More than 50 business, investment and community leaders gathered at NSW Parliament House this week for the “Lismore 60,000 Industry Briefing”, which was described as an “important conversation about the city’s future growth, investment opportunities and long-term prosperity”.
Lismore City Council staff say Council hosted the event in the Members Dining Room at Parliament House in Sydney.
They say, “The briefing brought together key stakeholders from across government, property, infrastructure, business and regional development sectors to hear about Council’s draft vision for a stronger, larger and more resilient Lismore”.
“The event focused on Council’s draft Local Strategic Planning Framework, which proposes a long-term pathway for Lismore to grow to 60,000 residents, support up to 10,000 new homes and create 6,500 local jobs over time. The framework aims to position Lismore as a leading regional city while balancing housing, economic growth, environmental stewardship and community wellbeing”.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the briefing demonstrated growing confidence in Lismore’s future and highlighted the city’s potential as one of the most significant growth opportunities in regional Australia.
“Three years ago, the conversation was about rebuilding. Today the conversation is about growth, investment and opportunity,” Mayor Krieg said.
Capital of the Northern Rivers
“Lismore has always been the capital of the Northern Rivers. We’re now planning for the next generation of residents, workers and businesses who will choose to call our city home.
“This isn’t growth for growth’s sake. It’s about creating jobs, attracting investment, increasing housing choice and building a stronger economy that benefits the entire Northern Rivers region.”
Mayor Krieg said the Sydney briefing was an important part of ensuring the region could attract the partnerships and investment needed to deliver the community’s long-term aspirations.
“While these conversations are beginning locally through our community consultation, they must also extend beyond our region,” he said.
“We are a city of yes. If we want to attract new jobs, investment and infrastructure to Lismore, we need to be engaging directly with the people and organisations that can help deliver them.”
The briefing forms part of a broader engagement program supporting the Lismore 60,000 initiative. Alongside extensive local community consultation, Council is seeking input from industry, government agencies, investors and strategic partners whose involvement will be critical to delivering the infrastructure, housing and employment opportunities needed to support future growth.
Jamie Van Iersel, Manager Strategic Services at Council emphasised that the Local Strategic Planning Framework remains in draft form and that community feedback will play a central role in shaping its final direction.
“These are draft plans, and we want to hear from our community,” she said.
“The vision, priorities and opportunities identified in the framework are now being tested through consultation. We encourage residents, businesses and community organisations to review the proposals, share their ideas and help shape the future of Lismore.”
The Local Strategic Planning Framework has been developed through extensive research, expert planning advice and community input, establishing a roadmap to guide sustainable growth, resilience and economic prosperity for decades to come.
Community consultation on the draft Local Strategic Planning Framework remains open, with residents encouraged to learn more and have their say on the future of Lismore: https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.
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