The landfill at the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre has officially reopened, more than three years after the 2022 floods caused extensive damage to the facility.
The project marks a major milestone in Lismore's recovery, with the landfill now back in operation 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.
Following extensive damage in the 2022 floods, the Australian and NSW 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, 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.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg 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."
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said: "The reopening of the Lismore landfill is a significant milestone in the city's ongoing recovery, helping restore essential local infrastructure that was so badly damaged in the 2022 floods.
"This project shows what can be achieved when all levels of government work together to rebuild stronger and more resilient communities after disasters.
"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."
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan: "Reopening Lismore's landfill is a big step in our recovery from the devastating 2022 floods. Restoring this important site was essential so that rubbish can be managed locally, helping keep costs down and giving our community confidence in our waste capacity for the years ahead."
NSW Minister for Recovery and Member for Lismore 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. It means less cost, less waste going out of our region and greater self-sufficiency for Lismore."
NSW Public Works Executive Director Drew Varnum said: "NSW Public Works provided technical and administrative support to Lismore City Council's extensive repair of Cell 2B at the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre and are pleased with the positive outcomes achieved by Lismore City Council for their community."
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."
