Minns Government's surveillance and compliance activities. DPIRD has now issued over 100 biosecurity directions and 22 penalty notices totalling more than $39,000 since the fire ant emergency was declared in August 2023.Anyone moving high-risk fire ant carriers such as soil, mulch, hay, sand, and plants must be aware of treatment and handling requirements according to the Biosecurity Emergency Order before they can be moved into NSW from the Queensland fire ant-infested area.For more information on fire ants, call the Biosecurity Helpline on 1800 680 244 or visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fire-ants. NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said, “The NSW Government takes the threat of red imported fire ants seriously and we've proven so far in 2025 that this hardline approach to protect NSW is necessary.“We’ve taken a risk-based approach. When the risk moves higher, we’ve made hard decisions, like suspending turf or hay movements.“Our Fire Ant Teams are working hard with other agencies to keep fire ants out of NSW. Swift response, focus, and agility is required as we must keep going because this threat requires diligence.“We also call for vigilance in the community, which is critical to the success of our program. We thank those community members whose quick actions calling our hotline have led to the state avoiding potential problems. “As I’ve said many times, fire ants aren’t marching into NSW, they’re being carried. This is why we increased funding for eradicating fire ants and boosted surveillance and control actions.”“Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility, so it’s critical that businesses moving these types of materials comply with the Biosecurity Fire Ant Emergency Order.”

Thursdays are generally the quietest day each year for Norco Primex, but when you add in rainfall, the 2025 year got off to a slower start than normal.That didn't deter a positive attitude from exhibitors and the owner/organiser of Primex, Bruce Wright, who described this year's exhibitors as the most dedicated to the region."I think there was a lot that came in and got sort of turned away from the rain that the region copped last year. And as soon as there's a chance of rain coming again, they're not as dedicated, necessarily, than the ones we've got here this year."For the conditions we've had, this exhibitor list of 300 odd exhibitors has been very easy to deal with, in what you could call challenging for everybody. But it's a testament to them, as far as them just going, this is what we're dealing with every day, not just three days of Primex. This is the stuff that the region has had to deal with 365 days a year for nearly four years."There's adjustments that we've had to make with the site to accommodate it, because there's issues such as the north there that we've had to fiddle with to make sure we can accommodate and give exhibitors a better option here, and we've done everything we can to make it as a positive experience for them, and it's been reflected in the attitudes that they've come up with."Bruce Wright was well aware that the crowds would more than likely arrive at the Richmond Valley Events Centre in Casino as the weather clears. He wants to remind people that there is still plenty to see and do at Primex 2025."It's not like you can't get around. It's not like you can't engage with exhibitors, and you can't enjoy all the features that are here. There's the train, or the animal nursery or the live entertainment. There's the Paddock to Plate with Darren putting on demonstrations over the next two days, and all that. So, there's a huge amount to see and do.(Dressed for the conditions at Primex yesterday, Jess and son Achilles)"We're only on for three days in the year, and we can't determine the weather. But we can certainly determine the whole group of, I describe it as local, national, international brands and exhibitors coming in. That's the reason people should come, because we are here with the community to try and showcase and celebrate our region and its agriculture."So, for the three days in the year that it's on rain, hail or shine, that you come out and support the exhibitors that have traveled and spent a lot of money to be here, and we're doing the best we can to make sure that we can connect them with our farmers in our rural communities."As for the exhibitors yesterday, the always-smiling Ken Jolley, representing the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, received a very generous $250 donation from Hawkins Fire of Lismore.North Lismore's AJ Magnay attends Primex every year and hopes to make thousands over the three days."I'm a little bit concerned about the weather. It is a little bit wet underfoot, but there's plenty of exhibitors here and there's plenty of things to look at. Just bring your boots, be prepared, and turn up and have a look."Matt from Lismore Toyota has a lot of cars on display and is looking forward to meeting people he wouldn't normally meet at the dealership in South Lismore."It's a good event, and it's good interaction with the locals. The weather hasn't been kind, but it will fine up a little bit and there will be a few more people kicking around."Captain Phil from the Northern Rivers Salvation Army has been another regular at Norco Primex for the last five years."The Salvation Army has got a long history of support of our farmers and those on the land in many different spaces that have been through droughts and floods and all those things. So, just having a presence out here gives us an opportunity to connect to those in our community."We're out here, obviously promoting the work that we do in the Northern Rivers. We've got our catering truck on site, so people can come and have something to eat or have a tea or coffee because we've always got the billy on."We've had quite a number of school students today come through and have a look at what we do there, and it's good to chat to some of the others around the region. There may be some who want to put their hand up and volunteer with us when we get deployed in a disaster."We've got a dry spot under our marquees, we've got the Billy on, and it's just a nice spot for people to come and relax from wandering around the site and put their feet up for a few minutes."One exhibitor hit the nail on the head with his thoughts: "You make money from mud, not dust."The gates open again at 9am and close at 4pm on Friday and Saturday.The program for Friday is below, but note that the Working Dog Trials have been cancelled today.

