Lismore City Council Approves Historic $301 Million Budget
In a landmark decision, Lismore City Council has passed an unprecedented $301 million budget, focusing on operational efficiency, liveability, and prudent investment to service the community while promoting sustainability and growth.
Commitment to Sustainable Growth and Operational Efficiency
Mayor Steve Krieg emphasized that the budget, part of the council’s long-term financial plan, is designed to foster economic and social responsibility, ensuring Lismore’s prosperity. “This budget represents our plan for continuing to deliver on the sustainable rebuild of Lismore. It sets a strong plan to ensure we take strides toward growing as a prosperous, connected, and thriving regional hub of the Northern Rivers,” he stated.
Focus on Essential Services and Community Needs
A significant portion of the budget, $209.9 million, is allocated to essential services including water, waste, sewer, roads, and bridges. Mayor Krieg highlighted the community’s mandate for financially sustainable operations with responsible use of ratepayer funds. “A majority of our budget is invested in the essential services our community cares about the most,” he said.
The budget also includes a $18 million investment in city asset maintenance, featuring a 30.7% increase in drain and stormwater management. Additionally, the council is investing in a vast road network, extensive sewer and water pipes, and maintaining numerous parks and open spaces.
Investing in Liveability and Community Services
Beyond essential services, the council is investing $19.8 million into facilities and services that enhance Lismore’s liveability. This includes pools, libraries, parks, sporting clubs, walking trails, galleries, dog parks, and community events. Nearly $7 million is earmarked for community services and assets that support a safer city, with $2.5 million allocated to affordable housing initiatives.
Support for Vulnerable Residents and Community Projects
The budget also provides $1.43 million in discounts and concessions to ease financial burdens for those in need. Councillors approved additional funds for various community projects, including $25,000 for sharps disposal bins, $20,000 in cash and $20,000 in-kind support for the Lismore Lantern Parade, $1,100 for Magpie Centre administration, and $30,000 for the Eltham Public School safety project. They also amended the Delivery Program to seek funding for a footpath/cycleway between Dunoon and Modanville.
Budget Highlights:
Total Budget: $301 million – Backing Lismore
- Capital Investment: $134.5 million – Building Lismore
- Increase in Drain and Stormwater Investment: 30.7% – Investing in what matters
- Borrowings: $0 – Limiting burden on ratepayers
- Roads and Bridges Investment: $74.2 million – Repairing and reconstructing our transport network
- Sewer Charges: $0 increase
- Rate Increase: 4.7% – Maintaining rate peg set by the State Government
- Affordable Housing: $2.5 million investment
- Natural Disaster Restoration Works: $107.3 million total investment
- Lismore Urban Sports Precinct: $1.3 million to complete
- Basic Services Investment: $209.9 million – Water, waste, sewer, roads, bridges (including funded capital works)
- Liveability Investment: $19.81 million – Sports facilities, galleries, libraries, events, pools, dog parks, community assets, playgrounds
- Community Support: $4.8 million direct investment – Concessions, free events, affordable housing, waiver of leasing fees, free grounds maintenance for community sporting clubs
The 2024-2025 budget underscores Lismore City Council’s commitment to balancing essential services with the amenities that make Lismore a vibrant and sustainable community.
