Lismore City Council has closed the waiting room facility at the Transit Centre on the corner of Molesworth and Carrington streets following a joint assessment with NSW Police and local bus service providers.
The decision was made in response to ongoing concerns about unsafe and disruptive behaviour by a small number of individuals. Importantly, the public toilets at the site remain open and accessible for travellers.
Council's Acting Chief Operating and Financial Officer Matt Potter acknowledged community safety is a shared responsibility, and said the closure reflects a coordinated response to protect the wellbeing of residents, businesses and visitors.
"We're committed to working collaboratively with police and transport services to ensure safe and welcoming public spaces across the city," he said.
Council has also confirmed the Transit Centre site will be included in the concept planning for the Lismore CBD Precinct, as outlined in the recently adopted Community Strategic Plan.
"This decision also gives us the opportunity to think long term. That corner of the CBD will be redesigned as part of our broader plans to revitalise and improve the city centre," Mr Potter said.
"We want to create a safe, vibrant CBD and the community will have an opportunity to help shape what that looks like."
Planning for the CBD Precinct will commence in the coming months, with community engagement to follow as part of the design process.