Are you planning to build on newly purchased land? Are you a first home buyer trying to make the numbers work? Have you been flood-affected and want to relocate your house locally? Do you own land and want to add a second small home — a granny flat, tiny home or dual occupancy? Are you a developer or community housing group building affordable rental homes? If you answered yes to any of the above, you could be eligible for a one-off $15,000 grant under Council’s Housing Grant Program. The grants are designed to stimulate the construction of smaller, smarter, more affordable homes across the Lismore area — and they’re already making an impact. There are six clear categories under the scheme, including support for landowners adding a second dwelling, first-home buyers, flood-affected relocations, Reconstruction Authority buyback participants, community housing providers and developers building multi-unit projects for affordable rental.The grants are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until the full $1.2 million pool is committed. With nearly half already allocated, the time to apply is now.Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said the program is part of Council’s broader push to improve housing diversity and affordability across the region.“This is a targeted, practical step we can take to help more people call Lismore home — especially those still recovering or trying to get a start in a tough housing market,” he said.“The response so far has been encouraging, but we know there are still many out there who qualify and just haven’t applied yet.”The grant is paid upon completion of the new dwelling, once an Occupation Certificate is issued. To be eligible, applicants must have lodged a Development Application, Complying Development Certificate or Section 68 application via the NSW Planning Portal.For details or to apply, visit https://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Building-and-planning/Strategic-planning/Future-housing. 

The housing crisis is a problem not just in Lismore and the Northern Rivers but across the country. The crisis affects people across all walks of life, especially those in need of social housing.The state government may have found a solution after completing NSW’s first-ever 3D-printed social housing project in Dubbo, where it built two brand new homes, marking a major milestone in the state’s efforts to tackle the housing crisis.The two modern, two-bedroom homes will soon be home to Aboriginal social housing tenants. The project was delivered in only 20 weeks, less than half the usual 40-week timeline, thanks to innovative 3D-printing construction methods. The homes were created using approximately 70 tonnes of Contourcrete, a specially developed 3D-printable concrete mix produced by Contour3D. The concrete structures were printed in just 16 days.The success of the project showcases the promising potential of 3D-printing as a sustainable and efficient solution for building social and affordable homes across the state, delivering much needed homes faster to those in need.These homes will be ready for residents to move in this month, providing energy-efficient, low-maintenance housing built with recycled, environmentally friendly materials.This 3D-printed project gives local hope to sites identified as social and affordable, such as Cynthia Wilson Drive, where 40 new homes have been discussed since 2019 (twenty one-bedroom and twenty two-bedroom townhouses).(Photo: supplied)This first-of-its-kind build was a partnership between Aboriginal Sustainable Homes (ASH), Contour3D, and the NSW Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO),For more information visit: http://www.nsw.gov.au/homes-nsw/MMC.  Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said, “We’re proud to be the first to use 3D-printing technology for social housing in NSW—and even prouder to see it completed.“This is just the beginning. The success of this pilot proves 3D-printing can help us build quality homes faster, particularly in regional and remote areas where demand is high."This project shows that the NSW Government is committed to exploring every option to build more social and affordable homes faster, especially in regional and remote areas with strong housing demand.  “This project shows what’s possible when government, industry and community work together to find smart, sustainable solutions to the housing crisis.The Hon Stephen Lawrence MLC said, “It’s fantastic to see this groundbreaking project come to life in Dubbo, delivering much needed social housing through 3D-printing technology.“Finding new and creative ways to build homes faster and more efficiently is critical, especially for regional areas like Dubbo.“This is a great example of how new technologies can be harnessed to better serve our communities.”

