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Lismore City Council is pleased to announce completion of its East Town Drains refurbishment project, with the essential community works delivered under the Council’s Flood Restoration Portfolio.
Completed across a three-week period in February, the East Town Drains project saw the repair of a 1,400-metre open drain system, located adjacent to Wyrallah Road Public School, Lismore Thistles Soccer FC and Wade Park.
Works saw the removal of invasive coral trees and debris restricting the drain, restoring optimal flow to the section of stormwater drainage connecting Lismore open drains to Gundurimba Canal.
Location: near Thistles Lismore Soccer FC, Military Road, Lismore
Lismore City Council acknowledges the Widjabul/Wia-bal people of the Bundjalung nation, traditional owners of the land on which we work, live and play. We acknowledge their continuing connection to the land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Widjabul/Wia-bal people, their culture, their elders and community leaders past, present and emerging.
The NSW SES is directing people in the following area(s) of Lismore to EVACUATE BEFORE 9:00 pm Thu 06 Mar due to forecast cyclone related major flooding:
Lismore CBD and surrounds, including low lying parts of Molesworth, Coleman and Brunswick Streets near the river.
East Lismore in the vicinity of Wade Park.
You must evacuate before this time because forecasted heavy rain fall will close evacuation routes.
You should evacuate to stay with family, friends, or alternate accommodation in areas unaffected by flooding. If you are unable to find accommodation, Evacuation centres have been set up at Southern Cross University, entry via Rifle Range Road, East Lismore (in the Health Precinct)
If you remain in the area, you may become trapped without power, water, and other essential services. It may be too dangerous for NSW SES to rescue you, and buildings may not be able to withstand the impact of flood water.
Based on the predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, rainfall associated with Tropical Cyclone Alfred may cause rapid river rises and extensive flooding.
Heavy and locally intense rainfall is forecast from Thursday into the weekend over Northern NSW. Flash flooding is possible. High tides and large waves are expected to increase the flood risk and impacts in low lying coastal areas.
This event may change quickly. NSW SES will monitor the situation and update warnings if the situation changes.
East Lismore.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe NSW Government–owned Landcom said it would “deliver secure rental housing in a region impacted by rising rents and low housing availability”.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOf the apartments
20 per cent will be affordable rental housing for low and moderate household incomes
such as essential workers.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn offer will be studio
two and three-bedroom apartments plus five terrace-style townhouses.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c!--\u003cp\u003eThe three and four-storey residential building
including five terrace-style townhouses across two floors and delivered across two buildings.\u003c/p\u003e--\u003e\u003cp\u003eClimate-resilient features
according to the architectural design report for the site
will minimise south-facing homes and outdoor spaces to avoid mould
and maximise north-facing units to capitalise on solar access.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe plans would consider the “hybrid climate” of subtropical summer and cold winter temperatures with window-to-wall ratio
insulation levels and passive design strategies
around 40 per cent of rental households were experiencing rental stress
according to NSW Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Beyond helping to boost housing supply and tackle the housing crisis head on
we are aiming for a high-quality and attractive development that is climate-resilient and sustainable so that future residents are proud to call it home,” Landcom chief executive Alex Wendler said.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe application said that “the delivery of a high-quality BtR project in this location will significantly enhance local housing opportunities for a range of residents including key workers
families and long-term rental households”.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe vacant site earmarked for development is in the “established urban area” of East Lismore
near the \u003ca data-mce-href=\"https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/scu-offers-lismore-land-for-flood-victims\" href=\"https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/scu-offers-lismore-land-for-flood-victims\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSouthern Cross University Lismore campus\u003c/a\u003e and the Wyrallah Road Shopping Centre.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSubject to approvals
construction is projected to begin in 2025 with residents expected to move in 2026.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLandcom has also filed plans for a build-to-rent project in the state’s south
\u003ca href=\"https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/landcom-regional-build-to-rent-bomaderry-shoalhaven-nsw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-mce-href=\"https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/landcom-regional-build-to-rent-bomaderry-shoalhaven-nsw\"\u003ea $30-million project at Bomaderry\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe NSW Government has thrown its weight behind the sector
Lendlease’s third residential building in the Collins Wharf precinct of Victoria Harbour.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 28-storey building at 971 Collins Street in Melbourne’s Docklands will deliver 312 homes in a mix of one
two and three-bedroom apartments as well as townhouses and penthouses.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAccording to Lendlease
the project has already secured more than 50 per cent in presales.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHickory is the construction contractor—it completed the precinct’s first development
in 2019 and is also working on LendLease’s second tower
Regatta.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor Ancora
Hickory is implementing several technical construction methods including various piling techniques and precast concrete solutions that enable a parallel-track construction program.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe building’s facade designed by architect Warren and Mahoney uses a three-stage design incorporating double-glazed glass
and textured precast concrete with Reckli and brick finishes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe structural design transitions from a solid podium base to lighter upper levels
“reflecting a maritime theme” aligned with the Collins Wharf design objectives.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAncora will connect to the neighbouring Regatta development via a podium
allowing resident access to shared amenities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDesigned as an all-electric building that includes electric vehicle infrastructure
the development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star certification
Completion is expected in 2027.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegatta
including build-to-rent and build-to-sell units.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eExtensive wharf works
including remediation of pre-existing wharf piles
installation of raker piles and construction of the extension to Australia Walk
are also part of the project.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTechnical challenges include constructing on the finger wharf and co-ordinating extensive above-wharf road reserve and public parkland works.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Collins Wharf precinct will ultimately comprise six residential buildings of more than 1800 homes surrounded by over 5000sq m of parks and community space.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLendlease is developing the parkland concurrently with the residential components
including the extension of Australian Walk that forms part of the City of Melbourne’s Greenline project.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLendlease executive director of development Adam Williams said Collins Wharf “is fast becoming a sought-after address ..
which took just a handful of hours to emerge on Saturday night
the Coalition’s failure to sway voters has
come under intense scrutiny.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts lack of policies around property that resonated with voters has been a large part of that criticism.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmong those policies was a $5-billion infrastructure program to unlock up to 500,000 new homes
was greeted with no small amount of scepticism.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Coalition also campaigned on its previously revealed plan to allow first home buyers to draw down on their superannuation
giving access to up to $50,000 to help fund mortgage deposits.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile that proposal had won some support
it got the thumbs down from many of Australia’s top economists
who said the measure could prove highly inflationary
among other issues.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSimilarly
its plan to allow mortgage interest for first home buyers to be tax-deductible was roundly criticised for its likely inflationary and regressive effects.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt has also been pointed out
that the Coalition’s rejection of the Green’s policies around housing supply
affordable housing and help for renters did it no favours.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe ALP
went to the polls spruiking an extension of schemes introduced during its previous term
including a $10-billion promise for its first-home buyers’ scheme to encourage 100,000 more homes.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt also had its Help to Buy shared equity scheme
under which the Government pays up to 40 per cent of the house price
to point to.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf it was these policies per se
or the lack of detail and depth to the Coalition’s
the nation's ready for the Albanese government to act.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat is clear
been endorsed to follow through on its policies
and fix the crisis that is crippling the Australian property sector.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs Urban Taskforce Australia chief executive\u0026nbsp;Tom\u0026nbsp;Forrest has pointed out
it is time for the Federal Government to get back to work.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Housing affordability and housing supply featured large during the campaign,” Forrest said.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“The key now is for the Government to strike while the iron’s hot.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“If legislation is needed to support the delivery of Labor’s $10-billion
100,000 new homes commitment—then pass it through the parliament now and get on with it.”\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe states have
made many changes to how they enable home development
The Federal Government’s support of that is crucial to its success
material supply assistance or any other factor that affects getting homes out of the ground.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis has been a pivotal election
Then Cities for Total Fan Immersion\",\"slug\":\"billionaire-arsenal-rams-denver-nuggets-sports-anchored-precincts\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-04-30T00:00+10:00\",\"tags\":[],\"summary\":\"Why your next home might be stadium-adjacent; sports are the hook
Plans filed with Lismore City Council show a 50-apartment project for a site at the corner of 32 Crawford Road and 138-146 Military Road
The NSW Government–owned Landcom said it would “deliver secure rental housing in a region impacted by rising rents and low housing availability”
two and three-bedroom apartments plus five terrace-style townhouses
and maximise north-facing units to capitalise on solar access
The plans would consider the “hybrid climate” of subtropical summer and cold winter temperatures with window-to-wall ratio
Part of the project brief is also to help Landcom commit to being carbon neutral and water positive with zero waste and net positive ecological outcomes by 2028
“Beyond helping to boost housing supply and tackle the housing crisis head on
we are aiming for a high-quality and attractive development that is climate-resilient and sustainable so that future residents are proud to call it home,” Landcom chief executive Alex Wendler said
The application said that “the delivery of a high-quality BtR project in this location will significantly enhance local housing opportunities for a range of residents including key workers
The vacant site earmarked for development is in the “established urban area” of East Lismore, near the Southern Cross University Lismore campus and the Wyrallah Road Shopping Centre
construction is projected to begin in 2025 with residents expected to move in 2026
Landcom has also filed plans for a build-to-rent project in the state’s south, a $30-million project at Bomaderry.
The NSW Government has thrown its weight behind the sector, earmarking $450 million to build more than 400 build-to-rent homes over the next three years.
A 15-year-old girl has died in hospital after she was hit by a car and trailer in northern New South Wales.
A teenage girl has been killed in a serious pedestrian crash after being hit by a car and a trailer on New South Wales' north coast.
Emergency services were called to Bruxner Highway in East Lismore about 5pm on Wednesday, following reports a pedestrian had been hit by a trailer.
Members of the public administered first aid to the 15-year-old girl until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived.
She was then taken to Lismore Base Hospital where she later died.
Officers have set up a crime scene in the area of impact, with investigations into the circumstances of the crash to continue.
The 42-year-old male driver of the utility and trailer who allegedly struck the girl was taken to Lismore Base Hospital for mandatory testing.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Each year about 50 pedestrians are vulnerable to being killed in a car crash and more than 1,000 are hospitalised on NSW roads.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.
East Lismore has been approved by the Northern Regional Planning Panel and will comprise 50 residential units
Twenty per cent has been allocated for affordable housing to support low to moderate-income households
The plan addresses housing challenges from the 2022 floods
claimed five lives and left thousands of homes uninhabitable
Proposed by government developer Landcom on land owned by Southern Cross University
the development will comprise two residential buildings
one of three storeys and the other four storeys including a ground-floor car park
It will also include 51 car parking spaces
bike racks and a communal room and will feature upgraded stormwater and road infrastructure
The Council Assessment Report said there would be “impacts
in an area of predominantly single dwellings and increased traffic for residents in the immediate vicinity”
were minor while the “positive benefits for the Lismore LGA outweigh the minor negative impacts
Aboriginal cultural heritage was considered during the assessment process
The council said it “should be avoided by all pre-construction and construction activities” unless additional consultation and mitigation measures are undertaken
The Northern Regional Planning Panel said the project’s location was above the probable maximum flood level
Road improvements will also form part of the development
and upgrading kerb and guttering to enhance safety and stormwater management
The approved development is in East Lismore’s “established urban area” near the Southern Cross University Lismore campus and the Wyrallah Road Shopping Centre
Construction is expected to begin in 2025 ahead of residents moving in by 2026
Also in regional NSW, Landcom is advancing plans for a $30-million build-to-rent development at Bomaderry
an increase from its originally proposed 50
with at least 20 per cent allocated for affordable housing to support essential workers and low to moderate-income households
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The masterplan will be implemented over the next 3-5 years
Community feedback highlighted the new toilet amenities as a key priority in the Wade Park Master Plan
The location of the new amenities will provide good access and sightlines from the play equipment areas and will be in place of where the big red bus is located
will be removed and assessed for potential restoration
Council is working hard to secure more grant funding to deliver the Master Plan
The Wade Park Masterplan has been developed for East Lismore’s much-loved Wade Park
It sets the vision and long-term framework for bringing new life to Wade Park and ensures it serves the needs of the community into the future
The vision is to create an all accessible and inclusive park that provides high-quality relaxation and recreation experiences
within an environmentally sensitive design
The masterplan has been driven by community input and has been designed by award-winning landscape architecture consultants
The Wade Park Masterplan is the result of a legacy project instigated by Parks and Leisure Australia NSW/ACT (PLA ACT/NSW)
It is a pro-bono initiative with many member organisations assisted with its development including community engagement
Lismore City Council is grateful for the care
time and dedication each member has contributed to the Wade Park masterplan
Peak Water Consulting and Cred Consultancy who have contributed so far
Based on the community’s vision and priorities for the park
Lismore City Council acknowledges the Widjabul/Wia-bal people of the Bundjalung nation
traditional owners of the land on which we work
We acknowledge their continuing connection to the land
We pay our respects to the Widjabul/Wia-bal people
A teenager who was hit by trailer being towed by a ute and later died has been remembered by her heartbroken dad as a talented artist who dreamed of visiting Japan
Emergency services were called to the Bruxner Highway at East Lismore in northern NSW last Wednesday afternoon
following reports a pedestrian had been hit by a trailer
Bystanders and passing motorists stopped and gave first aid to Alysha Martin
She was rushed to Lismore Base Hospital where she later died
'Alysha was such a beautiful girl and has touched the lives of so many people,' her shattered father Kye Martin told Daily Mail Australia on Sunday night
She was a great artist and going to Japan was her dream.'
