"It's a start", this was the most used three words from pubs that have opened their doors following their eleventh hour inclusion with cafés and restaurants being allowed to open their doors on Friday.The two pubs that are open for table meals are Mary G's and the Goonellabah Tavern.Closed is The Gollan, the Station Hotel, The Channon Tavern and Nimbin Hotel. Glenn Tomkinson from The Gollan did say that he would re-open "probably in the next week" after hiring a new chef and saying that debunked the rumours that the Gollan will not re-open its doors. "It just hasn't been worth it", Glenn said, "with all the restrictions, the wages will kill you".Cath Simes at Mary G's is taking bookings only (6622 2924) while they are in Step 1 which means no more than 10 seated people inside the pub at a time. There is tray service for drinks from the bar while you enjoy your meal.Mary G's is currently doing renovations to expand their dining area adding another 40-50 people upstairs that will also be used for functions. The renovations should be completed by the end of next week.Mick Drew at the Goonellabah Tavern is taking bookings only for an hours sitting with pre-ordered meals to make the most of your time with tray service for drinks (6625 1290).Mick's prediction for pubs to open for live music is 2021. "This is only a prediction but I just can't see it happening before the end of the year. Live music attracts crowds of more than 100 people and if it is restricted with social distancing it won't be worth running a band", he said.The Station Hotel has not re-opened it's doors for seated meals, it remains takeaway pizza's only at this stage.Manager Kim Barnes is hoping for New Zealand type regulations where pubs can have up to 100 diners in their venues now. In NSW, that is Step 3 with Step 2 next, increasing the number of diners to 20 following a successful Step 1.Having our local pubs fully re-opened still looks a long way off. This is one industry that is going to struggle for most of 2020. As the hospitality industry hires a lot of casual workers some are on JobKeeper and those that were not eligible have had to go on JobSeeker unless they had another main source of income.Not only do we need to support cafes and restaurants but throw pubs into the pot of dining out money that you use to support local business.

With the easing of some restrictions to Step 1 yesterday, people having been asking questions as to what they can and can't do.Here are some frequently asked questions and answers from NSW Health including how many people at your house, both indoors and outdoors and playgrounds;With restrictions easing from tomorrow, it’s important to continue to stay 1.5m away from others and wash your hands regularly. If you feel unwell, please get tested and stay home until you get your results. In order to stay on top of the virus, we can’t let down our guard.Q. Do the 5 visitors include children?A. Yes, it is 5 visitors in total including children.Q. Can I have 10 people visit my home if we are outdoors?A. No. An outdoor gathering means a gathering in a park or public place. In your home you can only have up to 5 visitors.Q. Can I train outdoors with up to 10 people?A. Yes. Remember to maintain physical distancing.Q. Can I have a picnic?A. Yes, so long as it is with up to 10 people total.Q. What are the rules for cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs?A. They can have up to 10 patrons seated at any one time and can continue to provide take away. They must also continue to apply the 4sqm rules and patrons must exercise 1.5m in social distancing.Q. What are the rules about using outdoor equipment?A. You can use outdoor exercise and playground equipment, but do so with caution. Wash your hands before and after you use this equipment. Assume the person who has used the equipment before you has the virus.Q. What are the restrictions on outdoor pools?A. Outdoor pools can operate but can have no more than 10 people at a time and no more than one person per lane. Change areas will also remain closed.Q. Will there be police enforcement/penalties for people who do not follow the rules?A. Yes. It is extremely important that we all stay vigilant and maintain the rules around physical distancing. We cannot afford to be complacent. NSW Police will continue to work with the community to help maintain the gains we have made together.Q. Is local and regional travel allowed for holidays and recreation in NSW?A. No. NSW is not yet ready to allow regional travel and holidays.Q. When will the next round of restrictions be eased?A. This decision will always be based on data and the best available health advice. NSW will monitor the impacts of the latest round of eased restrictions.

