Lismore’s long-term recovery from the devastating floods of early 2022 has taken an important step forward, with a contract awarded to a joint venture between CMC Group and JF Hull Holdings for the region’s largest road restoration package.The major construction contract will enable critical repairs to restore roads from more than 60 landslips, improving reliability and reconnecting towns.This marks a key milestone in restoring essential transport links across the Lismore region, with more than 50 road and transport infrastructure projects already completed, and almost 140 other projects currently in progress or under development.Some projects have experienced delays or faced further damage due to the severe weather brought by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March 2025.Work will be staggered over three years to reduce impacts on local communities and make full use of a locally based workforce from the Lismore local government area.Jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the permanent repairs are now underway, with the reconstruction projects giving communities confidence in the safety, reliability, and resilience of their roads for decades to come.Additionally, close to $17 million in new funding is being provided to Lismore City Council to help restore its road infrastructure and make it more resilient against future flooding.Through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package (RRTRP) and Essential Public Asset Reconstruction funding under the DRFA, several causeways across the region will be replaced to withstand future floods and improve road resilience.Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said, “This contract is an important step in Lismore’s recovery journey, delivering critical repairs that the community has been waiting for since the 2022 floods.“By investing in resilience, we are not just fixing what is broken – but we’re building back better to protect local residents from future flood events.“The focus on local workforce and staged construction outlines the commitment from the Australian and New South Wales Governments to support the Lismore region’s economic and overall recovery whilst minimising disruption to residents.“I would like to commend everyone that has been affected by the devastating natural disasters that have impacted the Lismore community for their strength, resilience and commitment to supporting each other in getting through difficult times.”Minister for Recovery and North Coast and State Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, said, “The Lismore region is getting its old mojo back, as we step up our rebuild with some great new developments.“Our mission as we build back and emerge from recovery is to be improving the resilience of our infrastructure as we go. "This announcement means we can invest in our roads so that they are better able to withstand the weather events of the future.”Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison, said, “The Minns Labor Government has quadrupled disaster recovery funding, from $190 million a year under the previous government, to an average of more than $800 million a year.“We know landslips across the Lismore local government area had a massive impact on residents immediately after the flood and this contract to repair a further 60 landslips will keep up the momentum for action.“Our objective has been to speed up support to councils dealing with disaster-damaged roads.“Together with the Albanese Labor Government, the vital $2.2 million investment under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements is rebuilding and reconnecting the Lismore community.”Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said, "We’ve come a long way already, and there’s still more work to do. These projects will reconnect villages and support our local economy. “Lismore is not just rebuilding – we are rising."

As Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, and Mayor Steve Krieg joked, the new Lismore Skatepark has already been opened more times than a Rolling Stones final tour and an envelope.You can classify today as the 'official' opening because it involved the cutting of the red ribbon by Ms Saffin, Mayor Krieg, and two important members of the skateboarding community, Sam James and Corey Mylls, who were heavily involved in the design.Lismore’s new $3.9 million skatepark, on the corner of Dawson and Uralba Streets, has already been hailed a huge success as thousands of people of all ages have used the facility.Ms Saffin said she stopped her car to watch the skateboarders in action last night after dinner when she saw the lights on."There were people skating, and I just sat for a while across the road and watched. I thought, how good is this, it is just fantastic."The lights come on at 5pm each evening. Half are turned off at 9:30pm and they are switched off at 10pm. It is being utilised by enthusiasts who work or who want to practice advanced tricks without the interruption of beginners or small children on bikes.There has been some social media chat about some abuse at the skatepark and the lack of understanding as to how to use the new facility."I've seen the same sort of commentary," Mayor Krieg acknowledged. "It's designed in a certain way to allow advanced skaters to go length ways along the path."We'll work on the signage, and again, we'll be guided by the users of the park as to what's best. What I do hope is that it doesn't become a graffiti hit or somewhere for people to think that they can trash the place. This is a facility for everyone in Lismore to enjoy."John from CONVIC, the leading Australian company that creates skateparks across the country, told the Lismore that the Lismore facility was one of the much larger skateparks it has built. The average council built skatepark is half the size.Legendary Lismore skateboarder and pioneer Travis Watson was honoured with a rail and praised for his advocacy over the last 19 years after his death in June 2023."If it wasn't for Travis, we wouldn't be here today," Corey Mylls said. "But also, a big thanks to council for letting us get on board and be able to design something so unique in this town, especially being right in the middle of the CBD. 500 metres and you're in the CBD, and 500 metres you're at the shopping mall."A vital design element of the new Lismore Skatepark was the drainage. Being in a low-lying area that does have water over it because of stormwater or flooding, it was important to build adequate drainage."There are massive pipes in the ground, where the water is dispersed out into the main drain system," Corey said. "I'm hoping that we don't get another flood or anything, but we're hoping it works well. The minor ones that we had a few months ago (Cyclone Alfred), when the park was getting underway with metal dust and the shaping of the dirt, I came and had a look, and within the day the water disappeared. Everything was still the same. We know that it's going to work."Of course, the surrounding grass area is wet underfoot, as is most of Lismore. That was made worse as today's storm swept through the region.While joking about the opening, again, of the Lismore Skatepark, Lismore City Council is advertising the Grand Opening this Saturday.From 12 noon, there will be demonstrations, clinics, a skate jam, giveaways, food, and live music, including Soy Division and PEP.Everyone is welcome; all skill levels and all ages. Importantly, Saturday's weather is sunny and 22 degrees, so perfect for a grand opening.Once all the openings are complete, it is clear that the new Lismore Skatepark will be well used consistently by the public. It was built to international competition standard, so there is the belief that the facility will attract serious competitors and serious skateboarders from all over the Northern Rivers and beyond.“With skating now an Olympic event, and many world-class skaters coming from our region, a new skate park will be another string in our bow and attract even more visitors," Mayor Krieg said.It is like the movie, Field of Dreams. Build it and they will come.The project was funded under Round 2 of the NSW Government's Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund. It is a welcome addition to the Lismore Sporting Precinct, as it is next to Oakes Oval and Crozier Field.