Unintentional falls remain the leading cause of injury hospitalisation and death for women since 2017–18, responsible for 122,800 (57%) hospitalisations and 3,400 (58%) deaths in 2022–23, according to a new report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.Injury among women 2022– 23 explores the main causes of injury resulting in hospitalisation and death, as well as identifying trends over time. The report also examines the nature and severity of sustained injuries, variations between population groups and circumstances surrounding the injury.‘Every year, thousands of women present to an emergency department or are hospitalised due to injury,’ said AIHW spokesperson Jacqueline Rek. ‘Women contributed to 40% of all injury hospitalisations in 2022–23.’Overall, injury was responsible for around 217,000 hospitalisations, 6,000 deaths and 537,000 emergency department presentations among women in 2022–23. Since 2017–18, after adjusting for age differences, hospitalisation rates have decreased from 1,900 to 1,850 per 100,000 population, while death rates have increased from 41.5 to 43.1 per 100,000 population.Falls and fracturesThe rate of fall injury hospitalisations increased with age. Women aged 65 and over accounted for 73% of all fall injury hospitalisations and almost all fall-related deaths (97%) among women in 2022–23.‘Over half of all injury deaths (57%) were due to falls among women aged 65 and over,’ said Ms Rek.‘The rate of death from falls was 66.5 times higher in women aged 65 and over than for women aged 40–64.’Fractures were the most common type of injury hospitalisation across all age groups and the leading type of injury for emergency department presentations among women. Fractures of the hips or lower limbs were most common, causing 27,000 hospitalisations in 2022–23.Self-harm and assaultAfter adjusting for age, the rate of intentional self-harm hospitalisations among women was the lowest it has been in the past decade (121 per 100,000 population). Over 4 in 5 (82%) injury hospitalisations for intentional self-harm involved self-poisoning in 2022–23.The number of assault injury hospitalisations remained similar over a 5-year period, around 7,600 between 2017–18 and 2022–23, while the number of homicide deaths among women has increased from 48 to 63 over the same period.The highest rate of injury assault (127 per 100,000) was among women aged 25–39. Women aged 65 and over had the highest rate of homicide (1 per 100,000) despite having the lowest rate of assault injury hospitalisation (16 per 100,000). Assault was the leading cause of injury hospitalisation among First Nations women in 2022–23, causing 3,700 hospitalisations. First Nations women disproportionately contributed to almost half (48%) of all assault injury hospitalisations for women.After adjusting for differences in age, women living in Very remote areas are 43 times more likely to be hospitalised due to assault than women living in Major cities.‘Women experience distinct patterns of injury due to various physiological, social and environmental factors including family, domestic and sexual violence, pregnancy, ageing, and mental health challenges,’ said Ms Rek. ‘The monitoring work we undertake helps identify these patterns of injury to improve awareness and inform prevention measures.’In 2024, the AIHW also examined injuries affecting men in Australia. For information, visit: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/injury/injuries-affecting-men-in-australia-a-closer-look/contents/about.

For the third year running, ETC’s MySmallBiz Expos are back in a big way for 2025 with a series of nine free community events designed to celebrate and support small businesses, self-employed individuals, and aspiring entrepreneurs. On 18 June 2025, join Enterprise and Training Company (ETC) at the Lismore Workers Club as they create an engaging space for people at any stage in their business journey. These expos offer an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to meet, collaborate, and network with the local small business community.Daryl Parmenter, ETC’s Self-Employment Assistance Program Manager, emphasised the importance of these expos, particularly in nurturing local entrepreneurship and supporting businesses at any stage of their journey.“The MySmallBiz Expos are a celebration of start-up businesses and a must for either potential or existing small businesses," Mr. Parmenter said. "Come network, make connections, and speak with local business specialists to gain free support and guidance on moving your hobby into a business or giving your existing business a refresh.”Event Highlights:Networking Opportunities: The expos will offer numerous opportunities to build meaningful connections with other small business owners and industry professionals. These interactions can lead to new collaborations and business opportunities.Interactive Stalls: Explore a variety of stalls showcasing local businesses and services. This is a great chance to discover new products, services, innovations from the local community and to #ShopLocal.Engaging Presentations: Attendees will gain valuable insights from industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, and supportive services. These presentations are designed to inspire and provide practical advice for starting or growing a business.Inspiring Success Stories: Hear firsthand from Self-Employment Ambassadors and grassroots startups. Their stories of perseverance and success will motivate attendees to pursue their own business ventures.Expert Advice: Receive guidance from experts in various fields and meet government representatives who can provide information on available resources and support for small businesses.Whether individuals are thinking of starting their own business or looking to support local business, ETC’s MySmallBiz Expos offer something for everyone. These events are designed to inspire and empower attendees, providing the confidence and resources needed to turn dreams into reality.“Previously, I had trouble finding valuable support for my business. Now, with Workforce Australia – Self-Employment Assistance, I clearly defined my needs for business growth. Collaborating with ETC and their MySmallBiz Expos has been supportive and educational. If you're dedicated, have clear goals, and are open to learning and growth, this is a fantastic opportunity,” said Sara, from Healthii Hub, a previous MySmallBiz stallholder. Event DetailsVenue: Lismore Workers ClubDate: Wednesday, 18 June 2025Time: 11am to 2pmClick here to register for your free ticket.ETC is a Workforce Australia – Self-Employment Assistance provider. If you need help to start a business, or support for your existing small business, contact ETC on 1800 007 400, visit www.etcltd.com.au.

