Lismore City Council is calling on businesses to help shape Lismore’s new Economic Development Strategy and register for the final consultation workshops that will be run at the Lismore Workers Club on August 7 and 8 from 6 till 7.30pm.
In 2017 Lismore was hit hard by Cyclone Debbie with many businesses not being able to recover from its devastating consequences and Mayor Isaac Smith says that discussion around the impacts of flooding ‘form a small part of each discussion’.
‘We do acknowledge that we are a river town and we have looked at putting better systems in place. But any big flood will impact the town,’ said Mayor Smith.
Council’s Economic Development Manager Tina Irish said the strategy would identify ways to support sustainable growth of Lismore’s existing industries and services, and encourage the development of new ones over the coming decades.
Tina said 54 people had attended workshops during the community consultation to date and feedback had included some great ideas that could be incorporated into the new strategy.
‘We had lots of comments about the need to cut unnecessary red tape and put in place simpler processes to encourage business growth and development – so that’s a message we need to hear and take action on,’ Tina said.
‘In Lismore, we had lots of feedback about what a future Lismore CBD could look like. People suggested more green spaces and new street furniture, capitalising on our arcades and highlighting the city’s Art Deco features.
‘People also wanted to see more shop top housing to increase the vibrancy of the CBD while others are keen to see more pop-up activation. There was suggestions about night-time markets, interactive gardens and more music in the CBD. Many people said our river needs to be better utilised. Lighting has also come up quite a lot, with people very keen to see lighting installations that improve safety and create a lively and welcoming atmosphere in the CBD.
‘In Nimbin, people were keen to see beautification of the main street, a greater diversity of local businesses within the village, night markets and more evening activity, art precincts, and better tourist trails. People also wanted renewable energy to be used in any new improvements and more trees for the village. There is lots of feedback to collate and review in order to develop the Economic Development Strategy. It’s great to have so much substance and so many great ideas to work with.’
People who cannot attend a workshop can complete an online survey and provide feedback.
To take the survey, register for a workshop or phone 1300 87 83 87 to get involved.
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