Resilient Lismore has welcomed the release of the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s  Disaster Adaptation Plan (DAP) Guidelines as an important step along the path to the development of the DAP for the Northern Rivers, one of two being developed in high-risk regions in NSW, alongside the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley DAP.With climate change intensifying extreme weather events, and the Northern Rivers recognised as one of Australia’s most disaster-prone regions, Resilient Lismore says the development and implementation of the DAP is both timely and essential.”The principles set out in the guidelines reflect the way Resilient Lismore has always worked – grounded in community networks, collaborative decision-making, respect for diverse voices and inclusion of those who are most affected by disasters,” said Resilient Lismore Executive Director, Elly Bird. “We’re pleased to see the DAP engagement principles highlighting trust, inclusion, transparency and respect for local knowledge,” Elly said. “These are values we live every day – from listening deeply to our community, to championing the role of local leaders, and fostering equity and inclusion.” The DAP engagement principles include:Community at the centreMeaningful community participation is fostered through adequate time framesIncorporating Traditional Knowledge, storytelling and narrativesBe inclusive and respectfulSupport clear, transparent, and two-way communicationMulti-model engagementRecognise and build capacity and capability“These principles perfectly align with Resilient Lismore’s core values and work,” Elly said. “We’ve always believed successful disaster and disaster adaptation must be coordinated, place-based and community-led– and it must give communities a genuine seat at the table.”“This planning process is where the hard conversations will happen – about land use, infrastructure, managed relocation, and how we keep people safe,” she said. “It’s also where we can lock in early wins, like strengthening social infrastructure and running community preparedness programs that build resilience right now. This is exactly the heart of our work at Resilient Lismore – from skills-building workshops to events and volunteer programs, everything we do is about empowering our community to be stronger and more connected, because that is what will help us to get through future disasters when they happen,” she said. The Disaster Adaptation Plan will be developed through extensive community consultation, working with councils, infrastructure providers, essential services, and local organisations.“Resilient Lismore will continue to be a strong voice in this process, and we encourage residents and community organisations to keep an eye out for opportunities to participate,” she said.“We know that when communities are actively involved, we get better, fairer decisions – and we build the social connections that will carry us through whatever comes next.”

More than 50 bidders packed out the auction of nine flood-affected homes at the Murwillumbah Services Club, with the properties selling for a combined total of $712,000 on Tuesday night.That brings the total to 54 flood-affected properties in the Northern Rivers that have now been sold. The Lismore App understands the next lot of properties will be in Lismore,The First National Real Estate conducted auction of flood buyback homes from Burringbar and South Murwillumbah was a night of highlights:The highest sale property (37 Wardrop Street) had seven bidders and went for $200,000 (bidding started at $10,000, our highest opening bid so far).6077 Tweed Valley Way, Burringbar: $155,000.319 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah: $80,000.6066 Tweed Valley Way, Burringbar: $130,000.6060 Tweed Valley Way, Burringbar: $20,000.6068 Tweed Valley Way, Burringbar: $92,000.6069 Tweed Valley Way, Burringbar: $21,000.6058 Tweed Valley Way, Burringbar: $10,000.3 Hunter Street, Burringbar: $4000.Previously, the highest-priced house sold was $101,000, and three properties topped this figure on Tuesday night.All homes earmarked for relocation have been purchased by the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) through the buyback stream of the $880 million Resilient Homes Program, jointly funded by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments. The Resilient Homes Program is the largest adaptation program of its kind in the country.So far, more than 1300 flood-impacted homeowners have engaged with the buyback program, and more than 926 offers have been made.The RA has settled on 699 flood buyback properties across the Northern Rivers, and, as a result, hundreds of the houses are being gifted or offered up for auction and relocation.Homes that are filled with hazardous materials or are unsuitable for relocation will be demolished.There is no reserve price on these houses, meaning bidding can start and end at $1, making it one of the most accessible housing opportunities in Australia.Jackie and Luke Edwards have been among the successful bidders. The honey processers bought a hillside farm, east of Lismore, nearly three years ago. They wanted to build a house on their farm, but increasing building costs stopped them.  As a solution, they decided that one of the flood buyback homes could provide a cost-effective option. At the most recent Lismore auctions, they successfully bid $35,000 for a 105-year-old cottage, near the Lismore CBD, opposite Crozier Oval. “I am so in love with this house already,” Jackie says. “I’ve got in touch with previous owners to do a book on the history of the house. “We were looking at around $400,000 to be able to build a house. This is an awesome option for us.(Jackie and Luke Edwards with Janelle Saffin after being interviewed by Sunrise. Photo: supplied)“We are giving this house a second lease on life, and I hope more people consider it as an option.”  The RA remains committed to reusing as many flood-affected homes as possible and is planning further houses will be auctioned by Wal Murray and Co in September with another auction run by PRD Northern Rivers in October. Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “We are giving people from all walks of life a chance at a new start inside safe and dry weatherboard houses with corrugated iron roofs keeping the rain out overhead. “These homes speak to the history of the Northern Rivers, with old hardwood timbers, stained glass windows and verandahs.“The demand from the public is there, and we want to make as many homes as possible are available, so people can relocate them to a safer area.“For some people, this is the ultimate renovation project. For others, it’s the ultimate reset: a fresh start for the house and a fresh start for the person who takes it on.”  

The issue of safely shopping in the Lismore CBD has lifted its profile again, as a Lismore councillor and a shop owner shared their experience on social media, which was met by a plethora of comments.Lismore City Councillor Harper Dalton-Earls posted:This morning I walked my dog around the CBD for the first time in a while. For many years, it was part of my daily routine - back then, the streets were alive with walking groups, runners, people with their dogs and shop doors open early. Now it feels more unsafe and unclean than ever, with dog poo lining the streets and yelling echoing the walls.This morning, within five minutes, I was shouted at by someone in obvious mental distress. I saw unattended dogs and an atmosphere that felt unsafe and unhygienic.Yesterday, I read Mel's Melting Moments Soy Candles share that she has suffered abuse in her shop and is now considering closing. I want to say I stand with Mel and with every business owner, worker and visitor who has experienced thisPeople experiencing homelessness or mental health challenges should never be demonised. But we must be honest that the safety of those who keep the CBD alive our business owners, employees, shoppers and residents has to be a priority.I have raised this before in Council, and I will keep doing so. We need foot patrol rangers back. They may not arrest, but they offer passive surveillance, can call police early and often prevent situations from escalating. We need the PACER model here, with police and mental health professionals responding together. And we need an assertive homelessness outreach program like Byron Bay’s, meeting people where they are and connecting them to support.Lismore’s CBD should be a place where everyone feels safe to work, shop and spend time. I back Mel and will do what I can to support her in her campaign to make the CBD safer for all. Something has to change, and now, before it’s too late and we lose what makes our CBD special - the people there.Councillor Dalton-Earls reference to Mel Connell's Mel's Melting Moments shop on Keen Street, was taken from a recent post on her Facebook page:Dear Ms. Saffin, Mr. Hogan, Mayor of Lismore, Lismore City Council, Councilors, and Lismore Representatives,On 12 August 2025, I was threatened with my life while operating my small business and asking a mentally disturbed person to move from my entry. This is not isolated—it’s part of ongoing abuse and dangerous interactions with drug-affected or mentally unwell individuals in the CBD. I will be pressing charges and an AVO will be instated.I urge you to view my latest Facebook post, which contains video of the abuse and comments from locals explaining why they avoid the CBD. Or better yet, walk the four streets yourself. The reality is confronting and unacceptable for any city representative.Ms. Saffin, as Minister for Small Business, I ask for urgent help. Visitors are told to “Visit Lismore,” yet they are met with dog feces, verbal abuse, urine-soaked paths, litter, cigarette smoke blown in children’s faces, unmonitored parking, growing smoke shops, and public altercations. I want my shop to remain a safe, happy space—but the streets are unsafe and this danger is creeping inside.We need visible, regular police foot patrols or security beats now—before more businesses and residents leave. I wrote to you on 24 March 2025 about this escalating crisis. Nothing has improved; it has worsened. This is not just about my store’s survival—it’s about Lismore’s future.We understand funding is being sought for security patrols, but we cannot wait months for red tape. The threat is immediate. I was threatened today. Every day without action increases the risk to staff, patrons, and visitors.We request immediate interim measures until long-term funding is secured—whether through temporary police deployment, redeployment of existing security, or a short-term emergency safety initiative. We need action on the ground now.Please act decisively before more serious harm occurs. I welcome urgent discussion on solutions.There were 79 comments from the public about safety in the Lismore CBD. Typical was this comment by Jane Wood:"I was downtown about 6 weeks ago in the middle of the day, and there was so much aggression and loud yelling and public drunkenness that I rethink going down there again."I live out of town and used to love visiting once or twice a week. Now I am considering getting groceries delivered and doing most of my shopping online…like covid days."I love Lismore, but am feeling very uncomfortable visiting. I am sure that somebody will preach that I have to support the businesses and I have. But, for somebody who is just, finally coming out of, the mental and physical hell of rebuilding my life and property, I don’t want to be abused and scared when I should be relaxed and happy shopping."The Lismore App reached out to Commander of the Richmond Police District Dave Roptell, who said, "Three months ago, we conducted a high visibility operation in the Lismore CBD over a two-day period, focusing on knife crime, shoplifting and antisocial behaviour."We then continue our focus in the CBD for weeks following. We are also endeavouring in the next couple of weeks to focus on the same type of operation in the Lismore CBD." Commander Roptell's advice to shop staff is to report any crime immediately."Call us immediately because we do take addressing anti-social behaviour and people's safety in the community seriously. The more information that we get from the community, the better we can police. We obviously cannot do it alone, but we always ask the community for assistance if they have vital information they can pass on to us."(Police on the Lismore CBD during Operation Rapina at the end of May this year. Photo: LCC)A spokesperson for Lismore City Council told the Lismore App, "Council is aware of the concern regarding crime and has been proactive in addressing safety in the CBD. While policing and law enforcement are State Government responsibilities, Council has taken productive steps to support and work alongside NSW Police and other agencies to improve community safety."On 25 March this year, Council resolved to write to NSW Police requesting a targeted enforcement blitz, to seek grant funding and budget allocations for initiatives that improve safety, and to ask NSW Police to consider developing a community policing strategy for the CBD and surrounding areas."Since May, NSW Police have been working with Council, conducting High Visibility and Compliance operations aimed at addressing anti-social behaviour and crime in the CBD and surrounding transport interchanges."Council also resolved to hold an open public consultation session to identify solutions to local crime concerns. This will involve State and Federal MPs, police, ambulance and hospital representatives, local security firms and other stakeholders. Council is currently working to schedule this session soon."Council will continue to work with the relevant stakeholders, such as police and state representatives, to help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour."