The critical decision-making documents, like the Community Strategic Plan, dominated this week's Council meeting. However, there were other motions and votes that are worth writing about.Rural planning changes, Bounty Street parking changes, Business Lismore's $50,000 funding request, and the interview process for the new General Manager were also covered.The changes to Council's Planning Proposal to introduce artisan food and drink industries and creative industries into Lismore's RU1 Primary Production, E1 Local Centre (smaller-scale commercial activity) and E2 Commercial Centre (larger-scale commercial activity) land use zones drew mixed reactions from councillors.On one side, you had Councillors Adam Guise and Big Rob, who were concerned that more microbreweries opening in rural areas would lead to more cases of drink driving. There was also concern about the limit of 100 patrons onsite at any given time, which would lead to road issues.The other side involved Crs Andrew Gordon, Dalton-Earls, Electra Jensen and Gianpiero Battista. Their position was that planning has held Lismore back for the last twenty (20) years because of red tape, that these types of businesses will feed into the Rail Trail and that the agritourism laws are determined by the state government, not Lismore City Council.The motion was easily passed.There were more planning changes to the Lismore Local Environmental Plan when the next motion was put forward. 10.3 involved changes to land zoned E4 General Industrial around the Lismore railway station.The aim of the planning proposal was to allow for additional appropriate commercial and cultural activities around a section of the existing rail corridor that would support the rail trail as a tourist destination for Lismore and the Far North Coast. The additional uses include community facilities, entertainment facilities, information and education facilities and retail premises.(The Lismore railway station to the right of the rail trail)Cr Big Rob was predictable in his negative comments about the rail trail; however, he did support growing South Lismore, as did all councillors. Cr Jensen mentioned she saw eight (8) bikes outside the Southside Bakery in support of the rail trail, while Cr Battista said that we seem to find a problem with everything we do in this town. "Can we focus on the positive, please?" he stated.This was the first of a few unanimous votes from Tuesday's council meeting.The search for a General Manager has begun with a recruitment company advertising the position for three weeks before forming a shortlist of eight (8) candidates. Councillors then have the option to be part of the preliminary interviews and the subsequent second round of interviews.All councillors are invited to be part of the interview process, although they will be held over two full days during a working week. Councillors asked for some flexibility around the actual days given workloads and conferences at the end of June.Bounty Street will have six nominated 2-hour parking spots after another unanimous vote.Bounty Street moved to 10-hour parking, in reality, all-day parking, to accommodate an increase in local flood restoration workers. Unfortunately, Lifeblood Lismore has its donation centre on Bounty Street, and blood and plasma donors were having to park quite far away and walk to the centre to give their life-saving donations. While it was not confirmed during the meeting, you would assume the six spots will be directly outside the front of Lifeblood Lismore. This is a staff decision.There was some more good news, this time for Business Lismore, as they were granted $50,000 in another unanimous vote.Councillors praised the work done by the new Business Lismore board to promote and advocate for the local business community in the CBD, and that this funding includes South Lismore, North Lismore and Goonellabah.Councillors were also impressed that Business Lismore turned down the offer of more money, so they could learn to 'walk before they run'.The final item of the May meeting was a confidential item and involved the lease of 97 Caniaba Street, South Lismore. There were no details as to why this land was being leased and to whom it was being leased; however, there was an indication that it could be for the storage of buyback houses.Watch this space.Despite efforts to get through the meeting agenda, councillors failed to do so. Due to councillors' commitments in the next few weeks, it was decided by the mayor that all other items will be carried over to the June 10 meeting.