This weekend is the first in a long time that we can get out of the house and have a breakfast in a cafe or restaurant.The Lismore App has been asking you to support local businesses through our Takeaway/Delivery button since the restrictions began and we encourage you to continue to do this by either physically visiting your favourite place or through this button (Takeaway/Home Delivery).With two more confirmed cases of coronavirus yesterday in our health district, one of those in Ballina, we do need to keep practicing social distancing and hand washing. While we long for normality taking a step backwards is going to be more frustrating for everyone.The Lismore Markets is on from 8am tomorrow with the return of Live Music for the first time in seven weeks, more signs of normality. Breakfast is still a no go but you can grab a coffee or tea.As well as the fresh farm produce you can buy seedlings to grow your own vegies for winter as well as buy a lantern from Jyllie Jackson and her team for the 'Virtual Lantern Parade' in June.Blue Knob have their community markets from 8:30am tomorrow with the only difference being the cafe is doing takeaway drinks as well as meals.The last time I talked about petrol, one station had prices at 101.9 and I wrote about the possibility of buying a litre of unleaded for under $1. Alas, that was a dream wasn't it, cheapest in Lismore is now 109.9 and still at the United petrol station on Ballina Road. Most others are about the 114.9 mark. While disappointing that we never had our period below the dollar mark it is worth noting that other stations in the Northern Rivers are around the 102.9 mark in Casino and even Newrybar is now 105.9.On to some jokes to have a laugh to start the weekend. They are getting harder to find so if you see something people will get a laugh at please send them through (simon@lismoreapp.com.au).Have a great weekend.

“It’s far from over, don’t be complacent”. As social restrictions ease across the local area and more cafes and restaurants open for dining, Northern NSW Local Health District chief executive Wayne Jones says “complacency can be as deadly as the disease”.With two new coronavirus cases confirmed in the local district yesterday, today’s message from Mr Jones and the Richmond District Police is "it's not over".“We’ve had two new coronavirus cases,” Mr Jones said. “One from overseas, and one is being investigated – we can’t rule out it’s not community acquired.”Mr Jones reiterated the need for people to maintain social distancing guidelines and good hygiene practices.“You can now go out in groups of ten,” he said. “You can exercise, but maintain social distancing.“Numbers of cases will increase - with businesses open, we are seeing people come back into town again, so we need to keep on top of this.”Mr Jones said he and his family have downloaded the Covid-safe app and he encourages everyone else to do so too.“It’s important that the Public Health Unit can use it to respond and identify contacts of people with the virus, as numbers of cases grow,” he said.Mr Jones said our local health district had the highest numbers of testing for Covid-19 in regional NSW, and that in our area, we had seen an “unprecedented” uptake of the flu shot this year.Cases not listed as recoveredMr Jones said out of the 57 cases of coronavirus in our local area, 51 had recovered, two cases were new, and the other four cases had “not met the criteria to be classified as recovered”.“They may still have some respiratory symptoms and they could be covid related or not,” he said.“We don’t deem them recovered until they are free of symptoms for 72 hours. Until then, they will still be classified as active patients, recovering at home.“Over 98% of cases in NSW do not need hospital care. They are mostly recovering at home – only a few were in critical conditions”.Personal Infringement NoticesRichmond Police District Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Cameron Lindsay said yesterday in Lismore two people were handed Personal Infringement Notice (PIN) fines of $1000 each.“The PINs were for breaching social distancing and non-essential travel rules,” he said.“They were given to people who had come to Lismore from out of town.”Chief Inspector Lindsay said if any businesses were to breach social restrictions, they would be handed a $5000 fine.“But we are trying to work with the business community to help get the economy going again,” he said. “Police will be out and about enforcing and monitoring new public gathering rules, including how sporting clubs are managing social distancing while they are on the field.”