The House You advocacy group, which has been campaigning for the NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSWRA) to let the homeless live in buyback homes, has taken to camping outside of Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin's office.The NSW Sheriff's Office executed the Supreme Court's ruling to remove squatters from NSWRA-owned buyback homes last Wednesday (Squatters moved out of NSWRA buyback houses today) before some attempted to move into other buyback homes in Lismore (Illegal squatters move into more NSWRA-owned homes).“When house prices have increased more than 1000% in our lifetime while wages stagnated**, young people like me, workers, families and children have been denied the basic security of a place to call home.” says Chels Hood Withey, housing advocate from House You, who was recently removed from her squat on Stuart Street, Mullumbimby."In a country as wealthy as ours, no one should be sleeping rough. We have the solutions - it's time for action, compassion and understanding to ensure everyone has housing." "Making people homeless during a housing crisis is state violence," says Bat, who was recently removed from the squat at Lake Street, North Lismore. "This government has provided no solutions to the housing crisis, only enforced homelessness through evictions from functional homes."The use of buyback homes for homeless accommodation has been at the centre of community debate for the last two and a half years following the 2022 big flood and the introduction of the Resilient Homes Program.Social media groups invited the homeless to come to Lismore and the Northern Rivers for free housing in buyback properties, exacerbating the situation for political gain in a region that is trying to recover from Australia's most costly natural disaster.The NSWRA have always stated that the properties were bought back because they are unsafe to occupy, with structural issues or potential hazardous material exposed due to flood damage, and the fact they are the most at-risk houses for current and future floods. Those claims have been disregarded by squatters."There should be no empty homes while people are homeless. As an immediate solution, all buybacks could be relocated and reused for public housing; 800+ liveable homes are already available to provide immediate housing if our government works with community, not against us," said today's statement from House You.A NSWRA spokesperson said, "The NSW Sheriff’s Office [with the assistance of NSW Police] lawfully removed a number of illegal occupants from flood buyback properties in Lismore and Mullumbimby last week. (NSW Sheriff's Officers talking to squatters in Pine Street last week)"RA has resecured these properties by fencing properties, boarding up windows and doors and has regular security patrols. Water disconnections on all the properties are being undertaken. "The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) has worked respectfully with the illegal occupants for almost a year to find a peaceful resolution. This includes working with Homes NSW and other organisations to find alternate housing options."We are currently assessing these properties, and once these assessments have been completed, the houses will either be relocated or demolished. "Illegal occupation not only puts illegal occupants at risk but also presents a broader community safety risk, such as the recent house fires on Union Street."It also delays the RA’s critical recovery work, like relocation and demolition, and diverts funding and resources away from the Resilient Homes Program's core purpose to help flood-affected communities recover."We are asking the public to alert the police about any suspicious activity in or around buyback properties and others across the Northern Rivers." House You has said it has these community demands:Rent caps to address the affordability crisisEnough public housing so no one sleeps rough (end the waitlist)No empty homes while people are homelessNo demolition of liveable homesCollaboration with community-led housing solutionsThe House You statement said:The camp highlights the cruelty of public servants making $350,000 a year (who are also landlords, and property owners themselves) criminalising homelessness and the absurdity of their policy that now leaves hundreds of buyback properties vacant and vulnerable to arson and anti-social behaviour.The camp will remain until government provides permanent housing solutions rather than temporary accommodation that displaces people from their communities and support networks."We need a system for people and planet, not for profit and privilege," concludes Chels Hood Withey. "Housing is a human right, and we won't accept anything less than housing for all."It should be noted that Homes NSW has been in contact with squatters to find alternative accommodation for the last eighteen months.House You is demanding permanent housing solutions rather than what they call "unstable Link2Home (7 days in a motel)". This is, in fact, not the whole story.There is no timeline on how long an individual can stay in temporary accommodation. Typically, the duration of temporary accommodation (TA) assistance was 28 nights. On 12 July 2023, NSW Minister for Homeless Rose Jackson waived the 28-night cap on TA for all people and households facing homelessness.  This policy change applies across all Homes NSW services across the state, including Link2home. As a result, there is no set end date for TA, where ongoing support may be required to meet the housing needs of affected individuals and families.  It is determined based on an assessment of each client’s immediate housing needs.  The NSWRA said that any illegal occupants who requested housing support after these evictions have been referred to Homes NSW.A Homes NSW Spokesperson told the Lismore App, "Homes NSW has made numerous attempts to engage and provide housing support to the people outside The Hon Janelle Saffin MP’s Lismore office.  "We will continue to try to provide housing support."Anyone experiencing or at risk of homelessness can contact the statewide homelessness information and referral telephone service, Link2Home, on 1800 152 152. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week." State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said her Electorate Office continues to assist constituents who are genuinely homeless.** The Australian Bureau of Statistics said today that wages rose 3.4% in the year to June 2025.