The weather can quite often dominate conversations in Lismore and the Northern Rivers; however, not to the extent that it has in the last three weeks.We are used to seeing a lot of rain dumped in our backyard, then blue skies return, and life goes on. But the rainfall numbers in 2025 tell a different story.Already this year, Lismore has recorded 1,155mm at the airport. The Lismore mean rainfall for 12 months is 1,244.5mm, so we have nearly received our yearly rainfall in the first five months of the year.That is a long way from the wettest year on record in Lismore, which was 2,213mm in 1893. However, it is worth mentioning that rain gauges stopped working during the 2022 floods.With the BOM forecasting 3-25mm today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday), plus more lower falls next week, that scenario is highly likely.The BOM's Dean Narramore says an inland trough from Queensland and more southwesterly winds later this morning will bring moderate falls to the Northern Rivers. There is a chance of a thunderstorm over the next three days.As far as May is concerned, Lismore has smashed the mean rainfall of 68.8mm already. To May 14, we have recorded 107mm, with only three days with less than 1mm.The upcoming rain is not welcome news for the organisers of three of the region's biggest events: Primex, Gemfest and Beef Week.Primex opens its gates at the Richmond Valley Events Centre in Casino at 9am today (Thursday), running until 4pm Saturday.Gemfest at the Lismore Showgrounds gets underway at 9am on Saturday and runs until 3pm Sunday.Casino Beef Week doesn't start until Saturday, May 24, but already the Farm Tour, Youth Cattle Program and Youth Education Day Events have been cancelled.Whatever the weather, it is important that we support local events, so don a raincoat, put on some boots and pop the umbrella in the car.

Police are targeting violent domestic violence offenders across NSW to ensure the safety and well-being of domestic and family violence victims and the broader NSW community.During this time, Richmond PD will demonstrate their continued commitment to prevention and action against domestic and family violence.If you have any information in relation to the persons shown below, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/All information is treated in strict confidence.Robert Calisti has outstanding domestic violence-related arrest warrants and is known to frequent Lismore.Aubrey Binge has outstanding domestic violence-related arrest warrants and is known to visit the Ballina Area.

Yesterday's Lismore City Council meeting included debating the Lismore Community Strategic Plan (CSP) before adopting the draft document and putting it on display for 28 days. The CSP details the community's 10-year aspirations for Lismore and sets the stage for its future.The CSP was formed with input from 1,678 people who participated in a community scorecard that delivered a frank assessment of Council’s performance. The results were clear: people want better roads, a clear vision and plan for responsible growth and housing, visible progress on storm water management and waste and more responsive youth services.Those residents scored Council half the industry average for vision, roads and stormwater. It certainly still has a great deal of work to do.Council said the feedback was honest, and it revealed areas where it is not meeting expectations. However, it also offered clarity. The community delivered a firm and detailed mandate for change, and Council is responding.After spending most of the start to 2025 continuing to work with the community to turn priorities into a shared plan of action, Council today has endorsed its draft integrated Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program, and Operational Plan to go on public exhibition.The Community Scorecard, completed by 1678 residents, identified six top priorities: safer local roads, diverse housing options, support for local economic growth, flood mitigation and recovery, youth services and waste management.Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said the feedback was clear and direct, residents are not satisfied with the quality or focus of Council’s delivery. Their expectations are clear, and so is their disappointment.“We accept that. There’s no point glossing over the results, we just need to get on with the job of doing better,” he said. “The community told us that above all else, they want safer, better-maintained roads — roads that last, not quick fixes. They want proper flood mitigation, not patchwork solutions. They want to see Lismore built responsibly, with more housing options, better services for young people, and more timely and transparent communication.”Since the results were delivered to Council in February, Lismore City Council has undertaken one of the most comprehensive strategic planning processes in the organisation’s history, Mayor Krieg said.“We received the results in February and planned to head back out to community, but were delayed by Tropical Cyclone Alfred. In April, we hosted community workshops across Lismore to share both the results and our draft response,” he said.“We wanted to check with residents if we were on the right path.