Lismore City Council is inviting the community to have their say on a proposed planning change aimed at unlocking new opportunities for cultural, educational and commercial activity in parts of South Lismore’s rail corridor precinct.
The Council-led Planning Proposal aims to amend planning controls to allow additional permitted land uses in an identified key growth corridor.
The expanded permitted uses include community facilities, entertainment facilities, information and education facilities and retail premises.
Revitalising key areas of the city
Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said the Proposal is part of Council’s ongoing work to revitalise key areas of the city and build a more dynamic local economy.
‘Council is always looking for ways to unlock new opportunities that benefit our community and local economy,’ he said.
‘By updating the permitted land uses around the rail corridor, we are setting the stage for new community facilities, entertainment spaces and retail options that simply are not possible under the current zoning.
‘This change means we can attract new investment, activate underused spaces and create more reasons for people to visit, shop and connect in South Lismore. It’s about making sure these key areas evolve to meet the needs of our city and our residents.
‘We’re keen to hear from locals, businesses and anyone with a stake in Lismore’s future about how this proposal could work best.’
Council’s vision for the rail corridor
The Proposal reflects Council’s vision for the rail corridor to become a vibrant community and visitor precinct, supporting a range of appropriate commercial and cultural activities.
Council’s Acting Head of Planning and Environment, Jamie van Iersel, said the change is about matching land use with the area’s potential.
‘This is about unlocking the potential of land that sits at the heart of our urban area,’ she said.
‘This opens it up for community, entertainment, education and retail uses, meaning the corridor can become a real hub for locals and visitors, while supporting economic growth.’
Council has been given authority by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to exercise local plan making functions for this proposal, meaning Council will be the final decision-maker.
Any developments would still be subject to consent on certain mapped E4 General Industrial zoned land surrounding the rail corridor in South Lismore.
Proposed changes in detail
The proposal allows for the following additional permitted uses on mapped E4 General Industrial land near the rail corridor:
• Community facilities- buildings or places owned by a public authority or non-profit group used for social, cultural, intellectual or welfare development
• Entertainment facilities- venues such as theatres, cinemas, concert or dance halls (excluding pubs or registered clubs)
• Information and education facilities- spaces for providing information or education to visitors, including art galleries, museums, libraries and visitor information centres
• Retail premises- buildings or places used for selling, hiring or displaying goods, including shops, food and drink premises, markets, plant nurseries and similar.
Council encourages residents, business owners and stakeholders to review the Planning Proposal and provide feedback before it proceeds.
To view the full proposal and have your say, visit the ‘Your Say’ page on the Council website at https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/planning-proposal-to-allow-additional-permitted-uses-in-south-lismore
How to make a submission:
Online: Use the submission box on the Your Say page
Email: [email protected]
In writing: Lismore City Council, PO Box 23A, Lismore NSW 2480
Submissions close at 4:30pm on Monday, 1 September 2025.
For more information, please contact Council’s Planning team via the above channels or call 02 6625 0500.
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