Family friend Hilde Thurgate has set up a GoFundMe to help Alysha's grieving family with funeral arrangements and cover living expenses while they grieve and adjust to life without her.
'Life can change in a split second,' she wrote.
'This has absolutely destroyed her family and so many in our community who knew and loved her,' Ms Thurgate said.
'All our love is behind her family, her parents, siblings and her friends.'
More than $7,200 has been raised within a few days.
Rachel June revealed on a community social media page that Alysha was the daughter of her colleague and friend Mr Martin.
'Kye is a single dad who has raised his two girls alone for many years, has worked hard as a single dad to build a life for his girls,' she wrote.
'He works in the community sector supporting and sustaining housing for the community's most vulnerable.'
She described her colleague as 'a ray of sunlight, a truly amazing man and the most devoted father'.
Ms June added that the community is 'absolutely gutted ... by this senseless loss and at a loss of how to support him'.
'Kye now faces the formidable task of being the sole provider for his family whilst navigating the trauma that is the loss of a child,' she said.
She asked that people consider donating to the fundraiser if they could 'as there has never been a cause more deserving'.
Mr Martin said he is looking to find 'a good street artist that can do a memorial piece for my daughter'.
He wrote on Facebook that Alysha 'loved art and it was her biggest passion in life, she loved Japanese anime'.
The teen was also remembered by the Northern Rivers Shukokai Karate Dojo club.
In a Facebook post, the club said it had 'received the devastating news that Alysha, a former student and big sister of Nahla, a current student, was tragically killed Wednesday night.
'Our hearts go out to dad Kye and sister Nahla.'
The male ute driver, 42, was taken to Lismore Base Hospital for mandatory testing on Wednesday.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
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Brendan Logan, Lismore City Council's Chief Operating Officer and now Chief Financial Officer, gave an update on the East Lismore Sewage Treatment Plant, landslip road repairs, Lismore City Hall and explained his new role in the latest Talking Lismore podcast
The long-term plan for the Sewage Treatment Plan is due for completion by the end of 2027
Global design company GHD has been awarded the contract to not only rebuild the plant but to ensure it can handle an increase in population in the future
which is expected to be finalised by the end of this year before construction begins
The company has set up an office in Lismore to assist with the rebuild
so it will be contributing to the local economy as well
Mr Logan also said Lismore City Council had executed a funding agreement with state agencies should funding costs go over the allocated budget
given the total amount of grant money on offer and the increasing construction costs
The new sewage treatment plant will be out of flood reach
with the critical components 11 to 14 metres above the current level
Mr Logan also confirmed what most of Lismore expected: that the current state of the East Lismore Treatment Plant can not handle even 100 of the 400 homes promised by the state government in its Crawford Road (East Lismore) Resilient Lands project
The project looks likely to be delivered in conjunction with the sewage plant in 2027
The update on the City Hall reconstruction project was positive
Mr Logan said that delays were caused by funding constraints and the need to secure a comprehensive funding envelope
"We spent about $1.5 million last year
all those prep works that would have to be done no matter what the future of City Hall was
we did have to slow down until certain funding envelopes and certain parameters were identified and worked on by us and the state
But I'm pleased to say that's all behind us now
We are turning our eye to that reconstruction."
The project is now moving into the reconstruction phase
The new City Hall will be a multi-use facility with flood resilience built in
It will include a conference venue with three separate rooms that can accommodate up to 1,000 people
He expects the new City Hall to open at the end of this year or early next year
Lismore City Council is also moving forward with plans to repair roads damaged by landslips in the northern part of the catchment
with tenders for the major works expected to be awarded by the end of the fiscal year
Three construction companies have been shortlisted for the project after a competitive tender process
which are joint ventures of multiple entities
were selected from a pool of 11 companies that submitted bids
The companies will now progress to the second phase of the tender process
which involves site visits and developing detailed bids to win the contract
Mr Logan emphasised the importance of the project for the community
stating that it goes beyond a simple construction project
highlighting the impact of road closures on residents
He stressed the need for the contractors to understand the community’s needs and to be collaborative during the construction process
He explained that road closures whenever we have 25 to 50mm rain events can cause significant disruptions
adding an extra 40 minutes to school bus routes
Logan said the council expects to have the tenders back by late March
The assessment process for such a large project is complex and will take a month or two
very succinct way and done the right way.”
Rebuilding the two sections of Nimbin Road was geotechnically challenging
Mr Logan said the rest of the roads are more difficult
He said the current package includes about 70 projects like Nimbin Road
“It’s the largest landslide remediation package
Mr Logan offered more positive news on the timing front when he said council has improved on the original 2029 completion date by taking work out of the package and doing it now
but we’ve always tried to separate into what we call complex and non-complex,” Mr Logan said
The current strategy is to finish all the straightforward projects
but we’ve delivered about 20 of those in the last six months
but we want them out of the way before this big one starts
you’ve got all these constraints that exist
Mr Logan said the council is forecasting a completion date of the fourth quarter of 2028 rather than the original fourth quarter of 2029
To listen to the full podcast with extended details, click on the Talking Lismore podcast button in the News section.
The mystery Lismore Lotto winner has confessed he broke out into a little jig after discovering late yesterday that he had scored more than $1.3 million in the weekend’s Saturday Lotto draw.
The local resident held one of the four division one winning entries nationally in Saturday Lotto draw 4533, drawn Saturday 28 December 2024. Each division one winning entry scored $1,352,707.86.
“I’m happy, jumping and dancing!” the man exclaimed when speaking to an official from The Lott.
“I’m a weekly player – I grab a Saturday Lotto ticket each week and then check it on the Monday. It’s just one of those rituals you have.
“Sometimes I win $7... and sometimes I win $1.3 million!
“You have those idle dreams about winning big, but you don’t think it will ever happen to you.
“I’m so overwhelmed. I want to dance around and shout it out.
“Anytime is a good time to win, but at this time of year, it’s especially good!
“I’m going to pay off the mortgage and then an early retirement.
“I can’t believe it. I might just wander around in a daze for the next day or so.”
His winning entry was purchased at Lismore Central Newspro, Shop T10, Lismore Shopping Centre, 44 Carrington Street, Lismore.
Lismore Central Newspro outlet representative Nicole Renshaw said she was celebrating another big win landing at her outlet.
“Our last big division one winning ticket was in February 2023, so it’s great to have another one!” she said.
“It’s always exciting to sell a big winning ticket. We are telling everyone about our lucky win.
“We wish our winner all the very best with their prize.”
The winning numbers in Saturday Lotto draw 4533 on 28 December 2024 were 26, 41, 4, 12, 29 and 40, while the supplementary numbers were 34 and 31.
Across Australia, there were four division one winning entries in Saturday Lotto draw 4533 – two in New South Wales and one each in Victoria and South Australia.
Evacuation centres across the Northern Rivers will be up and running by 4 o'clock this afternoon as emergency services continue their pre-Tropical Cyclone Alfred preparations
who is the NSW SES Operations Commander for this event
advised that the weather warning has shifted to a 'Watch and Act' for Lismore and the Northern Rivers
Supt Fisher said 'Watch and Act' is to keep yourself informed of the coming weather event and be prepared to leave
Evacuation centres were to be used as a last resort
with a preference for people to stay with family and friends
"If they choose to go to an evacuation centre
because they may be there for a little time when they do go to an evacuation centre
to go and stay with friends and family and use the evacuation centres as a last resort."
Supt Fisher said he believes the evacuation centres will not have bedding
They will have services there from support services."
the District Commander for the Richmond Police District reassured the community that there is a lot of support in regards to evacuation centers
there are a number that are being opened up and down the coast
The majority of those will open from four o'clock this afternoon
They will be in the communities of Ballina
There will also be another one at Evans Head
and we are at the moment working on establishing one in Alstonville
that information will be put up onto the SES website so people can access that
evacuation centres are probably the last place that you want to go
If you do have the ability to get to family or friends or alternate accommodation
Use today as the day that you prepare for the next three days
and it's going to be unsafe to be on the roads."
Below are the official evacuation centres that have been established across northeast NSW:
Southern Cross University: Rifle Range Road
East Lismore (the same location as the 2022 flood in the Health Precinct)
Banora Point Salvation Army: The Centre Cnr Leisure and Woodlands Drive
Murwillumbah TAFE: 146 Murwillumbah Street
Terranora Public School: 650 Terranora Road
If you require emergency help, call the NSW SES on 132 500 and if life-threatening, call 000.
This afternoon's storm cancelled the 2024 Carols in the Heart
left debris on Lismore's roads and left 10,600 homes and businesses without power
The unplanned power outages occurred just after 5:00pm today
following the ferocious storm that hit the area
impacting the high-voltage electricity network
An Essential Energy spokesperson said safety equipment automatically operated
isolating power to customers after faults were detected on multiple major powerlines
keeping the community safe until crews could assess
safeguarding the public from damaged electricity infrastructure and completing some repairs
damaged electrical equipment and vegetation on powerlines have been reported in multiple locations
Power was restored to 1,121 customers in parts of East Lismore just before 9:00pm
Crews will continue to work into the night
addressing safety issues and completing repairs where it is safe
Due to the widespread damage impacting major powerlines
Nimbin and surrounding areas are likely to be without power overnight
Power outage tips and estimated times of restoration can be view at essentialenergy.com.au/outages
Essential Energy thanks customers for their patience and reminds the public to stay at least eight metres away from fallen powerlines, power poles or damaged electricity infrastructure and report immediately to 13 20 80 or, if life-threatening, call Triple-0.
The NSW Electoral Commission will be conducting the elections for 126 councils tomorrow (Saturday
14 September 2024) for the election of Councillors and Mayors for those who vote for a publicly elected mayor
Voting booths open at 8am for the Lismore City Council Elections and close at 6pm for those who have not voted early
This is the list of booths from the Australian Electoral Commission:
You can also view locations on the Lismore Apps 'Meet Your Candidates' button on the front page. This button will also let you know about each candidate for Mayor and for Council Meet Your Candidates
The Lismore App will have a running commentary on its Facebook page before publishing a story on the results of the 2024 Lismore City Council Elections, including who our mayor will be for the next four years and who the ten (10) new councillors will be. There may be a chance that the complete councillor makeup will not be known until counting resumes on Monday, September 16.
In August last year, a select number of Lismore High Campus students started work on building a tiny home that they could sell.
