The Lismore CBD continues to show signs of renewal and economic resilience, with an 81% occupancy rate recorded across audited business premises as of June 2025 representing a 3 per cent uplift in activity from December 2024.
Council's twice-yearly CBD Audit monitors the occupation rate of shopfronts and upper-level premises across the Lismore CBD to measure business growth and community confidence.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the data helps track business and organisational trends within 'the block'.
"This increase is great news as Lismore continues to rebuild and shows the confidence our local businesses have in Lismore's future as they continue to invest in the CBD and create local jobs," he said.
"The current rate highlights the vibrancy of the CBD and the collective investment of local businesses, event organisers, creative industries, sporting groups, and major infrastructure initiatives."
Despite some variation, occupancy rates remain on an upward trend compared to previous post-disaster audit figures.
The Lismore CBD Audit covers central portions of Keen, Molesworth, Woodlark, Conway, Magellan and Carrington Streets. Below are the street-by-street occupation rates at June 2025, compared with December 2024.
• Keen Street occupancy rate – 88% (up 3% since December 2024)
• Magellan Street occupancy rate – 82% (up 7% since December 2024)
• Conway Street occupancy rate – 67% (no change since December 2024)
• Carrington Street occupancy rate – 82% (up 4% since December 2024)
• Molesworth Street occupancy rate – 83% (down 3% since December 2024)
• Woodlark Street occupancy rate – 70% (up 10% since December 2024)
This is the sixth Lismore CBD Audit following the 2022 natural disaster. The same area of the Lismore CBD has been audited by Council staff each year since 2017.
It's important to note that fluctuations in total premises due to amalgamations or subdivisions can affect the baseline data used in each audit.
Picture: George Gooleys Menswear