The NSW State Government and the NSW Reconstruction Authority have announced that disaster adaptation planning guidelines have been launched to establish a consistent and streamlined approach to reducing disaster risk across the State. This will bring a more consistent state-wide approach to build safer and more resilient communities.Disaster Adaptation Plans (DAPs) are a legislative responsibility of the NSW Reconstruction Authority and a key feature of the first State Disaster Mitigation Plan (SDMP), released in February 2024. This comprehensive plan outlines how the rising costs of disasters can be addressed by investing in risk-reduction.Work is already underway on the state’s first DAPs in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley, focused on flood risk, and the Northern Rivers, to adapt for multiple hazards.Across the state, a further five regional organisations of councils have received funding for projects that enable early actions in adaptation planning.A DAP is a regional plan developed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, working collaboratively with councils, communities and all government agencies to help reduce disaster risk and adapt to future hazards through long-term mitigation and adaptation actions.DAPs were also a key recommendation of the 2022 Independent Flood Inquiry, which called for effective and cross-government engagement to adapt to disaster risk across the state.Since July 2019, NSW has experienced 111 declared natural disasters, with more than 20,000 homes damaged in 2022 alone. The SDMP indicated that the annual cost of floods, fires and storms is projected to reach $9.1 billion by 2060 highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive disaster adaptation planning.Each DAP assesses the unique geography and characteristics of the region to identify the most effective risk reduction measures for different natural hazards.The plans provide communities with a clear understanding of local risks and insights into how disasters impact people, homes, infrastructure, services and local economies.Extensive community and stakeholder engagement is central to DAP development, including the establishment of regional steering committees, community reference groups and integration of cultural knowledge from First Nations stakeholders.By preparing DAPs, communities will have a clear pipeline of projects that reduce risk.For more information and to get a copy of the DAP Guidelines, go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-reconstruction-authority/our-work/disaster-adaptation-plans/guidelines.Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “Hundreds of thousands of residents live in high-risk areas across our state. This is why we are undertaking this vital work in developing regional DAPs, so communities are better prepared to respond to and recover from disasters. “We’re shifting the dial on how we prepare for and deal with disasters by working together with local government and community to identify a pathway for adaptation actions and resilience across the state.“We are empowering communities and organisations to adapt for future disasters and recover from them faster.”NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said, “The NSW Reconstruction Authority is the first organisation of its kind in NSW with the dual responsibility of both proactively reducing the impact of future disasters before they happen and responding when they do.“Years of unprecedented disasters have highlighted the need for NSW to meet the challenges of the future by working to reduce both the actual and social costs of natural hazards to our communities, which is why the NSW Government is investing in reducing risks before disaster occur to empower and better protect communities.“The increasing risk of natural hazards puts mounting pressure on our emergency services staff and volunteers, who are on the line keeping communities safe. These DAPs will help to manage that risk by reducing the impact of disasters before they occur.”

Police are conducting a land search for a man missing around the Stony Chute area. Mark Angus, aged 67, was last seen in Nimbin about 4pm on Friday (8 August 2025).When he could not be contacted or located, officers from Richmond Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.Following inquiries on Saturday (9 August 2025) about 8am his vehicle – a 1994 white Toyota Hiace van – was located abandoned on Stander Road, Stony Chute, approximately 10km west of Nimbin.Local police with the assistance of the State Emergency Services are undertaking a search of bushland at the location.Mark is described as Caucasian appearance, thin build, 160cm tall with grey hair and beard.He was last seen wearing a long dark green jacket, blue jeans and black shoes.Anyone with information into Marks whereabouts is urged to contact Nimbin Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

17-year-old Lismore local Milaya Mackenzie says she didn't like school and was constantly finding reasons to escape going. She felt she didn’t fit in, she experienced bullying, and was having troubles at home.  “I found it difficult to attend classes, I always went to the sick bay,” said Milaya. “I always tried to get out of going to school …because I was getting bullied. And I just didn’t feel like I was in the right group in school,” Milaya said.  Recent research indicates significant growth in distress among children and young people from bullying, both in person and online. Data from the office of the eSafety Commissioner reveals national school-age cyberbullying complaints have surged by 456 per cent in the past five years — from 536 to 2,978. In 2024, nearly half of reports involved children under the age of 13. It was Milaya’s mum who discovered Social Futures’ Getting it Together program and encouraged Milaya to give it a go."We booked in for one session, and I felt an instant connection to the program worker. It just felt like the right place to be," said Milaya.  “I think a lot of this generation don’t express when they’re stuck. I think they mask it.” (Milaya with Social Futures Program Worker, Tiana-Lee Coutts. Photo: supplied)Milaya said she learnt tools and techniques to help her manage anxiety, deal with stress, and find perspective and a sense of self-belonging. “After I went to Social Futures, I found that I didn’t need to fit into a category. You are your own category. You create that yourself.” Melissa Gordon is the General Manager for Child Youth and Family Programs at Social Futures and acknowledges there is an increase in the number of young people reporting concerns with bullying. “The impact of bullying on young people can be devastating; many people carry trauma from school bullying right through their lives. It’s incredibly important to take it seriously and ensure children and young people who are impacted can access support.”  "Seeking support is one of the most valuable steps young people can take. Never dismiss your struggles as insignificant—your feelings matter, and there’s help available for you." Bullying No Way is a national week of action from 11-15 August. Melissa says it is the perfect time to talk openly about bullying, to encourage schools and whole communities to address bullying behaviour.  “Everyone has the right to feel safe and to feel they belong. It really is up to all of us to call out bullying when we see or hear it,” Melissa said.  Now in her final year of high school, Milaya is kicking goals and supporting others to do the same. “Now I am House Captain, and I am telling people to come to our sporting events, and to come to school and make school fun.” “I want to help people enjoy school and get through hard times,” Milaya said. Getting it Together is proudly funded by the NSW Government. Every young person has the power to shape their future. Social Futures has a range of programs to support children and young people to harness their strengths and overcome challenges.  Call Social Futures today on 1800 719 625 or email info@socialfutures.org.au  Children and young people can also access free support services through headspace in Lismore, Tweed Heads or Ballina by calling (02) 6625 0200 or for 24/7 phone support call Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.  