The Lismore App can report that the tiny home has been completed, and the auction date is set for Thursday, April 3.
This beautifully crafted and designed house is a testament to the talent and hard work of Lismore High School’s students, who were guided by Northern Rivers industry professionals. You can view it today at 4:30 p.m. at the Lismore High Campus in East Lismore.
The auction is not just a chance to purchase a one-of-a-kind dwelling; it’s an opportunity to help build futures, construct careers and support an educational project that is building foundations for students in the wider Lismore community that is not often built in the classroom.
The Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program has provided funding for this seed project, with the proceeds from the auction going back into the Tiny Homes at Lismore High Project. As the project heads into year two, it needs to be self-funded.
Thirteen Year 9 and 10 students have been working on the project for the last seven months.
In August, principal Chris Williams said, “It's given the students something to look forward to, that they've got ownership of, and they can see a tangible result at the end of each week, and they're really proud of what they're doing.”
The students worked on the tiny home on Fridays and signed an agreement to catch up on classes they missed due to the work on the build. As well as learning building skills, the students took turns being the foreman for the day allocating tasks to the rest of the team.
All students completed a white card course, had site visits to trade businesses, and worked on the build to decide if a career in the construction industry was for them, whether that be a builder, an electrician or a plumber.
The tiny house itself is 6 metres long and 2.5 metres wide, and the roof peak is 3 metres high. A generous deck comes off the front entrance.
There is a bedroom on one end, a fully equipped kitchen, with oven, fridge and sink. There is also a bathroom at the other end, with a toilet, shower and sink plus a couple of power outlets.
You can be assured of the quality of the build as the Lismore High Campus students had expert trade supervision.
The tiny home is definitely worth a walk-through, which you can do this afternoon (Tuesday, 25 March) between 4:30pm and 5:30pm at Lismore High Campus at 118 Dalley Street, East Lismore.
The auction will be held on Thursday, April 3 at 4:30pm.
The sale of Lismore High's first tiny home will be put towards the 2025/2026 tiny home build, and there is no shortage of participants, with a number of Year 8 students already expressing their interest.
Lismore's only surviving World War II serviceman, Jack Donohue, turned 100 on the 6th of January. A milestone worthy of a story in the Lismore App.
Jack celebrated the day at the Lismore Workers Club.
"It was kept to a family reunion," Jack explained, "There were about 25 of us. It was lovely."
When asked what advice Jack had for others if they wanted to live to be 100, Jack replied, "I have no idea. I never thought I'd live to be a hundred."
Jack was born John Donohue in his South Lismore home on January 6 1925. Life was tough for the Donohues in Jack's younger years as the Great Depression gripped the nation from 1929.
Lismore's population was just under 10,000.
"There was nothing in Lismore in those days. We didn't have enough money to go to the CBD. We bought all our groceries at Mewings."
Jack joined the Royal Australian Air Force in Lismore on the 2nd of March 1943 as a Leading Aircraftman. That was two days after his 18th birthday.
(131484 AC JOHN (JACK) DONOHUE ON ENLISTMENT IN THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE 2 MARCH 1943. Photo: supplied)
In his Record of Service document, Jack’s movement around Australia was quite extensive.
His documents show that at the time of enlistment, he was a member of The RAAF Air Training Corps. Jack's training was in Sydney.
After recruit training he was then posted to No. 3 Aircraft Depot at Amberley, Qld, on 4 April. After three months at Amberley, he was sent to No. 3 School of Technical Training at Altimo in Sydney, where he undertook a course as a Vulcaniser. He graduated from this course with a Distinguished (Distinction) pass.
Following graduation, he was posted to No. 2 Aircraft Depot at Richmond, NSW, where he worked until the 3rd of August, when he was sent to No. 14 Repair and Salvage unit. He remained at 14 RSU at various locations until 4th of January 1945 when he went to No. 1 Reserve Personnel Pool before being posted overseas on the 4th of March.
Jack went to Biak in West Papua for more training before being sent to Morotai in Indonesia and Labuan in Borneo.
(All Jack’s postings outside Australia were with No. 5 Airfield Construction Squadron. Photo: supplied)
Jack was trained as a vulcaniser, so he specialised in RAF aeroplane tyres during his time in the war.
(Jack with his mate Gordon Davey from 2 ACS at Morotai Island 1945. Photo: supplied)
(Jack Donohue's war medals. L to R: The 1939-45 Star; The Pacific Star; The War Medal 1939-45; The Australian Service Medal 1939-45; The Australian Service Medal 1945-75. Photo: supplied)
When Jack returned to Lismore after the war he worked at the Pratten car dealership for nearly 30 years before running the South Lismore Post Office until he retired at 65.
He was married to Irene for 45 years (Irene passed away in 1997), and has two children.
Jack doesn't walk in the ANZAC Day march up Molesworth Street anymore, but he does participate with his good mate, Dr Graeme Nicholson, helping him attend the service. Jack also attends Remembrance Day.
Yesterday's announcement from the NSW Government about building 50 apartments in East Lismore was welcomed by Mayor Steve Krieg and the community.
More details about the Landcom project emerged throughout the day.
The exact location is the land immediately on the right-hand side of Crawford Road, with the East Lismore Cemetery on the left-hand side. The Build-To-Rent trial was first announced on 26 April when a deal was agreed to between Southern Cross University and Landcom, The NSW Government-owned land and property development organisation.
It is not part of the first Resilient Lands announcement made on February 9 this year when Premier Chris Minns, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, SCU's Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin announced 400 blocks will be built on both sides of Crawford Road on the 72-hectare site.
$30 million will be spent to purchase the land and construct the 50 dwellings, which will be a combination of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments in a flood-free area of East Lismore with 20% affordable housing. There will be two mid-rise buildings. The northern building will be three stories and will screen the lower-level southern building, which will be three stories above a ground-floor carpark.
(An artist's impression of the $30 million 50-apartment project)
Landcom says, "Pitched roofs, façade and balcony recesses help reduce the visual bulk and scale of the buildings so they blend with the surrounding character. Facades, roof treatments and materials reflect local architectural character".
Landcom outlined the timing of the design, build, and move-in phases of the project.
Community consultation will take place now until August 7, now that the draft design concept is complete, and a development application (DA) will be lodged with Lismore City Council following those consultations and any potential changes. Loose timing is the end of 2024.
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025, pending approvals. Then, residents could move into the new apartments in late 2026.
The timing of the project is what concerns Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg.
"I think it's a great area for growth for Lismore. It's obviously flood-free land and has really good amenities in and around East Lismore. So, I think the location is really, really good.
"This is something that not just the Lismore LGA but the Northern Rivers is crying out for. The whole state is suffering from a housing crisis. So, I welcome the announcement.
(An artist's impression of the new apartments in East Lismore)
"We do have to change the way we live if we want to be a modern Regional Centre. Not everyone's going to live on a quarter-acre block in a three-bedroom, free-standing house. We need to change our thinking when it comes to housing. It's about catching up in a lot of respects. Lismore has been a little bit left behind as far as our planning and our identity is concerned."
Mayor Krieg's concerns stem from Lismore City Council's rebuild of its flooded assets, like its sewage treatment plants, that over six hundred new East Lismore residents could be using by the end of 2026.
"After all the discussions we've had with different agencies involved in the state government, whether the timelines given are realistic, given the fact that many of our council infrastructure is still running on life support because of the flooding of 2022.
"I talked about the Resilient Lands announcement of up to 400 blocks up around that same area. The state government wants those blocks released by 2025/2026, that sort of timeframe. Well, we need to get cracking on our infrastructure work. We need to get our sewage treatment plant underway and working again. And we need to get all of our waste programs up and running and working again.
"All of these things aren't 6 to 12 months away, unfortunately, they're 18 months to 2 years away at the earliest.
"So while I welcome the announcement, I am somewhat sceptical about the timing of it, given the fact that our infrastructure needs an overhaul before these blocks of land and these 50 apartments can really come online and be fully occupied."
(The East Lismore Sewage Treatment Plant May 31 2022)
Mayor Krieg explained that any infrastructure project, like roads, bridges or sewage treatment plants, can have up to nine different government agencies involved in its planning, design and construction.
"I have full confidence in the administration of the Reconstruction Authority now with CEO Mal Lanyon and locally with Kristie Clarke. They're two very good people in very difficult roles. But, the whole purpose of forming the Reconstruction Authority is to give councils, like Lismore, that one point of contact to deal with reconstruction.
"We have people in our council who will be driving the ongoing maintenance and servicing of these infrastructure projects, and they want to be part of the design, and they want to be part of the build, and they want to have input. One of my big arguments and fights still is to let Lismore City Council be part of the solution.
"At the moment, it is conforming with the EPA guidelines; it gets regularly tested and checked. So, everything's above board at the moment, but we can't bring on 50 new apartments and 400 new home sites in East Lismore alone. That's just in one area.
"If anyone has been to Wade Park, which is just down the road from these proposed developments, they'll notice a big brown brick building just on the corner. Well, that's a major pump station to the sewage treatment plant that services East Lismore and that whole region and that hasn't been fully repaired yet.
"If you think back to 2022, there was an announcement of $110 million for the sewage treatment plant upgrade. All of those pump stations were included because they were all underwater. They were all damaged by the flood."
Mayor Krieg explained the time frame for the sewage treatment plant rebuild to understand his concerns.
"The timeframe that I've been given is that the concept design will be completed by the fourth of December by Public Works for our sewage treatment network. Then it's going to go into detail design, which you're looking at another 6 to 12 months. Then it is costed, we have to find a suitable builder, so it's got to go out to tender, and then we're probably looking for a 12 to 18-month build. So, we are looking at late 2026, early 2027 at best.
As we come towards the end of 2024, we will hopefully get a clearer picture of the infrastructure and housing timelines. We can only hope, that the infrastructure rebuild doesn't slow the new housing build.
There is another question about the $110 million that was announced in 2022. With construction costs increasing by over 20% in the last two years, will $110 million get the job done?
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Thank you for following our live coverage as Cyclone Alfred approaches the Queensland coast
and triggers evacuation orders in northern NSW
We will continue our rolling coverage tomorrow morning
Stay safe and follow the emergency advice as we prepare for Alfred to reach our doorstep
Here are some of today’s key developments:
The latest track map released by the Bureau of Meteorology shows the tropical cyclone’s anticipated landing time has been further delayed until 7am Saturday
The bureau’s Cyclone Alfred track map at 8pm Queensland time
Thursday night.Credit: Bureau of Meteorology
It remains 225 kilometres east of Brisbane and 215 kilometres east-north-east of the Gold Coast – no change from the last update at 5pm Queensland time
the bureau has the system downgraded to a category 1
The weather bureau expects the same amount of rainfall
The NSW SES has released a second round of evacuation notices for more areas in northern NSW
after telling residents in Lismore earlier to evacuate by tonight
Residents in certain parts of North Macksville
Nambucca Heads and Gumma have been told to evacuate by 8am
“You must evacuate before this time because forecasted heavy rainfall will close evacuation routes,” the SES said
It may be too dangerous for NSW SES to rescue you
and buildings may not be able to withstand the impact of flood water.“
Specific roads and streets have been told to evacuate, and can be found here
As cyclonic surf conditions erode beaches in South East Queensland and northern NSW
local turtle conservation groups are racing to relocate nests before they’re washed away
a team leader with the Sunshine Coast Council wildlife conservation program
said volunteers in her group – from Point Cartwright near Mooloolaba to the northern half of Bribie Island – had spent over 90 hours across three days relocating nests
The tide is eroding the beach at Kawana on the Sunshine Coast.Credit: Catherine Strohfeldt
In a normal year the group would relocate about 20 per cent of the eggs laid
it’s closer to three-quarters of the total
we’re moving them behind the vegetation line on the dunes … towards the erosion line from the mid-70s,” she said
She said her team had already lost one clutch on Bribie Island where the island was split in two from wild surf
The nests typically belong to the loggerhead turtle
“The majority of them are very close – within a few weeks – of emerging,” Hofmeister said
Boat owners have been cautioned to take the chance for one final check of their vessel’s security before the impact of Cyclone Alfred hits
Volunteer Marine Rescue Shorncliffe’s Charles Linsley
who was a part of the Mackay base during Cyclone Debbie in 2017
warned owners to ensure two or three anchors are used
and do a final check to make sure bungs are put in place
He said any boats with bilge pumps should make sure they’re working properly
“Don’t assume that what you’ve done will work – go back and triple check if you need to,” Mr Linsley said
A sailboat that lost its mooring is seen resting on a beach at Bribie Island
north of Brisbane on Monday.Credit: Dan Peled
“The forecasts are changing all the time with the wind direction
so somebody who might say their boat will be reasonably OK
when they get the next forecast it might change ..
