The landfill at the Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre is officially reopening today, more than three years after the 2022 floods caused extensive damage to the facility, and four months ahead of schedule.
Originally established in the 1960s, the landfill at the LRRC on Wyrallah Road has served as the central disposal facility for Lismore’s residual waste for decades.
NSW Minister for Recovery and local member Janelle Saffin said, ‘This reopening is another important milestone in Lismore’s recovery journey. It shows what can be achieved when all levels of government work together to deliver practical outcomes for our community.
‘The 2022 floods caused immense damage to critical infrastructure like this landfill, so it’s fantastic to see it restored and operating again.
‘We are building back better where we can and ensuring a more sustainable and self-sufficient Lismore.’
Funding
Following extensive damage in the 2022 floods, the Albanese and Minns governments provided $15.6 million under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Works were managed by Lismore City Council’s Flood Restoration Portfolio, with a further $3.6 million provided through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, delivered under the DRFA to support more resilient reconstruction.
The restoration included drying the flood-affected cell and reinstating environmental safeguards, including the replacement of the cell floor lining system.
Council is also progressing long-term planning for future waste management, with investigations underway into a new regional landfill that can service the community for the next 50 years.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said, ‘By investing in critical facilities like this, we’re not just restoring services, we’re helping reduce future risks, support local jobs, and give communities like Lismore the confidence to plan for the future.’
Lismore Mayor Steve Kreig said, ‘Restoring our landfill has been a complex and challenging task, and I want to sincerely thank the contractors and Council staff who’ve worked tirelessly to make this happen.
‘Their commitment has not only delivered a vital piece of infrastructure back to our community but also helped reduce the financial burden of transporting waste out of the region.’
Lismore City Council General Manager Eber Butron said, ‘It’s great to see this restoration complete, giving us waste capacity for the next 7-10 years. Council is now focused on investigating a site for a future landfill to service the region for the next 50 years, once the current facility reaches capacity.’
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