Disappointment, unanimous support and controversy are how you could sum up yesterday's August Lismore City Council meeting.The disappointment belongs to the owners of DA23/301 in Booyong Road, Clunes, when a review of council's February refusal was again denied.The existing 2,466m2 2-lot subdivision, where 2500m2 is the minimum lot size under the Lismore Local Environment Plan 2012, was to be divided into two lots 1086m2 and 1380m2.After councillors voted against the DA subdivision in February, it was next defeated as a rescission motion, and now the owners have asked for a review of the determination.As part of the review, council engaged a consultant to carry out an independent assessment. The consultants' reports supported the council staff's recommendation to refuse the DA.The review was defeated 8/2, with councillors (Cr) Waters and Knight-Smith voting for the subdivision. Cr Adam Guise was an apology for the council meeting.Council staff were criticised during the DA process by the owner, a point also raised by some councillors, that staff can improve their communication and provide a better experience for the applicant. This was disputed by the General Manager, Eber Butron, who said continuous improvement applied to the planning staff."The most disappointing thing I've actually heard is the imputation that staff have actually done something wrong, and in no way can I listen to that advice. It's based on a person that hasn't got an outcome that they were hoping to achieve."The Clunes Master Plan will go out for community feedback for 28 days following a unanimous councillor vote.The Clunes Master Plan was identified as a strategic planning initiative under the Growth and Realignment Strategy (2022) and was included as a key action in Council’s previous Delivery Program and Operational Plan.There have been two community engagement sessions, and based on that feedback, seven themes evolved:A Vibrant Village and Community – Strengthening social connection and community identityFuture-Focused and Resilient Infrastructure – Planning infrastructure to support long-term needsWalkability, Connectivity and Safety – Enhancing pedestrian access and transport linksLiveability and Amenity – Improving public spaces, services, and facilitiesSustainability and Nature-Focused – Protecting biodiversity and the natural environmentHousing Diversity – Supporting a range of housing options to meet changing needsCountry-Centred Approach – Embedding respect for place, landscape, and cultural valuesTo deliver the themes, the Clunes Master Plan will move through five key moves:Improve the safety and amenity of the village– Improve road safety, pedestrian infrastructure, and open spaceDeliver more diverse and affordable housing in Clunes– Provide a range of housing types for different life stages and household needsNew Connector Road – Establish a new road link to support growth and reduce traffic impactsSewer Framework – Deliver staged wastewater infrastructure to enable sustainable developmentSupport Community-Led Initiatives – Foster resilience and sustainability through local leadershipMayor Krieg said, "I believe our villages are our future, and we've come from a time of stagnation, of sometimes, some would say negative growth, and where Lismore LGA prosper and thrive as an LGA? It's in our villages."Mayor Krieg's hopes were that other villages would be involved in creating a Master Plan in the future.The next unanimous councillor vote was the mayor's Walk of Honour motion.Lismore City Council has been successful in securing approximately $2.3 million to upgrade the footpath through the sports precinct, linking the CBD to Lismore Square and create a Walk of Honour to recognise the people who played a significant part in Lismore's past. Dr Chris Ingall and Margaret Olley were two names mentioned by the mayor.The next steps are to form a committee of interested councillors, with the mayor as chair and hold a workshop to develop the terms of reference and eligibility guidelines. They will be brought back to council for adoption. The community will be asked for their recommendations as part of the process.In other motions, Cr Dalton/Earls wanted to investigate log-based riverbank restoration similar to the program recently implemented by Tweed Shire Council by preparing a report.The report would identify sites along the Wilsons River, Leycester Creek, and other flood-affected waterways across the Lismore LGA to reduce erosion and sediment movement.It was noted that the Tweed Shire Council placed over 1,700 hardwood logs into river channels, resulting in more than 3,800 tonnes of sediment capture and notable riverbank stabilisation benefits within a year.The motion said that investigating similar approaches in Lismore could offer practical and cost-effective outcomes, complementing existing flood recovery works. Funding was to be sourced externally.Some councillors wanted a briefing to learn more about the Tweed experience, but in the end, the motion was defeated 5/5, with the mayor using his casting vote.Rural residents in the Lismore LGA will go away happy from yesterday's council meeting after Cr Hall's motion to pause the NSW EPA FOGO mandate until it becomes law in 2030, giving them a 5-year reprieve from paying $89 for a green bin that is superfluous on rural properties.It was argued that rural property owners recycle their organic waste as a matter of course.The vote was passed 8/1 with Mayor Krieg out of the room.The next Lismore City Council meeting will be on Tuesday, September 9 at 10am.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has welcomed Health Minister Ryan Park’s announcement that Lismore Base Hospital has joined the NSW Government’s 12-month trial of body-worn cameras.Ms Saffin said the trial, now equipping security staff with body-worn cameras at 15 participating hospitals statewide, aims to improve safety for Lismore Base’s staff, patients and visitors.“Our message is that any instances of aggression towards our frontline health workers will not be tolerated, and appropriate action will be taken against individuals who behave in such a manner,” Ms Saffin said.“Like Minister Park, I look forward to the results of this trial, which will provide insight into how we can reduce instances of violence and aggression in our public hospitals.“Lismore Base Hospital is the designated regional trauma centre for Northern NSW and one of the busiest hospitals in our Local Health District. I’m pleased that it is among the first few hospitals in the state to participate in the body-worn camera trial.“This trial will be an important tool in helping us to improve safety measures for patients, staff and visitors to our health facilities here in Northern NSW.”  Body-worn cameras as a deterrent are one strategy intended to keep everyone safe in NSW public hospitals. NSW Health facilities also have other key strategies in place to ensure the safest possible environment for staff, patients and visitors. These include:Ongoing risk assessments to identify and manage emerging security risks.Safety huddles to share information on patient-related safety risks with incoming workers.Patient management plans that set out specific arrangements to keep both the patient and healthcare workers safe when providing care.Multi-disciplinary Code Black (duress) response teams. This includes the use of NSW Health security staff/Health and Security Assistants to assist clinical staff with the management of incidents.Workplaces designed to enhance line of sight for staff and reduce entrapment, including dual egress at staff stations and in treatment rooms.Lockdown arrangements, including secure entry points between public and clinical areas and secure perimeters for facilities, particularly after hours.Personal mobile and fixed duress alarms for staff to ensure they can summon assistance when necessary.Closed-circuit television (CCTV) and effective lighting to ensure visibility.Procedures to enhance car park security, including regular security patrols.This trial is part of the ongoing implementation of recommendations from the Anderson Review of Hospital Security and follows implementation of other recommendations by the NSW Government to improve hospital security.These include the establishment of the Safety and Security Improvement Unit within the Ministry of Health, the standardising of code black procedures, and enhanced support for patient experience officers.