It’s not yet a win – but it feels like one according to Bundjalung Elders' Council chair Micky Ryan.The controversial North Lismore Plateau Development off Dunoon Road, he has been opposing for ten years, saw its third court case held yesterday.This time, the court determined that the housing developer’s application was invalid - however, the decision is still awaiting finalisation. Bundjalung Elder’s Council chair Micky Ryan.Mr Ryan’s legal representative Al Oshlak, from the Indigenous Justice Advocacy Network, said yesterday’s decision to declare the DA null and void was just “the tip of the iceberg”.“We’ve spent years on this court case and spent a lot of money,” Mr Oshlack said. “Now we want to see the remediation of the site from the road works and ground works already done.“The developer has filled in the flood plain and this will cause problems in future and we want them to remove the fill, among other things.”Yesterday’s court case focussed on whether the developer, Winten, needed to have a Species Impact Statement or not.Ecologist vs ecologistWinten project development manager Jim Punch said the case boiled down to an argument between Winten’s ecologist and Mr Ryan’s ecologist.“Our ecologist said we didn’t need to have a Species Impact Statement (SIS),” Mr Punch said.“The earlier court cases to resolve Aboriginal cultural heritage issues and hydrology were dismissed, but this time the judge said she believed we should have an SIS.“The judge hasn’t yet registered the judgement, so we don’t know where we stand at the moment. It could take a couple of weeks and if she makes that declaration, the Development Application will be put aside and we will need to apply for a new DA. “It’s more likely we will challenge the judge’s determination - we may have to go to appeal.”ResponsibilityMr Ryan said the protection of plants and animals in the area was a part of his responsibility as an Aboriginal Elder, whose ancestors had long been on Country.“My ancestors told me to look after country,” Mr Ryan said.“A large number of koala trees have already been destroyed on the plateau and I’m concerned for the ongoing survival of animal and plant species in the area – the plateau is home to a large population of microbats too.”Borrowed moneyMr Oshlak also pointed a finger at Lismore City Council, saying that the elephant in the room was the Council’s borrowing of money to back the housing development project.“Council borrowed $32 million for sewage and infrastructure to support the development,” he said. “No other council backs a developer like this. “Council knew we were taking this to court and that they had a legal liability.“This is one of the main reasons Council is in financial straits and they are not telling anybody.If the housing development goes ahead, it will become a new 433-lot suburb and Lismore's largest residential subdivision in decades, with views across the Lismore basin.Wait and seeMr Ryan said yesterday, the judge gave him a long report to go through and that he would need to wait to see what would happen in a couple of weeks.“The developers need to leave the whole plateau alone,” he said.“It is the most significant site in the Bundjalung nation – there has already been one burial site disturbed. “My ancestors fought for Country and I won’t lie down for anyone.”Whatever the judge’s final decision is – both the developer and Mr Ryan vow they won’t back down and will continue to fight the case.

Kids, parents and carers in Lismore will be able to apply for a $100 Creative Kids voucher from the NSW Government to help them stay connected to creative learning activities during social distancing restrictions. State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said this was possible thanks to an expansion of the Creative Kids program’s eligible activities and $1 million in funding to help program providers make the digital transition. “The Creative Kids program offers families an annual $100 voucher for every school aged child to contribute to registration, participation and tuition costs for performing arts, visual arts, coding, languages, literature, music and other creative and cultural activities,” Ms Saffin said. “The new expanded guidelines will ensure children with limited access to the internet, including in regional and remote NSW, have more opportunities by allowing Creative Kids vouchers to cover the cost of more creative materials and equipment.” Changes to the program guidelines include allowing digital adaptation grants for Creative Kids providers of up to $5,000.It also included allowances for the creation of a digital toolkit to help providers pivot to online delivery; extension of the use of Creative Kids vouchers for online programs and educational materials.Ms Saffin said Service NSW website had also been improved to make it easier for parents to find a provider.The Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands regions had such creative communities and it was important to keep kids connected to quality cultural and creative activities, despite the impact of COVID-19, Ms Saffin said. Ms Saffin said $1 million in small business grants would help providers deliver programs remotely via the web and other platforms and would provide a vital economic boost for small businesses doing it tough. To be eligible for a grant, applicants must:• Clearly demonstrate adaptation of Creative Kids activities to online delivery,• Describe how this support can maintain or increase voucher redemption during COVID-19, and• Meet the objectives of the Creative Kids program. For more details of how to apply, visit http://www.create.nsw.gov.au