“The only reason you should be going to your boat is to secure it
get them out of the water and put them undercover or tie them down at home as best you can
and make sure they’re securely anchored because there’s going to be some tidal surges as well
and if you can tie off on a wharf or a jetty or pontoon make sure you put extra lines on.”
Lismore is expected to begin flooding tonight
with more rainfall than initially expected
partly because Cyclone Alfred is slowing down
The Bureau of Meteorology’s Jonathan How said that northern NSW’s position – south of the cyclone – means it will face the heaviest rainfall
which has experienced 100mm of rainfall today alone
Residents in Lismore in NSW’s Northern Rivers region prepare for Tropical Cyclone Alfred.Credit: Danielle Smith
“We do have a major flood warning already in place for the Wilsons River,” he said
“We are expecting minor flooding tonight and into tomorrow for Lismore itself
and major flooding is possible tomorrow night into Saturday.”
The slowing down of the cyclone “does mean that you see a heavier rainfall over a longer period of time before making crossing” into land
There has been confusion about whether residents of low-lying areas of Brisbane could park their cars in shopping centres free to avoid flooding risks
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli had a message for big business
David Crisafulli gave an update on Cyclone Alfred this afternoon.Credit: Cameron Atfield
if someone takes the initiative to go and put their car into a safe place
I would hope that they are supported in that journey,” Crisafulli said
“And we want everyone to be good corporate citizens and good community citizens at the moment.”
A Scentre Group spokeswoman said parking was free at Westfield shopping centres in the cyclone warning zone on Thursday
but they could not guarantee safe access or storage of cars during or after cyclone
Destructive gusts lashing NSW’s Northern Rivers have started to wreak havoc
with a power pole down in Ballina this evening following re-intensified wind and rain
Residents of West Ballina have reported power outages
The flood-prone coastal town is bracing for rising water and has been urged to prepare for evacuation by the SES
A power pole down in Ballina.Credit: Facebook
Essential Energy said about 10,000 homes and businesses between Tweed Heads and Bulahdelah have lost power as a result of strong wind blowing trees and vegetation onto power lines
The energy provider warned some areas can’t be accessed by repair crews due to heavy rain and “power may be interrupted for extensive periods”
One of the major population centres in the City of Moreton Bay
is Caboolture – and people there were heeding the advice to stay indoors this afternoon
With schools and most non-essential businesses closed from today
and public transport across South East Queensland stopping services
residents are staying home and avoiding travel
In the deserted streets of the Moreton Bay town
some shop owners taped their windows in preparation for the strong winds of Cyclone Alfred
Tape over the windows of a Korean barbecue shop on King Street in central Caboolture.Credit: Catherine Strohfeldt
Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has told residents she knows it’s “difficult to leave” but has urged them to evacuate before anticipated flooding
you can take your pets to the evacuation centre.”
Year 1 and Kindy students from The Living School Lismore help pack away in preperation for Cyclone Alfred.Credit: Danielle Smith
Lismore is one of the areas in northern NSW that the SES has urged to evacuate before 9pm tonight
Acting Chief Superintendent Stuart Fisher said strong winds were expected to bring down power lines and trees making it more difficult for emergency services to access people stuck in flooded areas
“The weather is deteriorating rapidly for us
whilst it may look like the rivers aren’t flooding
there is high concern that they will start flooding tonight and continue into tomorrow,” said Fisher
“We do expect other areas to be under evacuation orders tomorrow.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns said those in evacuation zones with no place to go will have access to evacuation centres all along the northern NSW region
The largest best equipped evacuation centre is at the Southern Cross University in the Lismore area, said Minns, adding “if you’re in those other towns, I’m asking you to access the SES website and make sure you find the most appropriate location”.
Minns urged residents not to stay at home, as the government and SES “cannot guarantee a boat for every house” in the event of a flood.
Thank you for following our live coverage as Cyclone Alfred approaches the Queensland coast, and triggers evacuation orders in northern NSW. We will continue our rolling coverage tomorrow morning, so do join us.
Stay safe and follow the emergency advice as we prepare for Alfred to reach our doorstep.
Here are some of today\\u2019s key developments:
The latest track map released by the Bureau of Meteorology shows the tropical cyclone\\u2019s anticipated landing time has been further delayed until 7am Saturday, Queensland time.
Cyclone Alfred has dropped in speed, down to 6 kilometres per hour.
It remains 225 kilometres east of Brisbane and 215 kilometres east-north-east of the Gold Coast \\u2013 no change from the last update at 5pm Queensland time.
By Saturday morning, the bureau has the system downgraded to a category 1, according to the map.
The downgrade refers to wind speed. The weather bureau expects the same amount of rainfall, but for the cyclone to linger for longer.
The NSW SES has released a second round of evacuation notices for more areas in northern NSW, after telling residents in Lismore earlier to evacuate by tonight.
Residents in certain parts of North Macksville, Macksville, Bowraville, Nambucca Heads and Gumma have been told to evacuate by 8am, Friday March 7.
\\u201CYou must evacuate before this time because forecasted heavy rainfall will close evacuation routes,\\u201D the SES said.
\\u201CIf you remain in the area, you may become trapped without power, water, and other essential services. It may be too dangerous for NSW SES to rescue you, and buildings may not be able to withstand the impact of flood water.\\u201C
Specific roads and streets have been told to evacuate, and can be found .
As cyclonic surf conditions erode beaches in South East Queensland and northern NSW, local turtle conservation groups are racing to relocate nests before they\\u2019re washed away.
Kate Hofmeister, a team leader with the Sunshine Coast Council wildlife conservation program, Turtlecare, said volunteers in her group \\u2013 from Point Cartwright near Mooloolaba to the northern half of Bribie Island \\u2013 had spent over 90 hours across three days relocating nests.
In a normal year the group would relocate about 20 per cent of the eggs laid, but this year, it\\u2019s closer to three-quarters of the total.
\\u201CIn some cases, we\\u2019re moving them behind the vegetation line on the dunes \\u2026 towards the erosion line from the mid-70s,\\u201D she said.
She said her team had already lost one clutch on Bribie Island where the island was split in two from wild surf. The nests typically belong to the loggerhead turtle, a critically endangered species.
\\u201CThe majority of them are very close \\u2013 within a few weeks \\u2013 of emerging,\\u201D Hofmeister said.
Boat owners have been cautioned to take the chance for one final check of their vessel\\u2019s security before the impact of Cyclone Alfred hits.
Volunteer Marine Rescue Shorncliffe\\u2019s Charles Linsley, who was a part of the Mackay base during Cyclone Debbie in 2017, warned owners to ensure two or three anchors are used, and do a final check to make sure bungs are put in place. He said any boats with bilge pumps should make sure they\\u2019re working properly.
\\u201CDon\\u2019t assume that what you\\u2019ve done will work \\u2013 go back and triple check if you need to,\\u201D Mr Linsley said.
\\u201CThe forecasts are changing all the time with the wind direction, so somebody who might say their boat will be reasonably OK, when they get the next forecast it might change ... it\\u2019s a very active process, you can\\u2019t just sit and forget.
\\u201CThe only reason you should be going to your boat is to secure it.
\\u201CFor small tinnies, get them out of the water and put them undercover or tie them down at home as best you can, and make sure they\\u2019re securely anchored because there\\u2019s going to be some tidal surges as well.
\\u201CDon\\u2019t rely on just a single anchor, and if you can tie off on a wharf or a jetty or pontoon make sure you put extra lines on.\\u201D
Lismore is expected to begin flooding tonight, with more rainfall than initially expected, partly because Cyclone Alfred is slowing down.
The Bureau of Meteorology\\u2019s Jonathan How said that northern NSW\\u2019s position \\u2013 south of the cyclone \\u2013 means it will face the heaviest rainfall, before, during and after the cyclone lands.
Lismore, which has experienced 100mm of rainfall today alone, is prime for flooding, How said.
\\u201CWe do have a major flood warning already in place for the Wilsons River,\\u201D he said.
\\u201CWe are expecting minor flooding tonight and into tomorrow for Lismore itself, and major flooding is possible tomorrow night into Saturday.\\u201D
The slowing down of the cyclone \\u201Cdoes mean that you see a heavier rainfall over a longer period of time before making crossing\\u201D into land, he added.
There has been confusion about whether residents of low-lying areas of Brisbane could park their cars in shopping centres free to avoid flooding risks.
At his press conference this afternoon, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli had a message for big business.
\\u201CLet me answer it this way, if someone takes the initiative to go and put their car into a safe place, I would hope that they are supported in that journey,\\u201D Crisafulli said.
\\u201CAnd we want everyone to be good corporate citizens and good community citizens at the moment.\\u201D
A Scentre Group spokeswoman said parking was free at Westfield shopping centres in the cyclone warning zone on Thursday, but they could not guarantee safe access or storage of cars during or after cyclone.
Destructive gusts lashing NSW\\u2019s Northern Rivers have started to wreak havoc, with a power pole down in Ballina this evening following re-intensified wind and rain.
Residents of West Ballina have reported power outages. The flood-prone coastal town is bracing for rising water and has been urged to prepare for evacuation by the SES.
Essential Energy said about 10,000 homes and businesses between Tweed Heads and Bulahdelah have lost power as a result of strong wind blowing trees and vegetation onto power lines.
The energy provider warned some areas can\\u2019t be accessed by repair crews due to heavy rain and \\u201Cpower may be interrupted for extensive periods\\u201D.
One of the major population centres in the City of Moreton Bay, the next council area north of Brisbane, is Caboolture \\u2013 and people there were heeding the advice to stay indoors this afternoon.
With schools and most non-essential businesses closed from today, and public transport across South East Queensland stopping services, residents are staying home and avoiding travel.
In the deserted streets of the Moreton Bay town, about 20 kilometres inland, some shop owners taped their windows in preparation for the strong winds of Cyclone Alfred.
Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has told residents she knows it\\u2019s \\u201Cdifficult to leave\\u201D but has urged them to evacuate before anticipated flooding.
\\u201CIt\\u2019s difficult to leave your home. If you get an evacuation order, please do it. I want you safe, your family wants you safe, your neighbours want you safe \\u2013 we all do. I know it\\u2019s hard, you can take your pets to the evacuation centre.\\u201D
Lismore is one of the areas in northern NSW that the SES has urged to evacuate before 9pm tonight.
Acting Chief Superintendent Stuart Fisher said strong winds were expected to bring down power lines and trees making it more difficult for emergency services to access people stuck in flooded areas.
\\u201CThe weather is deteriorating rapidly for us, whilst it may look like the rivers aren\\u2019t flooding, there is high concern that they will start flooding tonight and continue into tomorrow,\\u201D said Fisher.
\\u201CWe do expect other areas to be under evacuation orders tomorrow.\\u201D
NSW Premier Chris Minns said those in evacuation zones with no place to go will have access to evacuation centres all along the northern NSW region.
The largest best equipped evacuation centre is at the Southern Cross University in the Lismore area, said Minns, adding \\u201Cif you\\u2019re in those other towns, I\\u2019m asking you to and make sure you find the most appropriate location\\u201D.
