FIRST COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE NEW MUNICIPAL BUILDING
The March Ordinary Council Meeting was held in the newly rebuilt Municipal Building, marking the first official meeting to take place in the restored civic space.
The building has recently undergone restoration and resilience upgrades, including flood-responsive materials and design features to reduce damage and support faster recovery in future flood events. Holding the meeting in the chamber represents an important milestone for Council and signals confidence in Lismore’s CBD and its future.
Groovin The Moo Homegrown Hero Entries Open
The iconic Groovin the Moo is coming to Lismore for an exclusive 2026 event on Saturday, 9 May, bringing an unforgettable day of live music to Oakes Oval.
Alongside a lineup of leading Australian and international artists, the festival is also shining a spotlight on local talent through the Homegrown Hero Slot.
Delivered in partnership with Planet Music, the initiative gives emerging Northern Rivers musicians the chance to perform on the Groovin the Moo stage and represent the Lismore community. The successful applicant will join the official lineup, sharing the stage with some of Australia’s biggest acts. Local artists are encouraged to apply and show the country what Lismore’s music scene has to offer.
Entries for the Homegrown Hero Slot close Monday, 30 March. CLICK HERE to enter or scan the QR Code ►
REGISTRATIONS OPEN FOR RUMBLE ON THE RIVER
Registrations are now open for skaters keen to compete in Rumble on the River, with athletes from across Australia invited to take part when the national event rolls into Lismore from 16–19 April at the Lismore Skatepark.
Part of the national Rumble Pro Tour and an official Olympic pathway event, the competition will bring elite riders from across the country to compete at one of Australia’s premier skate facilities.
Local skaters are also encouraged to register and be part of the action. For more information and to register, scan the QR Code or visit www.therumble.com.au/lismore
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST OPEN FOR FORMER GREYHOUND TRACK SITE
Lismore City Council is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from community organisations, businesses, not-for-profits and industry groups for the future use of the site at 1 Molesworth Street – the former Greyhound Track.
The site has not been operational since the major flood events of February and March 2022. Due to repeated flood impacts and the significant cost of reinstatement, greyhound racing was deemed no longer viable at the location. Greyhound Racing NSW has since offered to gift the land and existing infrastructure to Council, subject to due diligence checks. Council has resolved to explore potential future uses for the site through a transparent Expression of Interest process. The EOI aims to test the market and community interest in innovative, flood-aware proposals that could deliver community benefit, economic activity or strategic value for Lismore.
At this stage, Council has not identified a preferred use for the site. Instead, the process invites proponents to put forward ideas that respond to the location’s flood risk while contributing to Lismore’s long-term resilience and recovery.
Proposals will be assessed against a range of criteria including community benefit, economic impact, strategic alignment with Council’s plans, proponent capability and the long-term sustainability of the proposal.
The Expression of Interest period is open until 30 March 2026, with submissions to be reviewed and reported back to Council for consideration in May.
To learn more or submit an Expression of Interest, scan the QR code or click here to visit Council’s Your Say Lismore page.
LISMORE AIRPORT UPGRADE PROGRESSING
Planning and upgrade works are continuing at Lismore Airport as part of Council’s program to restore and strengthen the facility following the 2022 flood events.
Major civil works across the airside precinct include runway and taxiway upgrades, drainage improvements, and installation of new runway lighting. Combined, these will help improve the safety and reliability of aircraft operations at the airport.
Lismore Airport plays an important role in the Northern Rivers, supporting aeromedical services, aerial firefighting, freight and aviation training while also contributing to the region’s economic activity and connectivity.
Jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, the project is being delivered on Council’s behalf by specialist contractor Durack Civil.
CELEBRATING 300 ISSUES OF LOCAL MATTERS
This edition marks the 300th issue of Local Matters and the final publication in its current format.
Since launching in 2014, Local Matters has helped keep our community informed about Council projects, services, events and important updates delivered directly to households across the Lismore LGA.
Reaching this milestone is a moment to reflect on the many stories, achievements and community moments shared over the years.
As communication evolves, Council will soon move to more dynamic ways of delivering news and updates to the community.
Thank you to everyone who has read, contributed to and supported Local Matters over the past 300 issues.
URBAN & RURAL ROAD REPLACEMENT PROJECTS
Council is committed to applying for grants for State and Federal government funding to assist with the construction costs of some roads.
At present, four road upgrades are eligible under the ‘Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP)’ grant.
We are asking for the community’s assistance in completing a short survey on any or all of the roads listed below. The feedback we receive will provide essential information to support the grant applications.
Rotary Drive
An important collector road in our network, Rotary Drive, accommodates a large volume of vehicular traffic to and from the CBD, including emergency vehicles. Consideration for future works will be from Dixon Place to the Uralba Street roundabout.
Skyline Road
The lower eastern gravel section and the sealed western sections of Skyline Road, where it meets Wyrallah Road, are currently in poor condition, and the small bridge in the flooding zone is closed to traffic. The road is often used as an alternative route during flooding, further degrading it.
Simeoni Drive
The full length of Simeoni Drive is a consideration for funding. A significant route in our network that provides access to the main supermarkets for the Goonellabah community.
Rosehill Road, Blakebrook
Consideration will be given to Rosehill Road for approximately 1.4 kilometres from Nimbin Road. This section of road caters for Blakebrook School and is considered an important route for agricultural and quarry products. It is also an important route during times of flooding. Click here to fill out the Your Say survey.
Annual Events Calendar 2026
March
• Lismore Speedway | 7, 21
• NSW State Over 70’s Cricket Championships | 9-12
April
• Bluesfest | 2-5
• Lismore Speedway | 4, 5, 18
• Rumble on the River (Skate Event) | 16-19
• Nimbin Art Fair | 4-19
• Anzac Day | 25
May
• Nimbin Mardi Grass | 1-3
• Groovin The Moo | 9
• Lismore Gemfest | 16-17
• Norco Primex | 21-23
• NSW Baseball Australian Intermediate & Junior League Championships | 21-25
• Casino Beef Week | 23-31
• Lismore Speedway | 30
June
• NSW State Golf Croquet Championships
• Lismore Lantern Parade | 20
July
• Lismore Friendship Festival - LisAmore | 5
• NAIDOC Community Day
• Timberjacks Baseball Tournament | 10-12
• NSW Open (Men) Regional Qualifier | 26-28 August
• Lismore Outdoor Adventure, Home & Lifestyle Expo | 14-16
• Norco Eat the Street
• Darrel Chapman Fun Run | 30
September
• Nimbin Poetry Performance World Cup
• Nimbin Spring Arts Exhibition
• Lismore Eisteddfod
• Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout | 18-20
• Nimbin Show | 19-20
• Lismore Cup | 25
October
• North Coast National Show | 15-17 November
• Lismore Speedway December
• Santa’s Wonderland
• Carols
• Tropical Fruits New Year’s Festival | 27-4 Jan
CONTACT US: 6625 0500
Corporate Centre: 43 Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm
Post: PO Box 23A, Lismore, NSW 2480
Email: council@lismore.nsw.gov.au
Web: www.lismore.nsw.gov.au
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