Tenants forced to terminate their lease due to the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic have now been granted reduced penalties, with a two-week cap placed on break-lease fees.With 27% of the Lismore population living in rented dwellings, and a median rent of $250 a week, these changes mean good news for tenants and landlords too.The change to break fees — set at four weeks’ rent if less than 25% of a fixed-term agreement has expired — was one of several amendments put forward by Labor at an emergency sitting of NSW Parliament on Tuesday. Previously, only renters more than halfway through a fixed term would pay a penalty of two weeks or less.Tenants who are unable to negotiate a rent reduction with their landlord can seek to terminate their lease through the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), which will limit compensation to the landlord at no more than two weeks’ rent.Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said the push to create a Rental Hardship Fund came after she was approached by local Mum and Dad investors and real estate agents highlighting how the Government’s initial lack of action and then city-focused measures ignored country people.“And also tenants, through no fault of their own, found themselves without funds,” Ms Saffin said.The Lismore Electorate has 7553 rented dwellings, representing 17,657 tenants (27% of the population) and 6941 landlords. Local real estate agent Sharon Dowling from The Professionals said she hasn’t yet seen a “massive impact” of Covid-19 on local renters.“Before the government increased the benefits at the start of the pandemic, some people came in in a bit of a panic, but it’s ok now,” she said.“We’ve also had a couple of landlords offer to pay water consumption for their tenants.”NSW Labor’s Rental Hardship Package makes use of the Property Statutory Interest Account, which has approximately $250 million in funds.Funds from this account can then be directed into the Property Services Compensation Fund, which will fund the Covid-19 Rental Hardship Fund for struggling tenants and landlords.The Fund will supplement the NSW Government’s land tax relief package that covers the 16% of landlords who pay land tax in NSW.To receive assistance, the landlord must demonstrate that a tenant has suffered a loss of income of 25% or more, that the tenant has less than $5000 in savings, and that they are paying more than 30% of the tenant’s income in rent to the landlord.The landlord must also reduce the tenant’s rent. The Fund makes a maximum amount of ‘top up’ payments of $2500 available per tenancy.To read the NSW Labor Hardship Fund amendment, clickhttps://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/bill/files/3745/OPP%20c2020-042C.pdf

An additional two cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the last 24 hours in residents of the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD). Now, the total stands at 57 cases.The new cases include one resident who acquired the illness overseas and one resident whose case is still being investigated with regards to the source.  The local health district reported that 51 of the local cases are recovered and there are no cases being treated in hospital. By likely source of infection, 53 cases were acquired overseas or interstate; 2 from contact with a confirmed case or in a known cluster; 1 not identified and 1 under investigation. A breakdown of where cases are in the Northern NSW Local Health District shows Lismore as having 5 confirmed cases, with the other confirmed cases as follows: Ballina 10, Tweed 14, Byron 16, Clarence Valley 8.Other cases are not yet to be listed as statistics on the following Local Government Area case breakdown page: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/covid-19-lga.aspx  NNSWLHD chief executive Wayne Jones advises people to take care from tomorrow, with the new relaxed gathering restrictions.“As we move to easing some restrictions on public gatherings, dining and outdoor activities from tomorrow, I want to remind our community to take their personal responsibilities seriously,” Mr Jones said.Read more news: Get ready to dine out: Lismore’s food venues open up tomorrow“It’s good news that we’ll be able to move about more freely and catch up with our friends and family, but we still have an obligation to practice social distancing measures to prevent transmission of this virus.  “As we’ve seen in recent days, the numbers of new cases can vary from day to day, we have certainly not overcome this pandemic.  “Please do your best to keep your 1.5 metre distance from others, keep up frequent hand washing and avoid touching your face or public surfaces where possible."I also encourage everyone to download the COVIDsafe app, to help with contact tracing as we become more mobile."

George Sparnon, ex-president of the Lismore Men and Community Shed, has passed away at the age of 76.Current Men’s Shed president Bob Grieg said George passed away in an Adelaide hospital last week surrounded by his family.“He had diabetes and his liver shut down, but he died in his sleep,” Bob said.“The night before he died, he asked his family to come to the hospital and when they came, he told them what he wanted done.”Bob said George was there for the Men’s Shed as a leader at the beginning about 11 or 12 years ago when it was a counselling centre. “He was rough around the edges and had a heart of gold and he made the shed the shed,” Bob said.“When it officially became the Lismore Men and Community shed, George became president. “He believed the Shed is not only for men – women have problems too.“A lot of women want to use tools and George wanted them to be able to join and learn how to use them.“His ability to talk to people got them to come along and hang out.“Some people hated him and others loved him. “He called a spade a spade. He would challenge people and was blunt and upfront and would let people know his personal preferences."George also worked at transforming unroadworthy caravans into housing for homeless Vietnam veterans.Bob said George was a known motorbike enthusiast and had a Honda and a Triumph, as well as being a member of an Adelaide motorbike club.“George was responsible for saving his life,” Bob said.“He saved my life after my motor bike accident. “I was suicidal, had broken ribs and couldn’t do anything.“George saw I was suicidal and talked to me.“He knew what I’ve been through and where I was coming from. “I took over being the president after illness made him step down and he moved back to Adelaide to be near his family.“We gave him a lifetime membership - and he will be missed.”George leaves behind his wife Judy, children and grandchildren.The funeral will be held in Adelaide this Friday, May 15 at 2.30pm and the link to the live-streamed funeral service will be posted on the Lismore Men and Community Shed Facebook group site https://www.facebook.com/groups/279892162634184/

