Lismore is set to benefit from a transformative $1.98 million project to restore its critically endangered urban rainforests and improve the health of local waterways.
The Rainforest to River project will enhance 42 hectares of lowland rainforest across 16 sites, protect native wildlife, and strengthen the community's connection to nature.
Mayor Steve Krieg welcomed the funding as a major boost for the region's environment.
"This project will breathe new life into Lismore's urban landscapes," he said.
"By restoring our rainforests and waterways, we're creating a healthier, more vibrant environment for our community and future generations."
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said the funding is great news for native wildlife and the community.
"The Albanese Government is proud to invest nearly $2 million into protecting and improving the incredible natural environment around the Northern Rivers."
"We're very pleased to partner with the Council and local organisations to deliver this program.
"With so many native plants and animals reliant on our rivers, creeks, wetlands, and estuaries, protecting and restoring the health of local waterways is essential."
The Rainforest to River project has received just over $1.98 million through the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program. An additional $1 million in cash and in-kind contributions from 17 partners, including Lismore City Council, Landcare groups and First Nations organisations, will further bolster this effort.
The initiative focuses on biodiversity hotspots along the Wilsons River and Browns Creek catchments. It aims to improve the condition, extent and connectivity of native vegetation, offering renewed opportunities for four threatened ecological communities, many migratory and threatened species.
Culturally informed restoration activities will support First Nations involvement, ensuring the project aligns with cultural practices while addressing key threats such as flooding, weed invasion and pollution.
Key activities include:
- Rainforest and wetland restoration and revegetation
- Cultural ceremonies and yarning circles led by Widjabul Wia-bal Elders
- Community tree planting days and educational events
The project will establish a connected riverside green corridor, linking riverbanks, parks, wetlands and other key natural assets.
The first community events as part of the Rainforest to River project will be:
- Wilsons River Landcare planting event – Saturday, 12 October
- South Lismore Duckpond planting event – Saturday, 18 October
- River Time community launch + tree planting – Sunday, 26 October
River Time will serve as the official community launch of the Rainforest to River project and is also a featured event of Richmond Riverfest, a month-long celebration of the rivers, cultures and communities of the Northern Rivers region.
In a further win for Lismore, Goonellabah Tucki Landcare Inc. has also received over $300,000 through the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program to restore the riparian rainforest in Upper Tucki Tucki Creek.
This project is funded by the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, with the support of Lismore City Council, Rous County Council, Wilsons River Landcare Group Inc, Richmond Landcare Inc, Widjabul Wia-bal Gurrumbil RNTBC, Ngulingah Local Aboriginal Land Council, South Lismore Duckpond Landcare Inc, Lismore Lake Inc Landcare, Far North Coast Canoe Club, Richmond Riverkeeper, Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy Inc, OzFish Unlimited, Revive Northern Rivers, North Coast Local Land Services and Birdlife Australia: Northern NSW Chapter.