Minns urged residents not to stay at home, as the government and SES \\u201Ccannot guarantee a boat for every house\\u201D in the event of a flood.
the Lismore App looks back on the year's top news stories
The weather alerts for severe thunderstorms and the potential of hail and flash flooding were extremely well-read and always among the leading news stories
we look at the Top 5 News Stories of the year
The local council elections in September were also popular proving that there is an interest in local politics
likely to be returned as Lismore's mayor
but the Meet Your Candidates button had nearly 9,500 views
Over 60,800 people read the Lismore App in September
recording an incredible 1.39 million views (Google Analytics)
When the Lismore City News stopped printing physical newspapers and closed its doors at the end of June
the Lismore App's readership has steadily increased
From an average of 32,000 readers a month in June
it is clear that the residents of not only Lismore but our neighbours in Ballina
are now reading their news on a convenient digital platform
The days of reading a physical newspaper look to be unnecessary and over
you may have noticed a Northern Rivers news tab to the left of Local news
This is to cover more news from the Northern Rivers from Grafton to Tweed
especially those readers who may live outside of the Lismore LGA but work in Lismore and who have not got access to news
On behalf of the small team here at the Lismore App
thank you for making us your number one news source
when we wanted to be truly part of the Lismore community
We hope we have achieved this and will continue to pursue local news in 2025
If you see or hear a news story you believe will interest our community, please email simon@lismoreapp.com.au.
Have a happy and safe New Year and a brilliant 2025.
The Lismore CBD has changed its business face in the last two and half years
you would walk past three travel agents if you strolled around the CBD block
Summerland Travel on Keen Street and Lismore Cruise & Travel on Woodlark Street
(The old Cruise & Travel agent on Woodlark Street)
You have to go to Lismore Square to find a travel agent
which expanded its space during the Square rebuild
You still find long-term retail businesses like Daleys Homeware
Brands Pharmacy and George Gooley Menswear
As well as a host of wonderful cafes and restaurants
During last week's Lismore City Council meeting
Councillor Big Rob questioned the number of Disability Service Providers in the CBD and argued they do not attract people into the CBD to spend money as other retail shops do
Mayor Steve Krieg replied that the benefits of having nearly 80% occupancy in the CBD helped building owners and retailers as many of the CBD buildings are owned by local people
The Lismore App spoke to Mutlitask's CEO
their growth and how they contribute to the CBD
"Our head office was at 296 Molesworth Street
for 20 years before we got washed away and lost our head office."
"We moved into the CBD because there was nowhere else to go," Jody explained
"We have been in Club Lane (off Molesworth Street in the CBD) since 2016 with our day programs."
Mutlitask is not a newly established not-for-profit NDIS operation
They have been in Lismore for 72 years as Lismore Challenge and rebranded to Multitask in 2007
they have grown significantly in owning and operating buildings in the CBD
Jody said there are 40 staff in the new head office on Molesworth Street
with a further 10 disability support staff around the CBD plus their clients
"We moved into the Keen Street building last week
That building will house clinical service staff such as behaviour support
There are designated shopping and lunch days for the Day Centre buildings where clients are taken around the CBD
Three more Multitask projects are progressing in other parts of the Lismore LGA
"We are renovating another building in Magellan Street into a cafe so people with a disability can work
this will be completed by the end of the year," Jody explained
"We are also redeveloping ten units in East Lismore we lost in the 2022 flood
We start construction in November in Harmony Avenue."
"We also bought a block of land in Wedgetail Court
Goonellabah to build a disability group home This will take approximately 12 months until it is completed."
Multitask is one of the region's largest employers
While Multitask is not going to attract people to the CBD
it certainly contributes to the Lismore economy
as do other service offerings like lawyers or accountants
Welcome to your May issue of “Council Decides”
where we update you on the decisions and discussions of the Lismore City Council’s monthly Council meeting
The business papers and attachments for the meeting can be found at https://lismore.nsw.gov.au/business-papers-and-agendas-for-committees-and-advisory-groups
Six people spoke on one topic during Public Access
Councillors resolved to exclude the press and public to consider confidential matters. After the session, Councillors returned to announce they had resolved to:
approve the recommendation of the evaluation committee and authorise the General Manager to progress to the next stage of the tender process with Landcom and the first placed Community Housing Provider (CHP) by negotiating and entering into the Heads of Agreement (HoA)
As the Minns Government's focus on boosting housing supply continues
Landcom is implementing a $30 million election commitment to develop a build-to-rent pilot in the Northern Rivers
Plans for 50 apartments in East Lismore that are well-designed
climate-resilient and sustainable have been released for community and stakeholder feedback
Artist impression of the housing concept for East Lismore
the development at the corner of Crawford Road at 138-146 Military Road will deliver secure rental housing in a region impacted by rising rents and low housing availability
Twenty percent of the apartments will be affordable rental housing for those on low and moderate household incomes
such as the essential workers who keep our cities and towns moving
Set to include a mix of apartment sizes to suit the needs
lifestyles and budgets of different households
open space and other community infrastructure
Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said: "There is an essential need for more homes across regional NSW and locals in Lismore were already doing it tough before the floods in 2022
when around 40 per cent of local rental households were experiencing rental stress
"I advocated strongly for this build-to-rent project
a welcome investment by the NSW Government to provide secure and affordable rental options for the Lismore community
"It's good to see Landcom seeking to help local renters to put a roof over their head as soon as practical
while also planning to deliver housing that is in tune with the local environment."
Work is underway to finalise the design and planning in preparation for the lodgement of the development application with Lismore City Council in the coming months
The site for the homes is not flood prone and the design aims to maximise solar access and cross ventilation for the wellbeing of future tenants
The development will also include private off-street parking
a mix of subtropical plants and views to bushland in the east
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said Regional NSW has not been immune from housing pressures
"Through this build-to-rent pilot project residents will have access to well-located
well-designed and well-built homes," Mr Scully said
"The Government committed to a build-to-rent pilot at the election and this project in East Lismore will help to boost the supply of much-needed rental stock while providing greater housing security and stable rents
"The build-to-rent project continues the NSW Government's ongoing efforts to support flood recovery in the Northern Rivers."
Landcom CEO Alex Wendler said: "Beyond helping to boost housing supply and tackle the housing crisis head on
we are aiming for a high-quality and attractive development that is climate-resilient and sustainable so that future residents are proud to call it home
"Community feedback is a key component of our planning process and I encourage locals to have their say about our plans."
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Applications for Personal Hardship Assistance Grants are now open
helping cover out-of-pocket expenses incurred following the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred across northern NSW
The jointly funded Commonwealth and NSW Government package provides emergency financial assistance of $180 for individuals or up to $900 per family to cover essential costs such as food
Applications can be made online through your MyService Account on the Service NSW website (https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/nsw-support-cyclone-alfred-march-2025) or on the Service NSW mobile app
To be eligible for a Personal Hardship Assistance Grant
you must reside in one of the 18 declared affected Local Government Areas
and you must have been either subject to evacuation orders (Category red emergency warning) or experienced power outages of more than 48 hours
NSW Government staff will be available onsite at Recovery Assistance Points to help residents and businesses access a range of essential government services to aid their recovery
Impacted community members are encouraged to visit the Recovery Assistance Points which will open tomorrow
Reconstruction Authority and Service NSW teams will also be available to help at mobile recovery outreach locations across the region running between Thursday and Saturday
While people do not need to attend a Recovery Assistance Point or Service NSW Centre to access a Personal Hardship Assistance Grant
staff can assist those who are unable to apply through the Service NSW website or app
People can also contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 for assistance
The NSW Reconstruction Authority is working alongside other government agencies
and community groups to repair essential infrastructure
assess social recovery and mental health impacts
understand the needs of small business and primary producers
and coordinate any additional support that may be required to help the community recover
To find out about support available to communities following Tropical Cyclone Alfred visit www.nsw.gov.au/cyclonealfredrecovery
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said
“The impacts of an event like ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred are far reaching and as we shift to recovery
we hope these payments can help ease the immediate financial burden being felt by families and individuals
“The NSW Government is here to lend a helping hand in restocking your fridge
replacing damaged goods and other essentials
“These payments have a proven track record of offering relief in times of hardship and have previously helped the residents of Broken Hill to recover from the recent power outage
“This is just the first step in recovery that the NSW Government and the community will navigate together.”
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said
delivering vital support to communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred and providing residents and businesses the assistance they need
“Whether it's applying for Personal Hardship Assistance payments
accessing essential services or receiving in-person guidance
the NSW Government alongside support organisations is here to help
“We are continuing to assist communities affected by this natural disaster and moving quickly into recovery by offering a range of support services
or someone who requires health or mental health support
Minister for the North Coast Rose Jackson said
the NSW Government is making sure people across the North Coast can get back on their feet
“These personal hardship payments offer immediate assistance
so that individuals and families can get the essentials like food and medicine
or cover a range of other out-of-pocket costs
“I want to assure these communities that we’re here for the long run as we begin to take stock of the impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and shift our focus to repair and recovery.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said
“I encourage people to check their eligibility and apply for a range of disaster assistance being offered by the Minns and Albanese governments
Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands residents have been impacted by the now Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred
prolonged power outages and isolation from flooding
“I thank the NSW Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
for moving quickly to ensure timely disaster declarations and early assistance
“If you live in any of the 18 disaster declared Local Government Areas
check your eligibility and apply for financial support to get back on your feet.”
A father killed his toddler son during an access visit in a horrifying domestic violence murder-suicide in northern NSW
Police were called to the East Lismore residence after the mother of the two-year-old raised the alarm when her boy was not returned to her at the end of a custody visit
said NSW Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell
The 38-year-old father had been the subject of a domestic violence order
Get the first look at the digital newspaper
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Get the NewsletterBy continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The mother did not have any other children and the family lived locally
“He was known to police for previous DV matters but not significant issues,” Mr Thurtell said
“My understanding is that the male had an access visit on the day
“The mother raised concerns with the fact that they were due to hand over the child at 4.30 and by 5.30 she had contacted the police and we went around to the residence and made the discovery
“Any of these issues are difficult for the police but they are well-trained
Our welfare systems in place look after our officers
“Our focus should be on the poor mother who has lost a child.”
Richmond Police District officers forced their way into a unit on College Street
Credit: 7NEWSPolice would not reveal how the father and son died but Mr Thurtell said it was being treated as a murder-suicide investigation
“The father has created a system where both he and the child had passed away as a result of the system he set up,” he said
“A more tragic event you wouldn’t come across.”
The tragedy came on the same day NSW police announced they had made more than 550 arrests in a domestic violence crackdown under Operation Amarok
are just one tool that the New South Wales police has for addressing domestic violence,” Mr Thurtell said
“We do target individual as well for compliance with their ADVOs
The man was known to police for previous DV matters
Credit: 7NEWSPolice Minister Yasmin Catley said the officers who had arrived at the scene were confronted with a terrible circumstance
“To go to a presentation of an incident like yesterday’s
we know what they do and we are so thankful for the work that the New South Wales police do.”
Latest EditionEdition Edition 5 May 20255 May 2025All-powerful Anthony Albanese says give me some R.E.S.P.E.C.T
During this time, Andrew and Robyne employed up to 65 staff across the two sites in Lismore and Ballina. They sold in 2019 to Frizelle’s.
Andrew and his family have sponsored many sporting clubs locally over the years including, East Lismore Hockey Club, East Lismore Cricket Club, Marist Brothers Rugby League, East Lismore Bowling Club and Lismore Speedway – just to name a few.
Andrew has also managed the A-Grade Men’s squad for East Lismore Hockey Club for many years, and has won Clubman of the Year. He was also a board member of the Neighbourhood Centre, now known as the Northern Rivers Community Gateway from 2011-2016.