If you’ve been feeling cooped up – get ready to eat out. Cafes, restaurants and pubs and clubs that serve food, will be allowed to open from tomorrow, Friday, May 15. But you'd better check to see how busy the venue is, because only ten people at any time can be dining in. The NSW Government's easing of business restrictions now allows food businesses to recommence modified operations and seat 10 patrons at any one time for indoor and outdoor dining.Restaurants and cafes in pubs and clubs will be able to open so long as they adhere to social-distancing requirements.Bars and gaming facilities will remain closed, however table service for alcohol with a meal will be allowed.Takeaway services can continue to operate as at present.Start up information for food businesses To assist preparation, food regulators have developed a voluntary checklist for food businesses in all states and territories who are preparing to recommence operations.The checklist is available on the FSANZ website and can be downloaded here: Food safety checks for food businesses.  Please be aware that operators must continue to comply with existing requirements under the Food Standards Code, with particular vigilance on maintaining good hygiene practices.The NSW Food Authority has also updated their Food Businesses and COVID-19 webpage which includes the above information.  For more information, contact Lismore City Council's Senior Public Health Officer Cameron Smith on 1300 87 83 87.

Two people were arrested and charged after ‘Ice’, MDMA, GHB and cash were found in a car stopped in South Lismore.Officers attached to Richmond Police District’s Target Action Group (TAG) stopped the car on Webster Street about 8.45am yesterday, Wednesday, May 13.Police will allege in court that when the car was searched, trafficable quantities of methylamphetamine, MDMA, cannabis, liquid GHB and $2220 cash were found.A 29-year-old woman from Numulgi, a 25-year-old man from Blue Knob, and the driver, a 29-year-old woman from Lismore, were arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station.The Numulgi woman and the man have each been charged with six offences;• Supply prohibited drug – indictable/commercial quantity (two counts)• Supply a prohibited drug• Possess a prohibited drug• Deal with the proceeds of crime, and,• Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.Both were refused bail to appear in Lismore Local Court today, Thursday, May 14.The second woman has been released pending further inquiries.

Staff at both Lismore Base Hospital were all smiles yesterday when they were treated to a free cuppa. The big ‘thank you’ to the Hospital Heroes of our community happened after local charity Our Kids put a call out for community donations in a show of support for the crucial work of health service staff. Paediatrician Dr Chris Ingall and Lismore Base Hospital Nurse Brett Zaferis were among the happy staff who received a free beverage.Enjoying a cuppa is Dr Chaandini Subramanian, Dr Chris Ingall and Dr Tayla Potter.Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator, Rebekka Battista said “there are so many unsung heroes who work for our hospitals”.“They work in the background, they keep the place going, they take care of all of us when we are sick and we just wanted to say thank you,” Rebekka said. “This campaign has allowed the community to join with us to say a huge thank you during these tough times.“Our Kids arranged for WHSmith Fresh+, the café operators inside the hospitals at Tweed and Lismore, to provide everyone on shift that day a hot beverage to say thank you.Dr Tayla Pottter with Fresh+ Manager Tammy Vidler.“The Our Kids charity raises funds to purchase paediatric equipment for our local hospital but due to COVID-19 fundraising events have been postponed. “So instead the Our Kids Family has been busy building community and championing our hospitals.”Rebekka said the Our Kids family includes the Board and the Platinum Partners who are: Southern Cross University, Far North Coast Law Society, The Northern Star, Lismore Echo, Telstra, NBN TV, Events Party Hire, Hurford Hardwood, Byron Bay Coffee Company, Beach Byron Bay, Suzette Pearce, Damian Chapelle, Kevin Carter, Chris Ingall, Tanya Jones, Tania Kirkland, Luke Hoolihan, Sean Radburn and Rebekka Battista. For more information on how you can help, contact the Our Kids Office on 0438 417 085. Read more news: Nursing 'heroes' celebrated, but still underpaid