“Overwhelmingly, they supported the direction but asked us to go even further in some areas. We’ve done that.”The result is a new, integrated plan that combines the Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program, and Operational Plan into a single roadmap — a clear, measurable guide for what Council will do, when, and why.Among the standout actions:Deliver priority road upgrades through the 4-year Capital Delivery Program and keep the community informed of progress.Reform the Roads Operational Management Plan and implement a new quality management system for better road maintenance.Advocate to Transport for NSW for vital upgrades, including the Hollingsworth Creek Bridge duplication and improved safety at intersections along the Bruxner Highway.Implement CSIRO-recommended flood-mitigation strategies and complete outstanding projects such as Brown Creek Channel and Inlet, multiple stormwater pump stations and the Upper Hollingsworth Creek Flood Gate.Advocate for the Bureau of Meteorology to upgrade telemetry systems and digital flood monitoring.Introduce automated Property Flood Certificates to support rural residents with insurance and development planning.Establish or support Service Teams to implement a works program to improve the overall appearance and sense of pride in Lismore CBD and village centres.Deliver footpath and cycleway links connecting schools, parks, and key precincts, including Ballina Rd to Albert Park School, Pindari Crescent, and the Rowing Club car park.Develop new land-use strategies that support residential, rural, economic and environmental growth.Create a Property Strategy to unlock diverse housing options, support intergenerational farming and increase key worker accommodation.Partner with NSW Reconstruction Authority to create precinct plans for the CBD, East and North Lismore, South Lismore, and the Health Precinct.Renew youth programs, including activation of the new Lismore and Nimbin skateparks, upgrades to Spinaze Park and Nesbitt Park, and safe study spaces with Wi-Fi.Restore wastewater facilities in East and South Lismore and the Nimbin water treatment plant to meet future demand.Advocate for expansion of rural water tank programs to enhance village resilience.Investigate innovative waste recovery and recycling options, including biogas energy and circular economy partnerships.Identify priority urban streetscapes for rejuvenation and biodiversity protection.Strengthen catchment management and environmental planning to protect Lismore’s ecosystems and mitigate future risks.The plan includes a commitment to transparent reporting and ongoing community dialogue, with regular reviews to ensure responsiveness in a changing environment, including a full review of the plan each year.“This plan is not just a document — it’s a shared commitment,” Cr Krieg said.“We are proud of what we’ve built together and focused on delivering what we’ve promised.”As Lismore looks to build a region of opportunity where everyone can succeed — the community can be confident that its voice has not only been heard but embedded in the decisions that will shape its future.Community Survey – Summary of Key Findings for Lismore City CouncilAreas of StrengthSense of Community:A majority of residents feel a sense of belonging in Lismore and villages.Sport and Recreation:Sport and recreation facilities are performing well and are among the highest-rated services.Parks and Playgrounds:Parks and playgrounds are positively regarded by the community.Support for Local Business:The local area is seen as a reasonably good place to work or operate a business.Areas for ImprovementInfrastructure and Amenity:Local roads and bridges were the lowest-rated area overall.Stormwater management and waste services also received low satisfaction.Community buildings and public toilets were rated poorly.Flood Resilience and Recovery:There was community concern about disaster preparedness and progress on recovery.Economic Development and Planning for Growth:Residents expressed limited satisfaction with Council’s efforts in creating jobs, boosting tourism and activating the local economy.Youth Services:Community services and facilities for youth received low satisfaction scores.Leadership and Governance:Ratings were low across several governance areas, including leadership, communication of a clear vision, and financial sustainability.Highest Comparative Scores(Where Lismore is performing in line with or close to industry average/high)Sport and Recreation FacilitiesLismore: 64Industry Average: 64Sense of Belonging in the CommunityLismore: 57Industry Average: 58Area to Work or Operate a BusinessLismore: 50Industry Average: 58Parks and PlaygroundsLismore: 55Industry Average: 64Lowest Comparative Scores(Where Lismore is rating as most below average)Council Has Developed and Communicated a Clear VisionLismore: 13Industry Average: 27Local Roads (Including Bridges)Lismore: 22Industry Average: 46Stormwater ManagementLismore: 25Industry Average: 48Youth Services and FacilitiesLismore: 31Industry Average: 47