It was a full house on Saturday night at the Lismore Turf Club when 320 people celebrated excellence, innovation and resilience at the 2025 Business Lismore Awards.PJs Fruit and Veg took home the top gong by being named Business of the Year, as the large crowd was entertained by the Master of Ceremonies, Steven Bradbury OAM. For readers who do not recognise the name, Stephen Bradbury famously won Olympic gold for the 1000m short-track speed skating at the 2002 Salt Lake City games.Brendan and Natasha Garred said on their Facebook page, "We were shocked - still are. We really did not think we could win. But we did."Running a small business over the last few years has been a huge journey & a lot of hard work. To be recognised for what we've done & where we've come from is really appreciated."A huge shout out to our staff, you are all legends. We're only a small team, but we're mighty."Business Lismore Secretary, Felicity Hyde, said, “We are so proud to host the 2025 business awards once again. We are so proud of the business community in Lismore. We had over 120 finalists and over 320 attendees tonight. It is so positive to have so many businesses supporting each other".“It was a positive night that showed increasing confidence in Lismore.”Mrs Hyde said the award night celebrated excellence in business but also gave business owners the chance to network and boosted the local economy.“A lot of people stayed in town, bought outfits, and had lunch and breakfast. It was a successful night."Business Lismore President Michael Ackrell said, "The achievements of so many local businesses tonight shows what a great place Lismore is to do business. We also thank our Partners who have supported the event in the lead-up and on the night, especially our Platinum Partners Lismore Toyota, Beach and Bush Distributors and Lismore City Council."(Photo Paul Tuthill Photography)The full list of Award recipients is:Excellence in Health, Care & Wellness IndustriesWinner: Rainbow RoosHighly Commended: Northern Rivers Hemp Employer of Choice – 20 Employees and Under DUAL WINNERSWinner: Joel Jensen Constructions Winner: Terania ConsultingEmployer of Choice –21 Employees and OverWinner: Social FuturesHighly Commended: Summerland Bank Excellence in Agriculture & Primary IndustriesWinner: Mountain BlueOutstanding Visitor ExperienceWinner: 187 CantinaHighly Commended: The Levee Lounge and BarExcellence in InnovationWinner: Boost My Business 247Outstanding Young Business LeaderWinner: Corbyn MichaelJohnston - Beyond Barriers SupportHighly commended: Joel Jensen - Joel Jensen ConstructionsOutstanding EmployeeWinner: Cameron Webster - The Levee Lounge and Bar Highly Commended: Carrie Smith - Newton Denny ChapelleHighly Commended: Elyse Dallinger - ItchyfootExcellence in Trade, Construction & Manufacturing Winner: Joel Jensen ConstructionsHighly Commended: O'Brien Electrical and Plumbing Lismore Excellence in Diversity and InclusionWinner: Indigo Rose Disability Support Services Highly Commended: Women Up NorthExcellence in Micro Business (DUAL WINNER) Winner: Evolve HealthcareWinner: Halray Brake ReconditioningHighly Commended: Mel's Melting Moments Gift Shop Outstanding New Business Winner: Beyond Barriers Support Highly Commended: Silt StudioExcellence in Small Business Winner: Joel Jensen Constructions Winner: PJs Fruit and VegWinner: Terania ConsultingExcellence in Business & Professional ServicesWinner: South Lismore Post OfficeExcellence in Creative Industries (DUAL WINNER)Winner: Silt StudioWinner: The Levee Lounge and BarExcellence in Retail and Personal Services Winner: PJs Fruit & VegHighly Commended: SouthLismore Post OfficeExcellence in SustainabilityWinner: Summerland BankOutstanding Community OrganisationWinner: Our HouseHighly Commended: Northern Rivers Community FoundationExcellence in Large BusinessWinner: Newton Denny ChapelleOutstanding Trainee/Apprentice of the YearWinner: Daniel Winkler-Maloney - Newton Denny Chapelle Outstanding Business Leader – 20 Employees and Under Winner: Tracy Anne Ward - South Lismore Post Office Highly Commended: Natasha Garred - PJs Fruit & VegHighly Commended: Brendon Garred - PJs Fruit & VegHighly Commended: Jarryd Wilson - JMW FinanceOutstanding Business Leader – 21 Employees and Over Winner: Damian Chapelle - Newton Denny ChapelleBusiness of the YearPJ Fruit & Veg

With 12 months to go until the 2026 Census, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is hiring people to fill critically important jobs in locations across the country.The first jobs available are Census Engagement Managers, who will be leading outreach activities to support high rates of Census participation within their communities. Census General Manager, Jenny Telford, said the Census temporary workforce plays a critical role in ensuring people in Australia can participate in the upcoming Census.“By being a part of the Census team, people have an opportunity to ensure their community is accurately reflected in the 2026 data,” Ms Telford said.“We’re seeking people who reflect the diversity of their communities, including those who speak multiple languages or have strong local connections.”In the coming months additional jobs will be advertised. These jobs will be important in connecting with and supporting remote and regional communities, including engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Applications for Census Engagement Managers are open now. To apply or to join the 2026 Census Talent Community to stay up to date with job opportunities, visit www.census.abs.gov.au/jobs The 2026 Census will be held in August next year. It is Australia’s 19th Census. The Census is the largest data collection undertaking in Australia and provides some of the country’s most valuable statistics. Community groups, not-for-profit organisations, businesses and all levels of government use Census data to make important decisions.What skills do Census Engagement Managers need?We’re looking for people who: have strong engagement skills and experiencehave experience working with diverse communitieshave strong connections to their community.For specific roles, the ability to speak a language/s other than English may be required. Where are these jobs available?There are positions available in all major cities and regional areas nationwide. What is the hourly rate for Census Engagement Managers?The hourly rate for Census Engagement Managers is $61.50 (inclusive of 25 per cent loading), plus superannuation.How do people apply?For more information or to apply now, visit www.census.abs.gov.au/jobsWhat is the Census?The Census is the most comprehensive picture of Australia’s population and housing. Census data tells us about the economic, social and cultural make-up of the nation.How is the data used?Census data informs important decisions about transport, schools, health care, infrastructure and business. It also helps plan local services for individuals, families and communities. For example, knowing the number of people living in regional and remote areas informs where doctors are needed, and understanding local births and languages spoken at home links Australians to the community services they need.