Make sure the umbrella is in the car in the coming days because we are about to be hit by trough that will move through tomorrow afternoon or evening bringing some rain with it.There will be no need to put your gum boots in with the umbrella though as we will only get a couple of millimetres. But, and there is always that small but, there may be a storm but the chance is slight.As has been the case recently the showers are more coastal, however some rain bands will make their way inland and fall on our gardens and farms.Friday, Saturday and Sunday look similar with maybe 1-2 mil predicted, while Monday and Tuesday should see between 3 and 5 mm's come our way.Helen Kirkup from the BOM says temperatures will remain relatively comfortable with maximums 22-23 degrees while minimums a touch warmer due to the cloud cover at 10-12 degrees.

Captain Philip Sutcliffe from the Northern Rivers Salvation Army knows the community is doing it tough through the Covid-19 pandemic.“It will take a long time to recover from because of the huge financial impact on our society,” he said. “As soon as we open the doors again, everything won’t just fix itself.”Captain Sutcliffe said the services of the Salvation Army are now in more demand than ever and the success of this year’s Red Shield fundraising appeal is crucial to keep the work of the Salvos happening. “We are seeing huge increases in numbers of people unemployed around Lismore and in the CBD, some business closed doors for good,” he said.“It’s a situation people never expected themselves to be in and already people are reaching out to us for the first time.”“It’s had a similar impact in the long term as natural disasters like floods and fires do. It can take two to three years to work through this with affected communities.”Red Shield appeal does digitalEvery year, the Salvos choose a weekend to fundraise by knocking on people’s doors and asking them to donate money to the service. But with Covid-19 restrictions in place, this year, the door knocking is going digital.Captain Sutcliffe encourages people to fundraise, or donate what they can online instead.Normally, the Salvos would collect about $4.6 million nationally over one weekend of doorknocking, but the digital doorknock will be open through the month of May, with the weekend of May 23 and 24 being the main focus for activity.To get involved, you can sign up to become a digital fundraiser and use your connections to collect money for the Salvos. Captain Sutcliffe suggests people could create a fundraising page and share it amongst family and friends to encourage them to donate to the appeal. “You can join our Northern Rivers team and set your own fundraising goal and whatever you raise will stay in our region,” he said.“With people doing it tough, they may be not able to donate what they did in previous years, but even a couple of dollars adds up and will help us reach our goal adds up reach our goal of $26,000 in our local region,” he said.“This money is used for projects like giving Christmas assistance - providing toys, financial assistance and food hampers. “Without the money, it will be hard for us to support people coming up to Christmas at the end of the Covid period.To sign up and help out the local Salvos fundraise, visit https://digitaldoorknock.salvationarmy.org.au/t/northern-rivers-salvos To leave no one in need, please donate at http://www.salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58)

