The largest infrastructure and flood recovery program in Lismore City Council history will enter a decisive new phase in the 2026-27 financial year, marking a significant turning point in the city's journey from disaster recovery to long-term renewal and resilience.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the proposed $218.4 million capital investment program in Council's Draft Budget is underpinned by hard-fought State and Federal disaster recovery funding and will drive tangible outcomes for the community, with major investment focused on roads, water, waste and critical flood resilience infrastructure.
"We fought hard to secure Lismore's fair share, and that advocacy is now translating into real outcomes for the community," Mayor Krieg said.
"After years of relentless lobbying, planning, approvals, and detailed design work, the city is now entering the most significant delivery phase of flood recovery infrastructure projects in its history, with construction activity accelerating across the entire region."
"Our Flood Restoration Portfolio has already delivered 135 projects, laying the groundwork for what will now become the largest and most intensive construction phase of the recovery program to date.
"Backed by a $209.7 million grant-funded investment, the 2026-27 program will see major recovery and resilience works accelerate across critical community infrastructure as Council continues rebuilding for the future."
Council's Landslip Restoration Package continues to progress, addressing up to 60 complex landslips, with 17 in construction and more than 20 scheduled to commence in the next 12 months.
The Pavement Restoration Program, which is progressively rehabilitating more than 100 sites across 49 roads, will also make significant headway in the year ahead.
The Landslip and Pavement Restoration programs are jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
South Lismore Sewage Treatment Plant is being restored, with critical infrastructure relocated to higher ground to protect essential sewerage services during future severe weather events. Delivered by Lismore City Council, the project is funded by the NSW Reconstruction Authority and is currently in design, with completion planned by 2027.
Work will also continue for the Browns Creek Pump Station upgrade, funded by the Australian Government through the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program 2022-23, administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
"The upgrade will improve catchment response to local rainfall when river levels rise, helping to keep evacuation routes open and limit stormwater damage," Mayor Krieg said.
"This year is about rebuilding Lismore in a way that is stronger, more resilient and fit for the future."
The scale of investment has been made possible through significant State and Federal funding secured following significant advocacy work by Council after the 2022 floods.
"We have worked hard to secure this funding, so our community gets what it deserves."
The proposed $218M program supports local jobs and drives continued economic activity across the region.
"This level of investment supports local contractors and keeps money flowing in our local community."
"This is a major step forward in Lismore's recovery and future, and a showcase of the work we are doing to deliver on community priorities for Lismore."
The Draft Budget by Program 2026-2027, Draft Operational Plan 2026-2027, Draft Revenue Policy 2026-2027, Draft Fees and Charges 2026-2027 and Draft Long Term Financial Plan 2026-2027 are on public exhibition from Wednesday, 13 May until Thursday, 11 June 2026 and can be viewed on Your Say Lismore .
