Lismore Housing Expo: Your guide to housing and recovery

The current housing crisis is not just a statistic or a news headline, it’s a current reality that affects countless individuals and families in Lismore and beyond. As we grapple with soaring prices, limited availability and the stress of securing a stable place to call home, it’s crucial we take steps to address this issue.

In response to this crisis, Lismore City Council has developed the Lismore Housing Expo, demonstrating Council’s commitment to providing access to the knowledge and resources needed to fnd a safe and secure place to live.

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the Lismore Housing Expo is an important event not only for Lismore’s recovery but also for the City’s future.

“The Expo will offer something to cater to the needs of everyone currently exploring housing options. Navigating the available options and processes can sometimes be challenging, but having all this information along with expert guidance in one location is a valuable opportunity for our community,” he said.

Stallholders will showcase the wide array of services and resources available to help people through the challenges of the current housing situation. From tiny homes and modular homes to house removals, house raising, the two rooms project and recovery support services.

Attendees can connect with experts on housing grants, development applications, fnancial counselling or legal advice, these free 30-minute sessions run between 10am and 2pm and are open to all attendees.

Enjoy complimentary food, coffee and kids’ activities throughout the day. Plus, enter the lucky door draw for a chance to win one of three Loving

Local Gift cards. Access this important information at the Lismore Housing Expo on Saturday, 11 November, from 10am to 2pm at the South Lismore Bowling Club. For more details visit Council’s website at www.lismore. nsw.gov.au or contact Council on 6625 0500. This is a Back Lismore initiative designed to help advance Lismore into the future. To discover how you can support Lismore, visit www.backlismore. com.au.

Revisiting foodplain management in the north of the Byron Shire

In 2022, fooding caused extensive damage to many properties in the north of the Byron Shire, especially in the Marshalls Creek catchment incorporating the areas of Ocean Shores, Billinudgel, New Brighton, and South Golden Beach.

After the foods, Council was heavily criticised by some in the community for its approach to foodplain management.

With a grant from the Local Government Flood Recovery Fund, a joint initiative of the Australian and NSW Governments, specialist consultants JBP Pacifc are undertaking a review of foodplain management with a specifc focus on the north of the Byron Shire.

“Council’s North Byron Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan (2020) were developed in accordance with the NSW Flood Risk Management Manual and process for food planning using best practice hydrology and hydraulic foodplain models,” James Flockton, Infrastructure Planning Coordinator, said.

“The current plan and all prior adopted plans and studies for the northern region will now be reviewed as part of this project,” Mr Flockton said.

“We need to make sure that the process followed and recommended measures for Council to implement for managing food risk are based on best practice food planning process and absolute best data to inform how we manage our foodplains which includes structural mitigation measures and future land use and development controls,” he said.

Mullumbimby, while extremely food-prone, is not a part of this project because the pattern of fooding in the town is very different to those areas closer to the coast.

Separate funding has been obtained to investigate fooding issues for other areas of the shire including Mullumbimby, Bangalow, Suffolk Park and updated Flood Risk Management Study and Plans for both Belongil and Tallows Creek catchments.

“We know there are some very strong views in the north of the Shire relating to reducing food risk such as ocean outfalls, dredging of creek systems, modifcation of the Brunswick River training walls and bund structures,” Mr Flockton said.

“While independent experts have not supported these as viable in the past, we feel that we need to revisit all relevant options investigated in the adopted North Byron Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan (2020).

“This is an opportunity for residents and stakeholders to put forward their views on foodplain management with all feedback to be handed to JBP for investigation and evaluation.

“The information from this review will then be reported to Council’s Floodplain Management Advisory Committee for consideration and discussion before agreeing on what happens next.

“The fndings will be available to the community, and we will endeavour to work with residents to increase their understanding for foodplain management and how to be more prepared for future weather events,” Mr Flockton said.

People will have the opportunity of providing feedback and comments:

• Online via a survey on Council’s website

• Via letter, email or telephone.

• In person by appointment

More information about the review of foodplain management including the survey is on Council’s website.

The closing date for submissions is 17 November.