The announcement to end the lease of approximately 84 households at the Wollongbar Pod Village, or the Wollongbar Temporary Housing Village as the NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSWRA) now refer to them, by April 2025 has caused community division.
As the word suggests, temporary is just that. Eventually, it was known that residents would leave and re-enter the housing market in some form, residential or social, after living rent-free since they moved into the village.
The problem for local residents is the change in market conditions since the 2022 flood.
The amount of housing stock for rent in Lismore was greater, and the rents were cheaper, with properties in 2021 available for $250-400 per week (profile id). In 2024, property rentals start at $500 per week, although the odd 2-bedroom house can have a $450-a-week price tag when it comes on the market. Another problem is that rental houses do not sit on the market for very long.
How does a single person on a pension afford to rent a house in Lismore anymore?
The NSWRA has the unenviable task of rehousing 84 residents in eight months during a housing crisis. The double whammy is that the construction phase of the Lismore and Northern Rivers flood recovery is nearly here, so how and where do we house hundreds of workers involved in that rebuild?
Putting those questions aside, it must be said the Temporary Housing Villages have given hundreds of families a roof over their heads since they were established. Wollongbar was the first in May 2022. When people had lost everything and were living in emergency accommodation or staying with family and friends, the NSW government built eleven (11) temporary pod villages.
To give you an example of how the pod villages have helped flood-affected people and families, the Lismore App tells the story of Ajok Agout and Emma Stoddart.
Each has been helped by the community housing provider’s case management system which provides residents with access to a range of support services such as mental health and financial counselling and assists with things like job and housing applications.
Ajok Agout is a South Sudanese refugee who has been displaced twice in her life. The first by war in her home country and the second by the 2022 floods in Lismore.
Ajok, her 5-year-old son and mother, lived in an East Lismore apartment near Wade Park when the big flood hit. Luckily, they got out quickly and made their way to the SCU emergency accommodation, unlike Ajok's sister who was rescued off her roof in South Lismore.
In the weeks and months that followed, Ajok stayed with friends and then in a caravan in the Lismore Caravan Park in town before the second major flood hit in March. Ajok and her son were then moved to Alstonville, but the caravan was not considered appropriate for kids, and the toilet was not working, so it involved a longer walk to another facility.
Ajok ended up in a motel in Ballina for two weeks, then went to Adelaide and Perth for a few weeks before it was suggested she should come home to live in the Kingscliff Pod Village. Her sister ended up getting a place in Tweed Heads.
Ajok said the Kingscliff Pod Village has helped her and her son have some consistency, but now that is coming to an end in mid-2025. She has a case manager who has helped her access counselling and provide assistance with house applications.
The problem for Ajok is she is not employed, and is looking for casual work. She was in childcare.
"My son was struggling being moved around and getting used to the place. I don't want to move him again. Moving my son back and forth is not really working for him," Ajok said.
This is an example of how Lismore loses residents. Ajok's mother is now living with her sister in Tweed.
"I think we will stay in the Tweed area now because my family is here. We have six months until they close Kingscliff, and finding rental accommodation is so expensive. The RA is helping me, but they're not sure how it will go either. I have an application for social housing in the system, so we're waiting now.
Lismore resident Emma Stoddart's story is different.
Emma, her partner, and their pets were flooded out of their home, and in November 2022, she moved into the Lismore temporary housing village.
While living in the village, she was able to repair her home and moved back in May this year.
“We were paying rent and a mortgage and thinking about also paying for home repairs and contents was impossible. We couldn’t afford to keep renting if we wanted to repair our house and started thinking about living in a van under our leaky carport.”
Emma is one of more than 2,000 people who have been supported by the RA’s Temporary Housing and At-Home Caravan programs, each with their own story to tell.
Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “In the aftermath of the devastating floods in 2022, the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) established 11 temporary housing villages in the Northern Rivers, with the assistance of councils and other landowners under crisis accommodation planning exemptions.
“State and federal disaster recovery funding has enabled the provision of rent-free accommodation in the villages, along with access to other services and opportunities, to help people get back on their feet.”
Acting CEO of NSW Reconstruction Authority Mal Lanyon said, “The RA is working closely with Northern Rivers Housing, Homes NSW, and local support services to ensure that residents are engaged in transition planning to support them on a case-by-case basis into housing that is appropriate to their needs.
“Since the temporary housing villages were established following the devastating floods of 2022, approximately 270 residents have left temporary villages to move to suitable accommodation including private rentals, share accommodation, social housing, or in some instances, returning to their repaired homes.”
While they are positive numbers, the job ahead for the NSWRA is not an enviable one. They need to find suitable accommodation for hundreds more people in Temporary Housing Villages throughout the Northern Rivers in the coming 6-12 months.
The NSW Government announced the seventh land release of the $100 million Resilient Lands Program (RLP) in Grafton yesterday
will deliver 1,000 homes for families in the Grafton area
"Junction Hill has been released alongside sites in East Lismore
Casino and Lennox Head-Ballina already identified
the current RLP sites will see potentially more than 4,300 homes delivered across the region."
While the announcement will be welcomed by the Grafton community
you have to wonder if this Resilient Lands Program money is being spent in the appropriate flood area
According to the last Resilient Homes Program update
the Clarence LGA (which Grafton is in) was offered 3 House Buybacks following the 2022 floods
The Lismore LGA has had 575 Buyback offers approved
When you look at how the Resilient Land Program has rolled out so far
The NRs Resilient Lands Strategy states the SCU site in East Lismore has more than 400 homes
Mt Pleasant Estate in Goonellabah 39 homes and the North Lismore site (near the new Richmond River High Campus) 85 homes
Murwillumbah will see 250 homes built at North Arm Road
the Saddle Road precinct will deliver 600 homes
The Summerland Estate near Casino in the Richmond Valley LGA will deliver up to 1,500 housing lots
The NSWRA is working with Kyogle council to deliver 40 homes
Then there was yesterday's Junction Hill announcement in the Clarence for 1,000 homes
Lismore has the least number of homes per House Buyback than all other Northern Rivers councils
a NSW Reconstruction Authority Spokesperson said
"We’ve established three sites in the Lismore Local Government Area for future development as part of our $100 million Resilient Lands Program
"The program will deliver around 524 new
It’s also important to note that RA is leading the developments in Lismore
which will come on board faster than in other areas
"We know flood-affected communities across the Northern Rivers region have been waiting for safer land and housing options to be identified
We also know that people want to have different options and not everyone is interested in purchasing land through the Program
the program will deliver 4,300 new parcels of land across the Northern Rivers
Buyback participants in any LGA can purchase land made available through the Program in any location and will be given priority
"This program underpins our commitment to providing more flood-free housing choices for people in the Northern Rivers."
The Northern Rivers was hit by the February 28 2022 big flood
Lismore was easily the worst hit in terms of property damage
"It's not all about Lismore"
but the centre of the devastation was in Lismore
The NSWRA spokesperson says buyback participants can purchase land in any location; what if they want to stay in their home LGA
Has the Resilient Lands Program become about solving the housing crisis in the Northern Rivers
"The Resilient Lands Program is part of a package of measures to provide more housing choices by accelerating the supply of land and housing for flood-impacted residents."
there are more offerings in less flood-affected LGAs
The mother of a toddler who was killed in a murder-suicide by his father has broken her silence
to be returned by her ex James Harrison at about 4pm on Sunday after the ICU physician dropped him off for an access visit that morning
She called police who visited Harrison's Lismore unit at about 5.30pm and left when no-one answered the door
upon returning four hours later at the insistence of the boy's grandmother
Dr Roome issued a statement with her family on Wednesday afternoon
'Our family is facing incomprehensible grief
Our beloved Rowan was taken from us in the most unfathomable way
'Rowan's life was ended by an evil and cowardly act of violence
perpetrated by a person he should have been able to trust the most
There are no possible excuses for this hurt
and his short life was filled with rich and happy experiences
He touched the hearts of everyone lucky enough to be in his world
We thank all those who have provided support
and we acknowledge the suffering of James' family
NSW Police deputy commissioner Peter Thurtell said on Monday that 'it was obvious to us that the father had taken his life and the life of the two-year-old'
'My understanding is there was no weapon involved.'
He said Harrison appeared to have made a system inside the house 'where both he and the child passed away as a result of the system he set up'
Police reportedly found a 'gas poisoning' apparatus rigged up inside the rental property
Detectives are investigating the circumstances and a report will be prepared for the coroner
'A more tragic event you wouldn't come across,' Mr Thurtell said
It's been revealed that Dr Roome had primary custody of Rowan but that Harrison frequently visited his son
She and Harrison separated last year not long after moving to the Northern Rivers region
Dr Roome went to Lismore Local Court in August 2023 seeking an apprehended violence order after her former partner showed concerning controlling behaviour following their separation, friends told The Daily Telegraph.
While there were no violent incidents, the AVO was extended by the court just two months ago to protect Dr Roome from his concerning behaviour and attempts to dictate how she lived her life.
The AVO also banned Harrison from assaulting or threatening Dr Roome, stalking her or destroying her property.
It's understood Dr Roome's family has travelled from Tasmania to support the grieving mother.
Harrison portrayed himself as a fan of the great outdoors, with his social media littered with photos from hiking and camping expeditions.
He worked for a number of IT companies before he joined NSW Health in 2018, according to his LinkedIn profile
His current employer is listed as Northern NSW Local Health District.
There are also online rants about Covid-19, terrorism and equality rights.
In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, NSW Police admitted that police had attended the house twice on Sunday.
'About 5.30pm on Sunday 19 May 2024, a concern for welfare was raised at Lismore Police Station,' a NSW Police spokesperson said.
'A short time later, police attended an address on College Street, East Lismore, where they attempted to contact the occupant.
'After the occupant was unable to be raised, police canvassed the area before returning to the police station to conduct further inquiries.
'As a result of further information received, police re-attended the East Lismore property at 9.30pm where they forced entry.'
Questions have been raised about why police had not searched inside the property on the their first visit after Dr Roome called them with concerns Harrison had run off with their son.
As investigations continue, anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Aussie mum breaks her silence after her ex killed their toddler sonCommenting on this article has endedNewest{{#isModerationStatus}}{{moderationStatus}}
was living in the northern NSW town of Lismore when he took his and his son Rowan’s life on Sunday
Credit: SuppliedThe father who built an intricate poisoning system to kill himself and his two-year-old son in a callous murder-suicide was raised in Perth and studied biochemistry at university before moving east
an intensive care specialist at Lismore Base Hospital
applied for an apprehended violence order out against her former partner Harrison back in August 2023 but was required to take her son for an access visit on Sunday morning
Get the NewsletterBy continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Dr Roome feared her former partner may have fled Lismore when her son was not returned to her at 4.30pm
Officers immediately went to Harrison’s College St home but no one answered the door.
Police said they continued to make further inquiries, including calling relatives interstate, before rushing back to the house at 9.30pm where they forced entry.
Dr Roome’s worst fears were realised when police entered the home, finding Harrison and Rowan dead just before 10pm.
Sophie Roome and her child Rowan. Rowan was killed by his father James Harrison in Lismore. Credit: Sophie Roome/FacebookHarrison’s mother declined to comment on the death of her son and grandchild when speaking with The West Australian at her home in the inner southern suburbs of Perth on Tuesday night.
NSW Police say Harrison rigged up a deadly poisoning system involving carbon monoxide inside his Lismore unit.
Friends claimed Harrison’s concerning behaviour towards Dr Roome escalated when they separated, prompting her to go to Lismore Local Court in August 2023 and seek an apprehended violence order.
In March this year, the AVO was extended by the court, banning Harrison from assaulting, stalking or intimidating Dr Roome.
Harrison is believed to have had an intricate knowledge of biochemistry and biological nanotechnology, with several science qualifications from the University of Western Australia, the University of Queensland and the University of Melbourne.