Three months after the biggest flood in Australia's history tore through Lismore and the Northern Rivers, the NSW Government launched the first temporary pod Village in Wollongbar to house the first of thousands of displaced residents.Wollongbar was soon followed by ten (10) other pod villages throughout the Northern Rivers, including one in East Lismore at the end of Crawford Road.Three years later, in March 2025, Wollongbar was the first 'Temporary Housing Village', as it is now named, to close.(The Wollongbar POD Village May 2022)Four more are scheduled to close by June 27 2025, three in the northern part of the region and one in the south, while conversations are underway with council's and landowners about the future of the other five Temporary Housing Villages.The state government's problem in transitioning people to permanent accommodation is the lack of housing, including affordable, social, and rental housing, in Lismore and the Northern Rivers. This situation was exacerbated by the 2022 floods, and a solution is still a few years off.When asked for an update from the NSW Reconstruction Authority, a spokesperson said, "Kingscliff, Evans Head, Pottsville and Brunswick Heads (Bayside) Temporary Housing Villages will stay open until 27 June 2025."The villages were always intended to be temporary to support flood-impacted residents get their lives back on track. The first village to cease operating was the Wollongbar Temporary Housing Village in March this year"We know that people in the temporary housing villages still need assistance, which is why we are working with Homes NSW and our Community Housing Partners to support residents to find longer-term accommodation outside the temporary housing villages."The NSW Reconstruction Authority is also working with landowners, Councils and Homes NSW to see if operation of some of the remaining villages can be extended for a further period, because we want to make sure that people impacted by the floods get the housing they need while we work on building more social and affordable housing."The Reconstruction Authority is also assessing options regarding potential future use of the temporary housing infrastructure at the temporary villages, including if the pods could be used to support broader NSW Government housing objectives."In the aftermath of the devastating floods in 2022, the NSW Reconstruction Authority established 11 temporary housing villages in the Northern Rivers, with the assistance of councils and other landowners under crisis accommodation planning exemptions."

The general rule of thumb is that politics does not belong in local government. Of course, we all know that is not true, and it was proven at yesterday's Lismore City Council May meeting.The political debate started with the discussion about the five documents that have now been approved to go on public display, that is, the draft Community Strategic Plan (CSP), Delivery Program, Operation Plan, Long Term Financial Plan, the Community Engagement Plan and the draft Fees and Charges.The point of difference concerned the removal of the word 'affordable' when it came to describing Lismore's housing future. Instead, the word 'diverse' is used, which includes affordable housing.The two Greens councillors, Adam Guise and Virginia Waters, and Labor's Jasmine Knight Smith supported adding a point four to the motion, which said that affordable housing is a core strategic outcome of the CSP.Cr Knight-Smith was concerned it doesn't reflect what the community wanted, while Cr Waters said, "It is critical for our community housing providers, as they rely on the CSP and other council documents to support their funding and advocacy efforts," and Cr Guise said the work was done in secret workshops.This point was challenged by Cr Andrew Gordon, who said it was covered in two council workshops and asked whether Cr Guise attended those meetings. Cr Guise replied that if they happened during the day, then he likely didn't attend because he works. Cr Rob said he goes to every briefing and workshop, "Sometimes I forget what Cr Guise looks like because he's never there."Cr Knight-Smith's motion was defeated 4/7 with Crs Dalton-Earls, Knight-Smith, Guise and Waters voting for.Cr Gianpiero Battista had put a foreshadowed motion forward as printed, and then added his own point 4, where all references to affordable housing were replaced with diverse housing where practical.Cr Battista said he was surprised somebody from the Labor party moved the previous motion about affordable housing because he expected it from The Greens. He also mentioned that social housing should have replaced affordable housing, and that social housing was the responsibility of the state government.Cr Dalton-Earls mentioned that the councillors who did not attend the workshops missed out on a lot of context. "If you're not attending those briefings, which often happen in the evening, then you're coming into a council chamber and talking about things that were already discussed at the briefing. And I think that's not always the best scenario, particularly when it's such an involved and long document."Cr Waters said she felt it was a little 'patronising' about whether councillors attended workshops or not. "I think it's setting up a precedent of actually not knowing how we may all share information with each other, and that people are being