Introduction, Purpose, and Principles

DOGWHISTLE CREATIVE

DOGWHISTLE CREATIVE

Introduction

Lismore City Council recognises important opportunities to renew Lismore and Nimbin as dynamic and flourishing business centres, celebrating our local community and enticing people

here to the heart of the Northern Rivers.

Council’s Economic Development Team, along with colleagues and stakeholders, are conscious of ongoing impacts of COVID-19, flood and bushfires, along with considerable social and economic changes that now drive growth and pressures across the region. With the Lismore and Nimbin Business Activation Plan (BAP) we seek to enhance shared spaces and experiences in our town centres, and to boost promotions and support opportunities that benefit local business, events and community members. We have developed this Plan for action with key stakeholders. Lismore Local Government Area (LGA) is known as the heart of the Northern Rivers. The regional city of Lismore supports a large urban population and provides vital services for many outlying villages, hamlets, and rural areas. The Lismore town centre is 30 minutes from Nimbin, which is recognised as a world-famous alternative lifestyle capital. With current population of 43,6671, characterised by younger families and older people, Lismore LGA has a strong sense of community, diversity and resilience. With world-class health, education, arts and sporting facilities; our beautiful surrounds and renowned food and agribusiness; and strong services and regional interconnections; this is a great place to live, work and play.

Image 1: Headline strengths for Lismore City Council identified from horizon scan and community engagement

Health and University Facilities Exceptional Food and Agribusiness Desirable Climate and Natural Attractions

There are over 4,000 businesses registered in Lismore2 and the number of registered businesses grew slightly from 2019 to 2020 despite COVID-19. Tourism data shows a growth in visitor nights from 672,000 to 812,000 in Lismore from 2018 to 2020 and almost 600,000 domestic day trips.3 Even with international borders closed, Lismore and the Northern Rivers region continue to see day and overnight visitors locally. While Lismore LGA has its strengths, as shown in Image 1, it also has several opportunities for change. These include needing to prioritise Council spending on service delivery and asset maintenance costs within current budgets; flood mitigation and managing other environmental impacts; the need for business investment; and streamlining how businesses can work with Council processes.

Scope, locations and timing

The Business Activation Plan guides actions spanning two financial years to 30 June 2023. The Plan identifies targeted initiatives for the Economic Development Team to deliver within this timeframe, and shows where the Economic Development Team will work with other parts of Council to support improved business outcomes. Primarily funded through Special Business Rate Variation Levy contributions in Lismore (SBRVL, which continues at current rate until 30 June 2023), this Plan also informs the pursuit of other grant opportunities for Nimbin and beyond the scope of SBRVL resources. With necessarily focus on Lismore at the outset of the Plan in line with SBRVL expenditure requirements, we will work with the new Tourism Destination Officer and business community stakeholders in Nimbin to progress activation priorities and funding opportunities there. While the short-term horizon is the priority for actions detailed here, we have developed the Business Activation Plan to provide a platform for longer term initiatives and outcomes which can inform Council’s strategic decision making.

THE BUSINESS ACTIVATION PLAN IS ADAPTIVE AND COVIDCONSCIOUS - WE ARE RESPONSIVE TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES ALONG WITH CHANGING IMPACTS, AND WORKING WITH OTHER PARTS OF COUNCIL TO DELIVER IMPROVED BUSINESS OUTCOMES.

Proximity to Major Transport Corridors Renowned Art and Sustainability-based Industries