Police have made a grim discovery after the bodies of a man and his two-year-old son were found in an East Lismore home overnight. About 9.45pm on Sunday, Richmond Police District officers forced their way into a unit on College St, Lismore, following concerns for their welfare. 7NEWS Credit: 7NEWS/7NEWSHe has also contributed to at least one scientific paper that explored how nanoparticles could help injuries but which also raised concerns about their toxicity.
His LinkedIn also revealed he had withdrawn from a Masters qualification in health policy from the University of Sydney “due to the university ceasing remote teaching after I moved to Lismore to support my former partner and our son”.
Harrison’s Facebook says he graduated from the University of Western Australia in 2010 before taking up studies in the eastern states from 2011 onwards.
Between 2015 and 2019 Harrison ranted on Facebook about race-motivated violence, COVID-19 and marriage equality.
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STATE Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin today (22 April) was joined by Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg
councillors and members of the former Nimbin Advisory Group (NAG) to officially open the newly constructed accessible amenities block at Peace Park in Nimbin
Lismore is set for a construction boom with more than $46 million worth of Development Applications approved in March
which is expected to push the total value of approved developments for this financial year to well in excess of $100 million
Lismore’s role in delivering Australia's largest local government-led disaster recovery was front and centre on 27 March
as more than 30 procurement professionals gathered in Lismore for the Local Government Procurement (LGP) Networking Meeting
This class is a high energy cardio workout that will have you sweating
You will experience various styles of cardio that will get the heart pumping
Strengthening and conditioning of the core muscles surrounding the middle of the body - the abdomen
and lower back to gain all the benefits of having a stronger core
medium-intensity aerobics class in the pool
Aqua is a fun and exhilarating class for all ages
Guaranteed to work you hard using the resistance of water
Lismore City Council is seeking expressions of interest (EOIs) from suitable businesses in the Lismore Local Government Area (LGA) to display visitor information
Council has assessed several rural roads and is seeking community survey feedback to support funding applications
Lismore City Council is partnering with the community to shape Clunes’ future
the Clunes Master Plan aims to reflect local needs
Help us upgrade Tregeagle and Caniaba Roads — complete our 5–10 minute survey to support vital funding through the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program
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Council has detailed flood information and free Property Flood Certificates available for the urban and southern areas of the Lismore Local Government Area (LGA)
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plus learn about all the facilities and services available at the centre
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Nimbin and the villages of the Northern Rivers are like no other place in the world
Our beautiful spaces for art and creativity in the heart of the city
The Quad is a public space for performances
creativity and community in central Lismore
Credit: Unknown/SuppliedA magistrate apologised to a father
who later killed his son in a suspected murder-suicide
as the 38-year-old attempted to fight a protection order sought by his ex-partner in Lismore
Months before the bodies of James Harrison and two-year-old Rowan were found inside a house on College St in East Lismore
the man was fighting an apprehended domestic violence order brought by his ex Sophie Roome
On Sunday Dr Roome farewelled her dead son at a vigil in Lismore where about a hundred people
some holding candles and others bringing their children
Get the NewsletterBy continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Investigators suspect Harrison had rigged a system to poison himself and his son with carbon monoxide during a custody visit before he was due to return the toddler to his mother
On February 13 Harrison waited for hours to fight the apprehended domestic violence order sought by Dr Roome for her protection before Magistrate Michael Dakin
The matter was next listed for late July and Harrison’s lawyer said it would likely occupy the court’s time for between one and a half hours and two hours
The matter was called for a second time before it was next adjourned until 12.55pm
The third time the matter was called Magistrate Dakin was blunt
I don’t think there’s much prospect of reaching the police application naming James Harrison as the defendant,” he said
Magistrate Dakin was apologetic to the 38-year-old
“By consent and without any admission on your part
I am sorry the court time could not be available today
it is the way sometimes the court list pans out,” he said
“The order I make on a final basis is for 12 months from today for the protection of Sophie Roome
is that you are not to do any of the following to the protected person or anyone (with whom) she has a domestic relationship
intentionally or recklessly damage or destroy property or harm any animal that belongs to or is in the possession of the protected person
it is not a crime to have the order made against you but it is a crime to breach the order
“The law in New South Wales provides that if a breach involves violence
“There cannot be any change or variation to that order without a further court order
please bear in mind the order applies Australia-wide.”
Dr Roome and her family said they were grappling with incomprehensible grief after the death of their “beautiful
“Rowan’s life was ended by an evil and cowardly act of violence
perpetrated by a person he should have been able to trust the most,” they said in a statement
“There are no possible excuses for this hurt
East Lismore will see the development of 22 new units on three separate sites under plans developed by the NSW Land and Housing Corporation in a step towards more high-density living
A NSW Government letter has been sent to some East Lismore residents informing them of plans to redevelop the housing sites at 1-3 Walker Street (two homes) and 2-4 Caldwell Avenue (two homes)
The proposal is to build a new two-storey development that will include 8 x one-bedroom units and 8 x two-bedroom units
The other 6 units are a redevelopment of a social housing site at 195-197 Dibbs Street (two homes)
approximately 100 metres from the WalkerAvenue/Caldwell Street sites
That redevelopment will see 4 x two-bedroom units and 2 x three-bedroom units
Both projects will include landscaping and fencing
The NSW Land and Housing Corporation is seeking community feedback on the detailed plans
which will be carefully considered by our design and planning team as part of the assessment of this project and where possible
we will incorporate your feedback in the designs."
The same feedback is sought for the Dibbs Street project
we are seeking your advice on anything you think will help inform the detailed design for the new development at 195-197 Dibbs Street East Lismore
along with any other important local factors."
While we know the Dibbs Street units will be used for social housing
the use for the Caldwell Avenue/Walkers Street units is unclear
"redevelop the housing site" while Dibbs Street was very clear
The Lismore App spoke to the media team and emailed two questions to Minister for Housing Rose Jackson at lunchtime Friday
The Lismore App had not received a response by the 5pm Sunday deadline but did receive an email response at 6:26pm saying we would receive a response later today
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said she does not know what the projects are for but added
If our local member doesn't know what is going on
This is probably not the page you’re looking for
NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson's office confirmed the 16 units being built in East Lismore on Caldwell Avenue and Walker Street will be used for social housing.
This is in addition to the construction of 6 more units, 100 metres along Dibbs Street, that has already been used for social housing and is being redeveloped.
Minister Jackson told the Lismore App, "The development proposals for 1-3 Walker Street, 2-4 Caldwell Street, East Lismore are to deliver more social housing for the Lismore community."
"As the Minister for Housing, I have been clear that delivering more social and affordable housing is crucial, and we will work across the board to do this."
"NSW Land and Housing Corporation are seeking community feedback to help chart our path forward, to ensure the homes we deliver resonate with residents."
"We want to create more homes and better places to live for the people of NSW, especially for the Northern Rivers community who have been impacted by some of the toughest weather conditions. Every opportunity, every street, every chance we have to increase social and affordable housing, particularly in the Northern Rivers, we will take it."
Local Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin welcomes the social housing project.
"The minister has visited Lismore and the Northern Rivers on a number of occasions, and I have informed her of our needs which are massive."
Leading community service organisation Social Futures stated earlier this year that the Northern Rivers needs 18,600 social and affordable housing units to be built.
"This is helpful, and it's a good start, Ms Saffin said, "We need to make sure, like everything in our rebuild, we design it well."
"Everyone counts, but we still have a long way to go. We should be celebrating a win."
While no one doubts the need for more social and affordable housing in the Northern Rivers, a question does hang over the funding source, which was quoted in the letter to East Lismore residents as being from the NSW Government's $150 million Northern Rivers Flood Recovery Program.
When asked to clarify the funding details, as the Lismore App could not find a relevant program, the minister's office referred to the Federal Government's Disaster Ready Fund, which is executed by NEMA (National Emergency Management Association).
The Land and Housing Corporation later clarified that the funding from Federal and State Government funding was announced on April 12, 2022, by the then Morrison and Perrottet governments.
The package included $168 million given to the Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) to deliver urgent social housing solutions and replace social housing lost during the floods. Of this LAHC committed:
According to LAHC, the $150 million was renamed the '$150 million Northern Rivers Flood Recovery Program.
The children of East Lismore Community Preschool are appealing to the Northern Rivers Community for help. They need donations so they can rebuild the community’s preschool – or as they call it their ‘forever home’.
Like so many places, East Lismore Preschool, which has educated the children of our community for almost 50 years was destroyed in the floods. They want to rebuild and have designed a great new preschool – designed to withstand any flood.
The NSW Government had agreed to fund the new centre. But because of the rising cost of building materials between the grant application, the council development application and the builder’s capacity to start due to a saturated market post flood, there is now a large funding gap.
Preschool Director Sonya McPherson said they have chosen Bennett Constructions to do the build, however, each month they wait to start construction is another 1% in material increases. Hence why the cash shortfall,
“Bennett’s have been in this community even longer than we have. We are committed to our community, and we want this building to be strong – choosing Bennett was a no-brainer for us," Sonya said.
But the only way to get the preschool rebuilt is with donations.
“Like so many, even with insurance, the rebuilding was such a bigger cost that could never have been foreseen. Now we can make sure we are never impacted again. We know there have been lots of appeals in the community, but we will literally not be able to proceed unless we get much-needed funds. Bennetts are working hard with us trying to find ways we can reduce costs in any way we can, they’ve been fantastic to work with. With the communities help, Bennetts can start work.”
The East Lismore Community Preschool has another DA before council to put in a footbridge over the drain at the back of the preschool going to, what will be the new Wade Park. It forms part of the evacuation route in case of another big flood.
(DA approved The East Lismore Community Preschool, and the new footbridge awaiting approval)
The Preschool hopes that even if people only have a small amount to give, they realise every cent helps. People might also know somebody in the community who can also help too.
East Lismore Preschool has been operating out of temporary premises on the school grounds of Wyrallah Road Public School since the floods. But as Sonya says “The children just want to go back to our old preschool. That is impossible but we can get them into a new building on our old site – they deserve and need to have a forever home. Now we can only provide half the places we used to while we are in a temporary building”.
If people wish to make a donation, the Preschool’s building fund bank account is BSB 082-707 Account Number 24-222-7400 Account name: East Lismore Community Preschool.
For more information about the project and how you can help, contact Sonya McPherson on 0429 107 762 or email director@eastlismorepreschool.com.
There has been a great deal of community speculation about the East Lismore Temporary Housing Village or Pod Village as it is colloquially called
The speculation ranges from the need for more temporary housing in the Lismore LGA to blaming residents for any crime in the area due to the type of people living in the Pods
The East Lismore Pod Village is housing people that cannot return to their homes following the February 28 flood last year
The Lismore App visited two families living in the Pod Village to ask what life is really like and how it has impacted their families
Teresa McPherson moved in shortly after the Pod village opened in November
before that Teresa and her two teenage children were staying at a property in Alstonville
it's enabled me to have my grandkids visit again and they love coming here
"I love the fact that we can have our two dogs live with us and now we're considering getting a parrot because my youngest daughter wants a bird and they love that they can have friends come and stay over which is great because for 12 months they couldn't."
"They (North Coast Community Housing) want it to be more relaxed and made like a home to relieve some of the stresses
We've had a few struggles over the last couple of months with my daughters settling in and getting back into a routine
They're a lot better now but still adjusting
We've had great support from the social workers here and the Village managers and stuff like that
What would life be without the East Lismore Pods
I probably would have had to relocate back to Grafton and stay with my father which means pulling my kids out of school
to uproot them out of the school at this time of year would cause more problems."
