With a massive agenda to wade through on Tuesday, including a draft $411.3 million budget for 2026–2027, a media policy, which requires all public communication through the general manager, appeared to overshadow all other items for Lismore councillors.
Their adopted media policy has been described as a “totalitarian horror of a document” and an “undemocratic and likely unlawful policy” by both Greens and Labor councillors.
And by posting on social media about the media policy, some councillors appeared to have breached it already.
Lismore councillor Virginia Waters (Greens) wrote, “Sadly, the opportunity to amend and improve the proposed Media Policy did not occur and we are now left with what I believe is an undemocratic and likely unlawful policy”.
“I remain deeply concerned about the inclusion of a gag clause for councillors and requirements for councillors to go through the General Manager before speaking to media. In my view, this is a serious overreach and inconsistent with democratic representation and free political communication”.
“What disappointed me most was that reasonable amendments aimed at protecting democratic communication and reducing legal risk were voted down. Stay tuned for more action on this one!”
Meanwhile Cr Jasmine Knight-Smith (Labor) wrote “[It was a] Disgusting totalitarian horror of a document. I put in an amendment to exclude the Media Policy, and have staff review it to ensure it complied with Australian law”.
“There are several sections I thought unduly restricted elected councillors implied freedom of political communication.
“Most notably, 4.3(e): “When engaging with the media, councillors: …. (e) must inform the GM or the Integrated Communication & City Product team of any media relations (unless related to a personal or private matter) before providing comment to the media to seek information and guidance and ensure they have the most up-to-date and relevant information, alignment with Council messaging and protocols and have considered reputational or other risks from”.
Staff controlling councillors
“This is staff controlling councillors, the operational arm controlling the elected arm. What is being proposed is not proportionate. It requires councillors to: check in with staff before speaking; align with Council messaging and avoid public dissent.”
She wrote, “If you don’t want councillors speaking freely, then you don’t want democracy.”
“You cannot override the Constitution, and it’s implied freedoms, with a policy.
“This policy exposes Council to legitimate legal challenges. Any resident would be free to seek leave to have this heard, it impacts all residents. This policy puts council at real risk of legal challenge. And it would not be seen as frivolous. And lastly, and although humorous, I don’t say it lightly, this invokes the Dennis Denuto Principle [From The Castle movie] – it’s the vibe of the thing. In this circumstance, the vibe is anti-democratic”.
In his video address regarding the meeting, mayor Steve Kreig said a point of contention was the media policy, and he wanted to clarify Council’s position.
He said it applies ‘Only when speaking officially for Council’.
‘Personal opinions have not changed. It’s important if you are speaking on behalf of Council that you have correct facts and figures’.
Moving on, other motions which passed included:
Budget on exhibition
To view the new draft $411.3 million budget for 2026–2027 visit https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/budget-and-operational-plan-2026-2027-revenue-policy-fees
The plan includes the Operational Plan; DRAFT Revenue Policy 2026-2027; DRAFT Budget by Program 2026-2027; DRAFT Fees and Charges 2026 – 2027 and DRAFT Long Term Financial Plan 2026-2027.
Feedback is open until 5pm, Friday, 10 June.
Lismore councillor Virginia Waters (Greens) wrote, “Part of that discussion included an attempt to remove the proposed $1.2 million allocation connected to investigations into the Regional Landfill proposal at Blakebrook Quarry”.
“I spoke strongly against this funding and the broader proposal the lack of community support, lack of transparency in the process, the enormous environmental concerns and the fact this is proposed within our water catchment.
“I absolutely agree we need a long-term local landfill solution, but I do not believe Blakebrook Quarry is the right location. I also do not believe Lismore should build its financial future around becoming a regional waste destination importing waste from outside the LGA. The proposal raises enormous environmental, traffic and long-term planning concerns and I remain unconvinced the community has been properly consulted or brought along in this process”.
Weaver Street co-housing development passes
Lismore councillor Virginia Waters said, “The Weaver Street co-housing development was one of those matters I felt genuinely conflicted on”.
“The proposal involved planning variations and did not meet every aspect of the controls, which I take seriously. However, in the end I voted in support because we are in desperate need of this type of housing and worker accommodation, particularly in and around the health precinct. It represents major investment in our city and a co-housing model that can help address the housing and workforce pressures we are facing”.
Cr Knight-Smith wrote, “We desperately need short and medium term housing for hospital workers, and this will be purpose built for that purpose”.
“The flow on effect is potentially more rental housing stock available for long term lease to residents and fly in and locum hospital staff not staying in surrounding towns but remaining in Lismore during their tenure. I was uncomfortable not knowing who the proponents were, they’re listed as Weaver St Unit Trust, with no other publicly available information that I could easily find. I have been reliably informed that they’re long term locals who previously resided 100mtrs or so from the proposed development. I do think people have a right to know who is in their neighbourhood, regardless, a great development for our community. We need more diverse housing options yesterday!”.
Greyhound Track
Cr Knight-Smith wrote, “Passed: That the GM engage with Northern Rivers Junior Motorcycle Club and Jagun Alliance Corporation with a view to negotiating potential joint future use of the greyhound track”.
“I wasn’t able to speak to this, this will come back to the chamber after consultation with the groups. This could be great for our local Aboriginal and non aboriginal youth, I hope they’re a good fit, we will see”.
Lismore councillor Virginia Waters said, “I support Jagun Alliance receiving this land. They presented an excellent proposal and the cultural significance of the site for Widjabal people and the broader Aboriginal and First Nations community in Lismore is deeply important. Personally, I do not believe a motorcycle facility so close to the CBD is an appropriate long-term use for the site. This matter will return to Council at a later stage”.
Outstanding success of Groovin the Moo
Cr Knight-Smith wrote, “Passed: Delegate to GM to work with promotors to bring it this great event back for future years . Such a wonderful family event, really happy with this. It was mentioned in the meeting that another council has made a motion to attempt to poach the event from Lismore! Nice effort other council, but we’ll keep it here”.
Reconciliation Action Plan
Cr Knight-Smith wrote, “Passed: Staff investigate the appropriateness of incorporating the Aboriginal Advisory Group (AAG) into the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). I’d like to see more support from Council for the AAG, this could be a way for that to occur. Other councils function this way, and I’d like to know if this is the right fit for Lismore City Council. Another option would be to alter the terms of reference for the AAG to include staff support. I look forward to hearing what staff suggest”.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
