A specialist consultant team has been appointed to begin work on four precinct plans for the future use of flood-affected buyback land across Lismore.
Reconstruction Authority in partnership with Lismore City Council, say the team is led by REALMstudios, and “marks a major milestone in the collaborative effort between Council and the Reconstruction Authority to shape a sustainable and resilient future for land no longer suitable for residential use following the devastating 2022 flood”.
They say, “The planning process will ensure future uses of buyback land are informed by local values and aspirations, building on the consultation and visioning work already undertaken with the community since 2022. Community consultation will continue throughout 2026, where feedback will be invited from residents and businesses on preferred land uses and other locally supported outcomes across the precincts”.
“The consultant team brings expertise in climate resilience, urban design and landscape architecture, planning, engineering, environmental science and community engagement to support detailed planning across the four buyback precincts in Lismore, being Lismore Centre, North Lismore, South Lismore and East Lismore”.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the appointment marked an important step forward for Lismore’s future, with a strong focus on community-led planning.
“We’ve started conversations with the Reconstruction Authority about piloting practical uses on selected parcels, including additional parking for The Showgrounds and exploring commercial opportunities in South Lismore. These are the kinds of initiatives that support local business and improve functionality while the broader planning work continues.
“Engaging a specialist consultant team ensures technical rigour, creativity and prioritised community engagement will guide this broader approach for the future of these precincts,” he said.
NSW Minister for Recovery and Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin, said the project represented an important transition in the flood recovery journey for Lismore and the Northern Rivers.
“With a significant number of voluntary buybacks now complete in Lismore, the NSW Government through the Reconstruction Authority is shifting its focus to how this land can best support safety, resilience and long-term community outcomes.
“The announcement of REALMstudios shows that we are moving from a time of acquisition to a time of stewardship.
“This work will be undertaken in close partnership with Lismore City Council and the community to explore a range of future land use options that will inform future decisions.
“By integrating flood risk, planning controls and local priorities, I want to help ensure the future use of the buyback land reflects our lived experience together with sound technical evidence.”
“Council and the Reconstruction Authority will now work with REALMstudios to confirm the timeline for development of the precinct plans. Further information, including opportunities to participate in upcoming engagement activities, will be announced shortly, with Council continuing to share project updates across its communication channels”.
Interested community members can view the maps and further information, and register to receive updates by ticking ‘Lismore Precinct Planning: future use of buyback land’.
The full consultant team includes representatives from Cred Consulting, 89Degrees East, Dark Lightning, Newton Denny Chapelle, HillPDA Consulting, JDA and Northrop.
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