It seems there’s been some confusion as to where the free parking at Lismore Base Hospital is. On social media recently, people were complaining of seeing $114 parking fines on cars parked near the hospital.This comes after last week’s report that some 10 hour parking areas around the were now free to park in. Read more: New map reveals where the free parking is at Lismore Base HospitalSo, just where are the free parking areas and who are they for?Lismore City Councillors voted last month to introduce free parking in the 10-hour zones on Hunter and Dalziel streets for the next six months.Parking restrictions have also been waived on Weaver Street, Laurel Avenue and McKenzie Street to enable all-day parking for the same six month period.With parking patrol officers now checking for infringements, The Lismore App contacted Lismore Council to find out why people might be confused.Lismore City Council’s Manager Development and Compliance Chris Watts said street signage around the hospital precinct has already been amended to reflect the changes.“People now need to need to look at the signs and check to see if they are in one of the free parking areas before they park,” he said. During the first two weeks the free parking was first announced, Mr Watts said no one was fined for non-payment - just warned about where they could park. “Once the street signs were changed, patrols began fining people who were parking illegally or dangerously and getting in the way of ambulances,” he said.Do health care workers get free parking?Another question raised by members of the public is if the work of all our health care workers has been deemed so crucial and essential, why are they not all given free parking anywhere near the hospital?Mr Watts said there were no special car stickers given to any health care staff to differentiate them from a member of the public.“We don’t know who is a health care worker or not, so we treat all cars the same to avoid confusion,” he said.What is Lismore Base Hospital doing about staff parking?With more health care staff being recruited, and an increased demand for all-day parking - what is Lismore Base Hospital doing to manage parking for hospital staff?Lismore Base Hospital general manager Ian Hatton said since the NSW Government’s April 10 announcement to provide rostered medical staff with free parking, Lismore Base Hospital staff can now access additional free parking.“The free parking is in the single level Hunter Street car parking station, which is within the grounds of the hospital campus boundary,” he said.“This is currently available for any staff to park free of charge at any time. “Staff members with pre-existing paid access to the multi-storey carpark on Uralba Street can also use this car park free of charge at present. “Free parking is also available in the multi-storey carpark for staff on afternoon and evening shifts, including staff who do not hold a pre-existing paid permit.”Parking costsThe hospital’s multistorey level carparks can be accessed from Uralba Street and the prices for non-rostered staff and members of the public are as follows: 0 - 15 mins Free; 15 mins - 1 hr $3.50; 1 - 2 hrs $5.50; 2- 3 hrs $6.50; 3 - 4 hrs $7.50; 4+ hrs $8.60.There is a 5 minute drop-off and pick-up area at the Main Entrance and a 5 minute drop off–pickup area outside the Emergency Department.Accessibility car parking is available at the hospital front entrance on Uralba street, and in the Uralba Street carpark.Free parking mapYou can also navigate your way to hospital parking bliss by looking at Lismore City Council’s handy parking map at: https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/covid-19-information-updates

Last week the 20/21 Draft Operational Plan and Draft Budget was approved for public submission, this plan and budget is now live on the 'Your Say Lismore' council website.It was a close vote, 6 for and 5 against which highlights how controversial it was for our eleven councillors.It was called a "back to basics" budget. This is because there was an initial $2.3 million cashflow deficit which has now been cut to $282,000.To achieve that reduction a number of services and planned projects were removed from next years budget.The councillors have had their say and now it's your turn.Take the time to read and fully understand the council documents (right hand side of the Your Say website page)You have a section where you can express your thoughts so take the time to let Lismore City Council councillors and staff what your thoughts are, good and bad.Mayor Isaac Smith recorded a message after last weeks extraordinary council meeting, you can view it here https://www.facebook.com/LismoreCityCouncil/videos/707383683370885/.There has been a lot of whingeing on social media about council and our councillors, they way council is run and where our money is spent or mis-spent. Now is the time for us to stop wingeing and make informed comments on what happens in our community over the next twelve months.You have 28 days starting today to make your thoughts known.

Residents and businesses are no longer required to make bookings to visit the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre or the Nimbin Transfer Station.Residents can also drop off recycling (cardboard, paper, glass, plastics and aluminium) for free again at the Wyrallah Road facility as Lismore City Council works to progressively return services to normal.Household items for the Revolve Shop and hazardous wastes are still not being accepted at this time and the Revolve Shop and Brewster Street Drop-off Centre remain closed until further notice.Infrastructure Services Director Peter Jeuken applauded residents for being patient with Council's waste restrictions, which are designed to protect public safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.“We would like to thank residents for adhering to the restrictions and for their understanding during these challenging times. The safety of our community and our staff has always been and continues to be at the forefront of our minds,” Mr Jeuken said.“We are putting in place stringent new safety measures before reopening each service at our waste facilities as we recognise the journey through this COVID-19 pandemic may go on for quite some time.“We need to be prepared and have safe practices in place to operate effectively into the future. We will continue to make community announcements as more services are reopened in the coming weeks.”Residents and business operators can now dispose of general waste, recycling and green waste at the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre.The Return and Earn bulk collection centre is also open Wednesday to Saturday from 8am to 3pm.The Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 3pm and the Nimbin Transfer Station is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm.Please note that all visitors must pay using electronic payment – cash is not being accepted at this time.For further information, visit www.northernriverswaste.com.au or phone 1300 87 83 87.