I've met a lot of nice people and it's a good environment
it's not rowdy or anything like that and if someone needs help people pitch in."
we are told that Lifeline and Daisi Services are weekly visitors to the Village Pods offering support services like counselling to all residents
Lifeline and Red Cross hold regular community barbecues to lift morale
Rekindling the Spirit is another regular visitor and The Pantry has staple food and drink packages on offer once a week
When any of the services arrive on-site an email and text go out to all residents saying it is now available
You can't help but be impressed by the organisation and support services offered
Marcus and Leonie Bebb were living in two pop-top caravans at the Lismore Showgrounds for 10 months with their three teenage children before they were offered a family pod in East Lismore Village
(Marcus and Leonie Bebb when they were living in two pop-up caravans out the front of the Gemfest office after the February 28 flood)
Marcus and Leonie Bebb have been living in a three-bedroom family pod that has made such a huge difference to their lives
"It's a lot better than the Lismore Showground," Marcus said
"We had our reservations about village life and the pods
We didn't know how big they were going to be and what was going on
The only thing we knew about the villages was from Wollongbar and we know there has been a few issues there."
"We got the opportunity to have a look and inspect them
We literally walked in the door and I think we (his wife Leonie) both looked at each other and went where do we sign?"
The bonus for Marcus and Leonie is their teenage children (two 16-year-olds and a 15-year-old) have their own bedroom and their own space
Apart from giving the Bebb's a stable roof over their heads
they could now have their two cats back in their temporary home completing the family unit
"The cats were in a tree for a week after the flood
"they were living at a friend's place for eight months and now we have them back which is awesome."
(Marcus and Leonie at home in a family pod at the East Lismore Village)
There have been so many rumours about life in the East Lismore Village
Marcus and Leonie gave some reality to how life really is for the 200 people in 52 pods on a day-to-day basis
the lady that lives in front of us is from Bungawalbin
the lady beside us is Coraki and the other family on the other side of us are South Lismore guys
This place is popular and has a very quick turnaround
somebody moves in and I'm talking a couple of days
"There's a lady near the front who is moving back into her rental
The owner came up and asked her if she wanted to move back in near Wade Park and she jumped at it
One thing you notice when you walk around the Pod Village is the quiet
during our visit the atmosphere was more like a health resort
Marcus explained that the lease people sign is very detailed and it is upheld when there is unrest
not a right and that's how everybody treats it here
We still have our family rifts and people turn in the opposite direction but we're living in close quarters so you would expect that at times."
"We have a 9pm curfew where music and TVs have to be turned down
the noise kept to a minimum and day visitors are gone
All visitors have to sign in at the front office and if you want someone to stay overnight they can but they too have to sign in so they know who is on-site at all times."
there's security cameras in the common areas and the car park."
The system has been put to the test when there was a punch-up between two residents with both being escorted off the premises by police and evicted
All residents understand they need to follow the guidelines outlined in the lease
"That's good because there are young kids here and newborns."
the Pod Village is like any suburban street but instead of 52 homes spread down the street
"I'd live here before I'd live in other parts of Lismore
What would you change about the Village Pods if you could
"We'd put in a couple of fire hoses," Marcus replied
that's when we discovered there are no fire hoses in the place."
"On the external of every pod there's a four-and-a-half kilo powder fire extinguisher and then inside every pod is a fire blanket and another fire extinguisher
they're good for a quick fire when your standing over it and can put it out."
"We are on the outskirts of East Lismore and it took them (Fire Brigade) a good twenty minutes to get to us
it was a few people putting the fire out and trying to extinguish it and do as much as we can and then it became let's try and save the pod next door because they are close quarters
we found out we are living in a village that's got no fire hoses."
"If the fire had been in the middle (pods)
it could have been very different," Leonie added
To the credit of East Lismore Village Management
the pod was replaced in a week with the resident back in their temporary home
The Lismore App understands the fire was an accident
With one negative among so many positives that are changing the lives of so many local residents during an extraordinary time
you have to say the government got the East Lismore Village right
the shame is that Lismore only has the one pod village
open up on ‘incomprehensible grief’Remy Varga and David JohnsThe Nightly4 Min Read22 May 2024Updated22 May 2024Rowan with his mum Sophie Roome
Credit: Supplied by familyThe mother and family of a toddler killed by his father in a suspected murder-suicide in Lismore say they are grappling with incomprehensible grief after the two-year-old was killed in what they describe as “an evil and cowardly act of violence”
Dr Sophie Roome and her family said two-year-old Rowan had been killed by the person he “should have been able to trust the most” after police found the bodies of the toddler and his father James Harrison inside a house in East Lismore
NSW Premier Chris Minns said on Wednesday that he had been completely heartbroken by the “evil act” that had left the community “completely in despair” after it emerged Harrison had likely gassed his son and himself to death
Get the NewsletterBy continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.His comments came amid reports a senior NSW Health executive had praised Harrison
a beloved friend and a proud dad days after the deaths
A photo released by the family of Rowan and Dr Roome shows the golden-haired toddler beaming at his mother as she smiles back at him
Dr Roome and her family said they were grieving the loss of their “precious little boy” who touched the hearts of everyone lucky enough to be in his world
joyful and adored little boy,” said the statement
“He touched the hearts of everyone lucky enough to be in his world.”
Rowan was with his father on a planned custody visit on Sunday despite an apprehended violence order taken out by Dr Roome against Harrison
The worried mum called NSW Police after her ex-partner failed to return their son at 4.30pm on Sunday
Just before 6pm officers knocked on the door of the East Lismore home before leaving when no one answered
They returned more than four hours later after Rowan’s grandmother made a second call to police
this time breaking down the door to find the bodies of the father and son
had rigged a system to poison himself and his son with carbon monoxide
Dr Roome and her family acknowledged the immense suffering of Harrison’s family and thanked people for providing support
“The are no possible excuses for this hurt, and no end to the pain it has caused.
“We are devastated. We will love and miss Rowan forever.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns said his thoughts were with Dr Roome and said the tragedy had left the community in despair.
“It’s completely heartbreaking, I can only imagine what that mum is going through today and it’s an evil act,” he said.
“I’m horrified by it, I’m sure the community is completely in despair as a result and I am just thinking about that doctor, that mother’s family and friends what they’re going through right now.”
The NSW government announced a review of bail laws as well as $230m in additional funding to combat domestic and family violence after the alleged murder of mum Molly Ticehurst last month by her former partner Daniel Billings last month.
At the time of the alleged killing Billings was on bail over charges of raping and stalking Ticehurst, a resident of the central NSW town of Forbes.
When her son did not return from an access visit on Sunday afternoon, Dr Roome raised the alarm with local police. Credit: 7NEWSMr Minns said his government was willing to listen to law enforcement and domestic and family violence prevention activists but he feared the issue might never be resolved: “My great fear is we can make major interventions when it comes to the law in NSW but there will still be terrible people who commit horrific acts in the state.”
“It’s one of the reasons why we’ve committed millions of dollars to early intervention and prevention programs, so we can change a terrible culture that precipitates this horrific crime.”
The Daily Telegraph reported that NSW Health Clinical Excellence Commission director of information management Andre Jenkins praised Harrison, a CEC employee, about two days after the deaths.
“It is with indescribable sadness that I find myself letting you know that James Harrison and his son Rowan died on Sunday,” Mr Jenkins said in the email that offered support services to staff.
“There are no words to adequately describe the loss of a wonderful colleague and beloved friend.”
The email made no mention of the circumstances surrounding Harrison or his son Rowan’s death but praised Harrison as “generous with his time”.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the email was “completely unacceptable and has caused significant distress to staff”.
“I want to make clear that it does not reflect the views of NSW Health, and that it was not in any way endorsed or authorised by Health,” he said.
“This is an extremely difficult time for local health staff, and I want to reiterate that support is being made available to them.
“Many of you also shared memories of Rowan popping up in meetings with his proud dad.”
Dr Roome and her family have requested privacy and NSW Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
Council has detailed flood information and free Property Flood Certificates available for the urban and southern areas of the Lismore Local Government Area (LGA).
Note: Work is underway to expand the availability of Property Flood Certificates throughout the Lismore region.
The Lismore Flood Study allows you to identify a property and access flood information to understand its potential flood risk in various flood event scenarios.
Use the Lismore Flood Study to locate your property and determine if a Property Flood Certificate is available
The Property Flood Certificate contains data that will help you better understand the potential flood risk to your property
It includes information such as the natural ground level
planning and flooding levels (including 2022 flood event)
as well as definitions for commonly used flood terms
Note: Reports are automatically generated therefore some of the information may not be correct
The information below helps to explain some of the key features of the Property Flood Certificate:
Recipients are encouraged to obtain professional advice specific to their requirements regarding this information
The Lismore Flood Risk Management Plan is a comprehensive strategy developed to address the risks associated with flooding in the Lismore local government area
The plan aims to reduce the impact of flooding on the community
and the environment through a range of measures
The Lismore Flood Risk Management Plan aims to minimise the exposure to flood hazard in Lismore’s developed areas and ensure that new development is compatible with the flood hazard and does not create additional flooding problems. Controls that apply to new development in the flood-prone urban areas of Lismore are in Chapter 8 of the Lismore Development Control Plan
For details on the different flood event scenarios modelled for Lismore refer to the Lismore Flood Risk Management Study
A benchmark major flood that forms the basis of design standards for many planning
building and development related criteria (for example
The Design Flood Event is based on a 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) which has a 1% chance of occurring in any single year
This means that if you experienced a 1% AEP flood last year
the chance of experiencing a similar flood this year is still 1%
Previously this flood event was referred to as a ‘1 in 100 Year’ flood
The 1% AEP flood event in 2090 was modelled factoring in the highest climate change scenario which would see rainfall intensity increase by 19.7% and temperature increases of about 4.3°C
The mother of a two-year-old boy killed by his father in Lismore on Sunday says the toddler should have been able to trust the man who took his life
and she will love and miss the little boy forever
“Our family is facing incomprehensible grief
Our beloved Rowan was taken from us in the most unfathomable way,” Lismore doctor Sophie Roome said in a statement she issued with her family
inside Harrison’s unit at East Lismore in the NSW Northern Rivers on Sunday night
Rowan had been visiting his father at the unit
and his short life was filled with rich and happy experiences,” Roome and her family said in the statement
and we acknowledge the suffering of James’ family
Roome rang police and raised the alarm on Sunday when Harrison did not return the little boy at 4.30pm as scheduled
but returned and broke the door down at 9.45pm
after the boy’s grandmother contacted police a second time
The College Street unit block where the body of a father and son were found in East Lismore.Credit: Google Maps
Premier Chris Minns said his government would act immediately on any recommendations the coroner might make following an investigation into what happened
I can only imagine what that mum’s going through today
I’m horrified by it and I’m sure the community is completely in despair about it,” he said at a press conference in nearby Cudgen on Wednesday morning
Harrison had been put under an interim apprehended domestic violence order in July last year
He was not charged with any offence and there is no suggestion he was physically violent; rather
sources with direct knowledge of the matter say that Harrison was controlling
An interim ADVO protects a person in the often-substantial gap between reporting an incident to police and the matter being heard by the courts
when the matter made its way to Lismore Local Court
the court did not have time to hear the matter in its substance that day
Instead of waiting until July this year to go to a hearing
Harrison consented in February to the apprehended domestic violence order without admissions
meaning he accepted the court order but did not admit any wrongdoing
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
\\u201COur family is facing incomprehensible grief
Our beloved Rowan was taken from us in the most unfathomable way,\\u201D Lismore doctor Sophie Roome said in a statement she issued with her family
\\u201CRowan\\u2019s life was ended by an evil and cowardly act of violence
and no end to the pain it has caused.\\u201D
inside Harrison\\u2019s unit at East Lismore in the NSW Northern Rivers on Sunday night
and his short life was filled with rich and happy experiences,\\u201D Roome and her family said in the statement
and we acknowledge the suffering of James\\u2019 family
after the boy\\u2019s grandmother contacted police a second time
\\u201CIt\\u2019s completely heartbreaking
I can only imagine what that mum\\u2019s going through today
I\\u2019m horrified by it and I\\u2019m sure the community is completely in despair about it,\\u201D he said at a press conference in nearby Cudgen on Wednesday morning
Support is available from the at 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).