Lismore will become the Newtown of the Northern Rivers under a 15-year vision to turn the regional city into a thriving arts and cultural centre that puts the environment and community at its core.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the final Lismore Regional City Action Plan 2036 focused on promoting creative industries, climate resilience, building more homes and supporting a flourishing food sector.

“There is lots to love about Lismore and our plan plays on its strengths, which include enviable weather, fantastic food and growing green industries,” Mr Stokes said.

“Lismore is home to the highest number of artists and creatives in regional NSW and by encouraging investment in the arts we will see it transform into the Newtown of the Northern Rivers.

“The community wants to see more diverse and climate-conscious housing, and the plan will help achieve this in partnership with council.”

Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said the plan strikes a balance between managing environmental risks while facilitating growth that showcases the best of Lismore.

“Locals know all too well how devastating ongoing heavy rainfall and flooding can be. This plan puts floodplain resilience at the forefront of future growth while taking opportunities to revitalise the waterfront,” Mr Franklin said.

“We will bring our laneways, alleyways and arcades to life with alfresco dining, live music, pop-up stalls and by reconnecting the CBD to the river through initiatives like the Bridge to Bridge Masterplan.

“These changes will entice visitors, which means more money in the pockets of local businesses.”

The plan’s key goals and objectives will:

• Promote jobs growth, leveraging new opportunities in tourism and existing employment nodes around health and education;
• Provide more and different types of housing to give people greater choice;
• Support Lismore as the heart of the Northern Rivers;
• Deliver an accessible and vibrant city centre; and
• Identify and deliver the infrastructure the city needs to make it a more attractive place for investment.

To view the Lismore Regional City Action Plan, visit https://pp.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/lismoreRCAP.