Operating Context

Operating Context - existing strategies and policies

The actions of the Business Activation Plan are supported by regional and local priorities. The following guiding frameworks informed the development of this Plan.

STATE

Common themes across these plans include:

• The role of Lismore as an important regional city, and significant opportunities as the Northern Rivers is a NSW Growth Centre

NSW Government North Coast Regional Plan 2036 NSW Government and Councils Northern Rivers Regional Economic Development Strategy 2018-2021 Lismore Regional City Action Plan - draft 2021 NSW Government 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW - 2021 refresh

LOCAL

• Village lifestyle as a priority and key asset across the local area

• Recognised need to support improved connections and revitalisation within town centres

• Recognised need to leverage tourism, culture, sport and links to the region’s agri-economy • A reputation linked to sustainability and innovation • The role of all tiers of government in providing support for business success and economic development opportunities.

LCC Community Stretgic Plan 2017-2027 LCC Local Strategic Planning Statement - draft 2020-2040 LCC Economic Development Strategy 2019-2024 LCC Lismore Business Promotion Program 2016-18 LCC Shaping the Lismore CBD Report 2019 NNIC Sustainable Nimbin Community Plan 2016-2021

BUSINESS ACTIVATION PLAN

Image 3: State and Local Plans and reports informing the Business Activation Plan

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TREVOR WORDEN

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATSKY

Showcasing Lismore and Nimbin

Lismore

As the regional city of the Northern Rivers, Lismore serves essential business, health, education, judicial, aviation, industrial and retail functions for local and regional residents.

Lismore’s features include:

• Charming historical buildings in the town centre laid out in a grid - ‘The Block’ - alongside increasingly dynamic business centres in

South and North Lismore, Lismore Square, Lismore Base Hospital and

Southern Cross University. There are opportunities to create reasons for people to walk around into the town centre and between places. • Diversity of cosmopolitan food, artisanal shops, street art showcased by the Back Alley Gallery in Lismore Laneways, thanks to vibrant businesses and community members. • Excellent sporting facilities that attract major national and international events for rugby league, football, baseball and cricket. • Celebrated regional institutions, including NORPA theatre company at

Lismore City Hall and Lismore Regional Gallery, Lismore Library and the Northern Rivers Conservatorium, which are situated around The

Quad. • Annual events include the Lismore Youth Festival, Lismore Lantern

Festival, Eat the Street, the Lismore Masters Games, Tropical Fruits

New Year’s Eve Festival and a suite of other activities.

Key to activating Lismore is linking the different parts of the town and embracing Wilsons River as a strength and opportunity. Following a major flood in 2017, Lismore’s town centre is continuing to update roads, footpaths and building facades impacted by the flood waters.

Nimbin

Nimbin town centre’s features include:

• Compelling tourism offering with visitors attracted by leadership in alternative living and sustainability, the proximity to national parks and features such as Nimbin Rocks and Djungbung Gardens. • The main street, Cullen Street, is attractive and colourful with eclectic shopping options. • Strong and identifiable sense of community, and active recognition of history and heritage, both First Nations and settlers. • Largest village in the Lismore Local Government Area (LGA) - Nimbin is located in the north of Lismore LGA and 30 minutes from Lismore centre, and also serves neighbouring Kyogle and Tweed Shire

Councils.

• Key events include the Nimbin Markets and Nimbin Country Show,

Nimbin Roots Festival, Nimbin Poetry World Cup, Nimbin MardiGrass, and the Nimbin Markets and Farmers’ Markets

• New opportunities emerging with confirmed funding for stage one of the Rainbow Road, and new LCC Tourism Destination Officer based in

Nimbin.

Key to activating Nimbin is ensuring ready access to surrounding villages and towns, and leveraging tourism by allowing for easy wayfinding around the village through good signage, information and walkable access. Identifying funding opportunities for Nimbin to develop amenities and attractions is a priority acknowledged across BAP actions.

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