The Lismore CBD continues to show signs of renewal and economic resilience, with an 81% occupancy rate recorded across audited business premises as of June 2025, representing a 3 percentage point uplift in activity from December 2024.Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said this was the first time since the 2022 floods that the 80% occupancy barrier had been reached.Council’s twice-yearly CBD Audit monitors the occupation rate of shopfronts and upper-level premises across the Lismore CBD to measure business growth and community confidence. Mayor Krieg said the data helps track business and organisational trends within ‘the block’."It is a sign that Lismore is on the up, that Lismore is growing, the economy is strengthening, and Lismore City Council itself is doing a lot of work around the beautification, the maintenance and the cleanliness. You'll notice a lot more protective fencing going up. The pavements are all getting redone. The line marking is happening. The bins are getting emptied regularly. It's little things like that which really attract our retailers to come to Lismore."And we're encouraging anyone and everyone that the Lismore CBD, and Lismore as a whole, is well and truly open for business. If you're thinking about branching out and opening a retail store, we'd love to talk to you about it. "We've got some really good success stories in Lismore, and one of our award winners from our Business Awards on Saturday night, Silt Studio, over in North Lismore, couldn't speak more highly of the support and the assistance that Lismore City Council has provided, and that's open to everyone and anyone that wants to look at setting up in in Lismore. Reach out to the council. We're here to help."Despite some variation, occupancy rates remain on an upward trend compared to previous post-disaster audit figures.The Lismore CBD Audit covers central portions of Keen, Molesworth, Woodlark, Conway, Magellan and Carrington Streets. Below are the street-by-street occupation rates as of June 2025, compared with December 2024.Keen Street occupancy rate – 88% (up 3% since December 2024)Magellan Street occupancy rate – 82% (up 7% since December 2024)Conway Street occupancy rate – 67% (no change since December 2024)Carrington Street occupancy rate – 82% (up 4% since December 2024)Molesworth Street occupancy rate – 83% (down 3% since December 2024)Woodlark Street occupancy rate – 70% (up 10% since December 2024)This is the sixth Lismore CBD Audit following the 2022 natural disaster. The same area of the Lismore CBD has been audited by Council staff each year since 2017.It’s important to note that fluctuations in total premises due to amalgamations or subdivisions can affect the baseline data used in each audit.Lismore businesses have been doing it tough over the last 12 months; however, Mayor Krieg believes it is a good time to look at retial opportunities and for shoopers to support local businesses."It's not an easy time for anyone with interest rates climbing over the last three years. We're finally seeing that trend turn around with the Big Four announcing that they're going to reduce their interest rates. Any opportunity for people to have a little bit of extra money in their pocket will generally see them come out and spend it in their community. "One thing that we really are trying to encourage is the trend of online shopping and buying from these big multinationals is something that we're trying to turn around. And if Lismore and the Northern Rivers want to see their retail sector and their hospitality sector growing and thriving, then we need to focus on that, and we need to spend locally. We need to put our resources into our local businesses. "I often use the fact that collectively, small businesses are Australia's biggest single employer, but because we're all small businesses. We don't have that one unified and loud voice like the mining sector or the big corporate sector like the Woolies and Coles and the like. We employ mums, dads and kids in our local retail and hospitality shops right here in the CBD, in Goonellabah, and in South and North Lismore. It's important that we put our money behind that if, if we want to buy our fruit and vegetables, we we go to Lismore Business of the Year, PJs Fruit and Veg, or the Smash Avo or Farmer Charlie's, three really top quality businesses, all locally owned by small families, but really important families who also sponsor our local sporting clubs and get behind our cultural scene as well. "It is really important to shop local, and give these prospective new businesses the confidence to invest."

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has congratulated Social Futures Limited on being one of the 22 Community Housing providers securing joint NSW-Australian Government funding to make energy upgrades to social housing homes by 31 December 2026.Ms Saffin welcomed confirmation that a Community Housing Energy Performance Grant of $127,303 would go towards 60 energy upgrades across eight community housing properties in the Lismore City Local Government Area.The federal and state governments are partnering with 22 Community Housing providers, including Social Futures, to upgrade thousands of social housing homes to make them cheaper to run, more comfortable to live in, and better for the environment.These upgrades will deliver lasting cost-of-living relief while making renewable and smart energy features more accessible.More than 2,300 homes will be upgraded with nearly $18 million in joint funding from the Australian and NSW Governments, as well as Community Housing Providers.The upgrades will include a range of potential measures:rooftop solar panels and shared solar systemsreverse cycle air conditioningenergy-efficient hot water systemsceiling insulation, window shading and draught proofingLED lighting and ceiling fans.Australia has some of the coldest and least energy-efficient homes in the developed world. People in social housing often feel this the most. These upgrades will help keep homes warmer in winter, cooler in summer and make them cheaper to run.All works are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.This funding is part of a $175 million program jointly delivered by the Australian and NSW Governments to upgrade around 24,000 social housing homes by mid-2027. In its first year, more than 2,000 homes have already received upgrades.This is on top of the NSW Government's record investment in housing through the $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program.This is practical cost-of-living relief. It will help vulnerable households save on energy bills while cutting emissions across the state.For more information, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/community-housing-energy-performance-grantFederal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said, “Upgrading solar and energy efficiency in social housing is all about lasting cost-of-living relief that makes houses cheaper to run and more comfortable to live in, as well as cutting emissions.“Cooler homes in the hot months and warmer homes in winter lock in lasting bill relief and protection from international energy price spikes.”Federal Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson, said, “These renewable and smart energy upgrades will bring welcome energy bill relief for community housing residents, improve the liveability of their homes, and enable broader participation in the emissions reduction task as our country accelerates the clean energy transition.”NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe, said, “Thousands of community housing residents will benefit from lower bills, more comfortable homes and a reduced carbon footprint thanks to these upgrades.“Partnering with the Albanese Government means renewable energy and smart features are accessible to everyone in NSW.”NSW Minister for Housing, Rose Jackson, said, “This is direct action to help people who need it most. We are upgrading homes so they cost less to run, are more comfortable to live in, and help tackle climate change.“People in social housing deserve homes that are safe, liveable and energy-efficient. These upgrades are about cutting bills, cutting emissions, and delivering a better quality of life.”

For those who use the Bruxner Highway at South Lismore after 6pm, there will be changed overnight traffic conditions from next week between South Lismore and Loftville for investigation work and drainage upgrades.Site investigation work will start on Monday, 11 August and be carried out for four nights from 6pm to 6am, and is expected to be completed by Friday, 15 August, weather permitting.Drainage upgrades and repair work will begin on Monday, 18 August and be carried out on weeknights from 6pm to 6am, and is expected to be completed by Friday, 5 September, weather permitting.During the four nights of investigation work, single-lane alternating traffic flow arrangements and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place for the safety of workers and road users. During the three weeks of overnight culvert repair work, traffic will be detoured via Krauss Avenue. Access to businesses and properties in the work area will be maintained.Motorists are advised to allow up to five minutes’ extra travel time, drive to traffic conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.For more information on this work, visit https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/243798, download the Live Traffic NSW App or call 132 701. To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘South Lismore’ in your Live Traffic app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’.

The Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative (NRRI) Community Forums, run by the CSIRO and NEMA, finished up on Friday at Kyogle. That gave CSIRO lead scientist Jai Vaze and his team forty hours of collected data to take back to Canberra and collate before returning to Lismore and the Northern Rivers to present two or three flood modelling options.As you would expect, the area hit hardest by the 2022 big flood had the most people turn up. Lismore had a queue of about 30 people before the doors opened at 10am last Monday at the Workers Club. At the end of the day, around 250 people spoke with representatives and then completed a form, which was handed in to the staff. Other approximate numbers were Casino 40, Ballina 125, Woodburn 100 and Kyogle 40.Round two of the community consultation process started with suggestions from the first round of consultation, in which 36 flood resilient measures were funded out of the $150 million NRRI, like the Browns Creek pump upgrades, clearing drains and upgrading Fishery Creek and Canal Bridge in Ballina to four lanes.From those meetings, several other suggestions were made that would require substantial funding that was well above the $150 million budget and needed to be tested using a proper flood model."So, we put 15 of those on a sheet. As we have explained, these are not CSIRO suggestions; they are not NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency) suggestions; these were what came from the community and the councils. We brought these as a starting point.""If people think any of these are good, you give them number one. If you think a bundle of them, like one, plus three, plus seven, plus nine, plus 11, is a better option, you put that as a bundle, as your suggestion. There was a box below where you could put your suggestions. There was another space if people had a separate suggestion. They could write whatever they wanted.There was concern that the community process could be influenced by various groups to further their own interests, such as taking a blank sheet from the room in the Workers Club and photocopying it, then submitting a bundle of completed forms. Jai explained that the number of people who turned up for the community consultations would equal the number of forms handed in."If sheets came later, then we cannot take them because they were not taken by us," Jai said.There is also the opportunity for the community to give their thoughts online until August 15 2025.When you click on the dropdown box, the 15 options appear.The only difference is that you don't get to talk to a CSIRO team member.You will notice there are no nature-based suggestions on the CSIRO sheet. Jai explained that this was deliberate."Some people are asking for nature-based solutions, but there are no nature-based solutions there because the two that were given to us before have already been funded through the $150 million NRRI project."As we have said right from the beginning, everything is on the table, whatever the community says, we will do if it makes sense to do for large floods, because the main terms of reference we have is to look for flood mitigation scenarios for large floods. For example, for Lismore 2017 and 2022."I, as a flood modeller, and my other modelling experts, will look at it, and they'll say, Oh, nice suggestion, but it can't do anything for flood mitigation at this scale."We have built the model, we have run it for the historical events, and we have done enough work to know what will be effective. And there are also published papers that say which type of solution normally works up to what extremity of the flood."So, some solutions work very nicely for small floods, but once it becomes extreme, they have a negligible effect. If we reduce the level in '22 from 14.37 to 14.35, it doesn't make any difference.Jai and his team also met with six councils for a two-hour session each, and will meet with the Clarence Council on August 19.WHAT IS THE PUBLIC OVERVIEW?"People are quite positive. The main thing is somehow to reduce the impact of large floods. That's the bottom line."WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS IN THE NRRI FLOOD MODELLING PROCESS?Jai's team enter the suggestions into a spreadsheet. From there, they can see how many people like each of the 15 options, plus how many people are suggesting bundles and what ranking each option has within each bundle.One complexity in the potential flood modelling scenarios is selecting the largest floods for each town in the Richmond River catchment. These are called climates. For example, 2008 was an extreme flood for Kyogle and Casino but not for Lismore. Lismore was affected more in 2017 and 2022.This may leave Jai running three different flood modelling options, all of which take time to build, let alone run."If we use 2008, 2017 and 2022, it's already three climates. And then if we have two bundles, and I don't know how many, one or two, but it won't be more than that. That is already six iterations we have to model."Of course, what scenarios Jai models depends on what the community response is."So, if, say, the majority say, just do 2022, that's fine. We can even have four bundles, because we have always promised between two and five scenarios. So, the other option for the community is what climate do you want?"Jai said that any number of scenarios can be run on the CSIRO high-performance computer. The reason for modelling two to five scenarios is due to NEMA's contract with the CSIRO, which ends on June 30, 2026.Once the scenarios have been approved, Jai and his team get to work implementing them into the model mesh for each scenario. He also pointed out that the floods from 2008, 2017 and 2022 will have a slight difference in the modelling due to the construction of the M1."If people say 2008, 2017 and 2022, we are making those same changes for a scenario into all three measures. Each of those changes takes about two months. We'll have to do it in parallel, because by then Christmas comes, everyone goes on holiday. January, when we come back, it has to start running, because then it takes two to three months to run."After that, we look at the results, interpret them, write the report, and then the comparisons and the recommendation, by 30 June (2026).The intellectual property is shared by NEMA and the CSIRO, so it can be used by anyone in the future. However, Jai advised that those people should have the necessary skills, capacity and computing power to do so.Jai Vaze will return to Lismore and the Northern Rivers in August; however, the next important date is mid-September when he presents the scenarios that will be modelled to councils and the community. Then it is a matter of waiting until Australia's most advanced flood model of the Richmond River catchment does its job.

Lismore’s place as a breeding ground for Australian sporting champions has been celebrated once again, with Lismore City Council naming the third and final grandstand at Oakes Oval in honour of one of the city’s most respected sporting sons, Craig Foster AM.The Craig Foster Grandstand features as part of the Lismore Regional Sports Precinct $12.4 million stadium redevelopment and stands as a tribute to Foster’s outstanding contribution to football and his ongoing legacy as a respected civic and sporting leader.The official naming took place at Oakes Oval just before kick-off in the pre-season A-League clash between the Newcastle Jets and Brisbane Roar, played in front of a packed crowd.A former Socceroo and national team captain, Foster’s football journey began in Lismore, where he grew up and attended Kadina High School.Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said Foster’s name is synonymous with excellence, integrity and leadership.“To have Craig Foster’s name, a local former Socceroos captain, on this grandstand is a proud moment for our city,” Mayor Krieg said.“He is a homegrown talent who didn’t just represent Australia on the world stage; he became a national leader in sport. Craig has never forgotten his roots, and Lismore is proud to honour him in this way.”Throughout his career, Craig Foster earned 29 caps for the Socceroos, represented Australia in World Cup qualifiers, Confederations Cup tournaments and OFC Nations Cup victories.Foster’s international playing career included stints with clubs across Australia, Hong Kong and England, before retiring in 2003. He later became one of the country’s most recognisable football voices through his 18 years as chief analyst with SBS, covering multiple FIFA World Cups and shaping national conversations about the game.Craig Foster said the honour was deeply meaningful.“I feel incredibly honoured and privileged to have this grandstand named after me in my hometown. Thank you to Lismore City Council and the entire Lismore community for this generous recognition,” he said.“Football has given me so much throughout my life, and it all started right here. This region, this community, shaped who I am. Sport has the power to bring people together, and I hope this facility continues to do just that for generations to come.”The Craig Foster Grandstand joins the Adam Gilchrist Pavilion and the Lyn Larson Grandstand as key facilities at the upgraded Sports Precinct, helping attract major sporting events to Lismore and supporting local clubs and community use.On the sporting side, a crowd in excess of 3,000 watched the pre-season A-League clash, which the Brisbane Roar won 3-1.(Photos Steve Mackney)

The events of Wednesday, when illegal squatters were moved out of ten NSWRA-owned buyback houses, including Pine Street in North Lismore, led most people to believe the three-year battle was over.It would appear not.The Lismore App received an anonymous email on Thursday."I wanted to let you know squatters have now moved into houses at the end of Barrie St, right in the park."This is a huge kick in the face for people still waiting on buybacks. More funding will now be needed from the RA program to take these people to court, too, based on what happened at Pine Street. This horrible game of whack a mole continues with the poor flood victims of Lismore paying the price."A quick drive by Barrie Street, East Lismore, confirmed signs of life in one of the houses and a dog in the yard.A NSWRA spokesperson said, "RHP (Resilient Homes Program) continue to work with NSW Police to move on illegal occupants wherever they are identified."We encourage community members to call Triple Zero if they identify illegal occupants and are concerned for their safety, or email, if there is no immediate risk to safety, rhp.enquiry@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au. The Lismore App understands that the RHP has asked its security patrols to investigate a number of properties, including Barrie Street, to confirm illegal occupancy prior to seeking Police assistance.Once security confirms illegal occupancy, RHP requests police assistance. This has been the case for multiple properties over recent days to move illegal occupants on.