Council Decides: March 2026 Ordinary Meeting

Welcome to our March issue of "Council Decides", where we update you on the decisions and discussions of the Lismore City Council's monthly Council meeting.

The business papers and attachments for the meeting can be found here .

PUBLIC ACCESS

Four people spoke during Public Access on a range of agenda items, including the Bruxner Highway speed limit, the health of the Richmond River and proposed Koala National Parks.

MAYORAL MINUTE(S)

Councillors resolved to:

• endorse Dr Joe McGirr's Six Point Regional Health Plan aimed at improving rural and regional healthcare and write to the Minister for Regional Health advising of Council's support.
• work with Transport for NSW to explore options for a safer pedestrian crossing on Uralba Street between Dawson Street and Brewster Street, with the matter referred to the Local Traffic Internal Group.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

Councillors resolved to:

• Receive the minutes of the Local Traffic Forum and note the recommendations contained within the minutes.

MATTERS ARISING

Councillors resolved to:

• request the General Manager hold two Community Safety Forums each year bringing together stakeholders including NSW Police, NSW Health, NSW Ambulance, Business Lismore, Social Futures and other agencies.
• note the responses to Questions on Notice.

REPORTS OF THE GENERAL MANAGER

Councillors resolved to:

• receive and note the February 2026 Financial and Investment Report.
• approve amendments to the Investment Strategy to include Australian bank bonds and TCorp managed funds and delegate authority to the General Manager to adjust asset allocations within the approved ranges.
• adopt the Customer Service Policy.
• adopt the revised Sport, Culture, Art and Tourism Policy.
• revoke the existing Arts and Culture Policy.

NOTICES OF MOTION

Councillors resolved to:

• receive the Mayoral Attendance Report for February 2026.
• request a report to the May Council meeting on the viability of establishing a Reconciliation Action Plan Committee with councillor and community representation and amend advisory group terms of reference to require community representatives to live, own property or operate a business in the Lismore LGA.
• ·note that the motion regarding strategic housing reform for older women lapsed due to a lack of a seconder.
• request a report on options for an investment attraction strategy aligned with the Economic Development Plan and Local Strategic Planning Statement, including indicative costs for consideration in the 2026 to 2027 budget.
• support in principle the establishment of a Richmond River Commission following the identification of flood mitigation strategies by CSIRO.
• ·oppose further transfers of State Forest or privately owned land within the Lismore LGA into National Parks or conservation reserves that would restrict sustainable timber harvesting and write to the NSW Government seeking clarification of future intentions.
• express concern regarding the reduction of the speed limit from 100 km/h to 80 km/h on the Bruxner Highway between Lismore and Casino and request Transport for NSW prioritise targeted mitigation measures such as wildlife fencing, fauna crossings and improved warning systems.
• undertake community consultation on the future use of Bellevue Park, engage with the Nimbin A and I Society regarding potential interest in the land and bring a report back to Council following consultation.
• ·note that the motion requesting a psychosocial risk management report was withdrawn
• consider reviewing open spaces and parks maintenance schedules and allocations.

CONFIDENTIAL MATTERS

When the meeting resumed following the Closed Session, Council resolved to:

• commit $1,996,751 in the 2026 to 2027 budget from the Public Infrastructure and Building Assets Reserve and Domestic Waste Reserve to enable the award of the New Operational Service Road construction contract and delegate authority to the General Manager to finalise and execute the contract and associated documentation.
• write off $35,456.47 in rates and water charges associated with a Lismore property in accordance with the Local Government Act and Local Government Regulation.