vilified, basically, for that."Cr Waters then gave a definition of affordable housing: "Affordable housing refers to housing that is accessible to households with low to moderate incomes to be typically defined as housing where the cost does not exceed a certain percentage of the household gross income, often 30%."The counterargument was around supply, or the lack of it, which puts so many residents in the unaffordable basket through higher prices.Mayor Steve Krieg said Lismore, as a regional city, is the only one on the list of regional cities in NSW that has not grown recently."In fact, you could almost say we've experienced negative growth, while our cousins, the Tamworths of the world, only 15 years ago were a population of 43,000 and now are 60,000 with goals to hit 100 (thousand) by 2060. Goulburn, Orange, Wagga, Dubbo, all experiencing growth."Mayor Krieg went on to say that Lismore has been focused on social housing, with demands for developers to give up 10% of their potential developments to the Affordable Housing Contribution Schemes. "If you were wanting to open 100 blocks of land in Lismore, but you can only sell 90 of them, where would you go? Would you come to Lismore and try and do business in Lismore, or would you go to another regional centre who welcome and embrace the diversity and the opportunity."The message from the Krieg team was that diverse housing includes affordable housing, which includes granny flats, apartments, rural residential subdivisions and residential.Cr Knight-Smith said she was 'appalled' that affordable housing has been removed, "It makes me sad," she said. While Cr Rob said that he was appalled at the Federal Labor Party for bringing in immigration and creating a shortage of 100,000 homes.Cr Battista said he refers to Lismore as the lost opportunity town and that he hasn't seen a policy from The Greens or Labor in the last four months about affordable housing. "What are you proposing? Tell me. If it's smart, if it's intelligent, we'll accept it."Cr Battista went on to say that in the past 12 to 14 years that nothing has been done."We lost opportunity left, right and centre, and this town has gone backwards by miles, and we need to bring it back, to go forward."This motion was voted for 9/2 with Crs Krieg, Hall, Dalton-Earls, Bing, Gordon, Knight-Smith, Jensen, Rob and Battista voting for and Crs Guise and Waters against.More politics raised its head when Cr Waters raised a motion regarding the Living Lab and its research findings into timber recovery and reuse, particularly the practical experience of deconstructing two properties in North Lismore.The motion was to note the research, and in Point 2, which the majority of councillors agreed with, acknowledge the three key recommendations to support a robust circular timber and reuse system through the development of deconstruction guidelines, the establishment of a circular recovery facility to store, process and support the reuse of salvaged materials and the development of a value assessment framework to accurately compare the benefits of deconstruction and material recovery versus traditional demolition.Point 3 was where the politics came into play when Cr Waters asked councillors to write a letter to the relevant NSW Ministers and the NSWRA to seek a temporary pause on the demolition of flood-affected homes, as one of four points.The points of view went according to party lines, with Cr Waters saying it is devastating to watch the demolition of buyback homes and Cr Battista saying that the Greens had actively supported and encouraged the occupation of undemolished houses."This poses a risk of having people in flood-affected areas living there when they shouldn't be. The reason why those houses were bought back, and Cr Waters and Cr Guise benefited from the buyback, was because it was deemed to be very unsafe to live in a flood-affected area."Cr Guise then spoke about The Greens being "the only party that's actually standing up and speaking out on the housing crisis and the ecological crisis." He pointed out that not all buyback houses are high-risk, dilapidated or ruined.Cr Dalton-Earls then asked Cr Guise a question about whether some people should not have taken the buyback and rented it out cheaply to people in a housing crisis.Cr Guise thanked Cr Dalton-Earls for the question and acknowledged he had given him another five minutes to reiterate his previous points. At one point during these five minutes, councillors got up and left the chamber, leaving only three in their seats, meaning there was not a quorum in the chamber should a vote be required.However, they came back for the vote, which was lost 3/6, with Crs Guise, Waters and Knight-Smith voting for and Crs Dalton-Earls, Battista, Rob, Bing, Jensen and Krieg voting against, with Cr Hall and Gordon out of the chamber.Cr Battista's foreshadowed motion, removing Point 3, was more of the same discussion points and was passed with Crs Bing, Jensen, Dalton-Earls, Knight-Smith, and Battista voting for and Crs Waters, Guise, Rob and Krieg against.Council meetings are nothing but predictable for the more controversial motions that are tabled. It just depends on each councillor's view of what is good for Lismore.