The Lismore Theatre Company committee and their volunteers were very happy after last night's Lismore City Council meeting when councillors voted unanimously to grant them another five year lease for the Rochdale Theatre building in Goonellabah.The lease was due to expire in July of 2020 and councillors like Darlene Cook spoke glowingly about the role the theatre company plays in our community saying that 'council should support the arts". There was no debate or division within council about extending the lease.The only concern for the Lismore Theatre Company was the slight increase in costs to "cover a modest increase in the lease fee to at least match the average annual maintenance costs of the building to Council".The increase in costs in numbers is $2,615 per year. Not a great deal but those costs have to be covered by the theatre company, who are all volunteers, through some other means.President Sharon Brodie said "last nights unanimous vote was wonderful news, this has been hanging over our head and now it gives us security for the next five years so we can plan what shows we would like to put on".In regards to the higher costs Sharon said "this increase will be very hard to find, we have to be creative"."We could increase ticket prices but we are reluctant to do that, we could charge for our sign on Ballina Road to be used in between shows, hire the theatre out for parties or a film night or maybe council can start the increase in costs next year due to COVID-19 this year, we are not making any money because of the crowd restrictions"."These are just ideas, any proposal would have to be ratified by our wonderful committee".The long term goal is to buy the building from council."The best way would be to be successful in gaining a State or Federal Government grant", said Sharon, "or an amazing benefactor leaving us the money", she added hopefully.At least we have certainty of seeing some local theatre when the social restrictions and social distancing rules are lifted.This could happen in Step 3 when social gatherings are increased to 100 as the Rochdale Theatre holds 90, but if social distancing is still in place this reduces the capacity to 25 which makes it an unviable option to put on any show.When the green light to perform is switched on, one months notice will be given before Elyse Knowles and Gray Wilson can step on stage for Educating Rita.Hopefully, this will happen sooner rather than later.

Your creative ideas on how to transform our local streets into shared public spaces are needed. Your ideas will help Lismore Council apply for a share of the NSW Government’s new $15-million Streets as Shared Spaces fund.The grant funding is for Councils to implement pilot measures to increase public places where people can safely walk, cycle or exercise with social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic.State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said simple changes like widening footpaths or closing a street to vehicles on weekends will make our community healthier and more walkable.Lismore’s Deputy Mayor Darlene Cook said the funding brief already echoes Council’s ideas about creating revitalised, user-friendly walkways and public areas.“In the 1980s, Council was considering turning the Lismore CBD into one-way streets with a pedestrian mall,” Cr Cook said.“But if we close off streets or redesign them into shared spaces, we would have to change our approach to traffic access.“In the past, we tried a temporary pop up in Club Lane which went so well, we permanently closed the lane to traffic and now it’s a lovely spot with laneway dining from the Bank café.“We already have shared zones with low speed limits on Carrington and Magellan streets too.“This grant funding could let us pilot some more areas like this and we could try rolling out some of this without disrupting major traffic.“Where do we want people to come to? “We can enhance the footpath dining experience and maybe promote shop top housing – where you can see people promenading outside your house. “We could have more gardens, green spaces and treescapes.“We want to enjoy the CBD and link it with the river – we already have a project underway to start this, linking City Hall with Heritage Park and the river.“If we can reduce the traffic load on the streets, maybe people will get active and ride their bikes more.”Cr Cook said it would be great to bring the concepts out of the CBD and into North and South Lismore too. The shared spaces grant funding allows Councils to apply for grants of up to $100,000 for short-term, quick response projects, such as widening footpaths and temporary cycle lanes.They can also apply for up to $1 million for longer-term projects, such as changes to road alignments and widths and trialling lower speed limits.NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the program will help communities transition out of the pandemic, support the construction industry and encourage economic activity back into our streets.“If the pilot projects gain widespread community support, we’ll look to make them permanent so more people can enjoy the outdoors once this pandemic is over,” he said.Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said community input is essential in helping councils choose projects that will benefit their communities. “An online social pinpoint map is available on the NSW Government website for users to click directly on a specific area and leave their comments and ideas,” she said.Cr Cook said Lismore City Council will make information available to the local community on its website in the near future. Lismore City, Kyogle, Tenterfield Shire and Tweed Shire councils can apply for Streets as Shared Spaces grants until June 30, 2020.For more information visit: https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/streets