With considerable community concern growing, Lismore City Council say they are undertaking ‘early planning and investigation work to understand whether Blakebrook Quarry could be suitable for a future regional landfill’.
Council say it is part of long‑term planning for how waste is managed across the region.
Considerable public attention
The quarry has attracted considerable public attention on social media.
Around 100 concerned residents recently met and launched a campaign to protect the water, land, and biodiversity from the proposal, which they say was to add a large regional waste facility to the quarry.
Lismore councillor Virginia Waters said, ‘There will be another meeting at Goolmangar Hall at 5pm next Wednesday, 6 May. This is a chance to grow the group, plan next steps, and keep the momentum going to stop this now. Blakebrook Quarry is not the right location for a landfill’.
Reaching capacity
Council said in their media release, ‘With the landfill at the Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre expected to reach capacity within the next seven to ten years, Council is beginning to consider options now, to ensure the continuity of secure and affordable waste services’.
Mayor Steve Krieg said the current stage is about forward planning and understanding what options may be available – not making final decisions.
‘Planning, assessing and securing approvals for a compliant landfill facility is a complex process that can take ten years or more,’ Mayor Krieg said. ‘Starting early gives us time to do this work carefully and thoroughly.’
‘No decision has been made to build a landfill at Blakebrook. At this point, we’re simply investigating whether the site is suitable’.
A long‑term project
‘Blakebrook Quarry was identified following a structured site selection process during which more than 30 potential locations across the Lismore Local Government Area were considered against social, environmental and planning criteria.
‘Council is investigating a disposal facility for residual waste – meaning waste that cannot be recycled or composted – and asbestos. The proposal does not include a public tip or transfer station.
‘If the project were to proceed in the future, residents and businesses would continue to use the Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre for public waste, reuse and recycling programs.
Engaging early
‘In September 2025, Councillors endorsed Blakebrook Quarry as the preferred site for further investigations. That work is now underway and includes early engagement with the community.
‘Discussions with directly impacted landowners began in September 2025, followed by a meeting with the Northern Rivers Quarry Community Consultative Committee in November and information sessions with the local community in April this year.
‘The purpose of this engagement is to share information about the proposed project, listen, understand local concerns, and draw on community knowledge – well before any decisions are made.
‘Feedback from this engagement will help shape the concept design and business case, which Councillors are expected to consider in 2027.
‘At that point, Councillors will decide whether the project should proceed to the project approvals phase, which would include preparation of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Should the project move forward, there will be multiple opportunities for further community engagement, including formal public exhibition as part of the NSW Government Assessment Process.
‘Following recently held community drop-in sessions for residents neighbouring Blakebrook Quarry, council is planning further engagement with the broader Lismore community in the coming months. Details to be announced soon’, the media statement concluded.
For more information, visit the project page at lismore.nsw.gov.au/newlandfill
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