The NSW Government has carried out investigations to confirm a preferred corridor for the upgrade of around eight kilometres of the Bruxner Highway between Sneaths Road, Wollongbar and Kadina Street, Goonellabah. This is the first step in progressing a long-term solution for this section of the highway that would improve the safety and efficiency of the corridor.
Transport for NSW has identified a preferred corridor for the future upgrade of around eight kilometres of the Bruxner Highway between Sneaths Road, Wollongbar and Kadina Street, Goonellabah.
Preserving the land is the first step towards the future upgrade of this section of the Bruxner Highway and will assist with future planning and land-use decision making. In preserving the corridor, it is noted the preferred alignment is similar to the alignment previously shown in both Lismore and Ballina Council Local Environmental Plans, with one third of the alignment owned by the NSW Government.
Transport for NSW is now inviting the community to have their say on the preferred corridor to help identify any potential issues ahead of corridor preservation.
Have your say by 5pm, Friday 20 December 2024.
The Bruxner Highway is a key east-west corridor in northern NSW, stretching more than 400 kilometres from Ballina to Boggabilla. This arterial road connects people to health, education and other essential services, as well as providing critical freight links that many producers in the region rely on.
We have been planning improvements along the full length of the highway and have developed a comprehensive Bruxner Highway corridor strategy. This includes investigating viable options to improve safety for all road users, reduce congestion as well as improve pedestrian and cycle connectivity between Ballina and Lismore.
Identifying and preserving a corridor alignment is the first step in progressing a long-term solution for the potential upgrade of the Bruxner Highway between Wollongbar and Goonellabah. This will work towards helping to improve the safety of communities using the corridor every day to access education, employment, health and social services as well as all road users who travel this corridor.
Many residents in the region are aware of a previously identified road corridor to the north of the existing highway that was a single carriage road alignment, meaning it allowed for one lane of traffic in each direction.
This historic alignment was added to the Lismore and Ballina Council’s Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) in the 1970s.
Transport have carried out investigations that tested and analysed a dual carriage road alignment, that is two lanes in each direction, along the historic LEP alignment.
These investigations focused on opportunities to enhance safety and efficiency of the highway that would accommodate increased traffic demand, while also identifying issues that could impact the community and impede delivery of an upgrade.
The outcome of this investigation confirmed a preferred corridor along the historic LEP alignment, with some minor adjustments.
These adjustments were made to ensure a future upgrade could:
Preservation of the corridor will protect the land needed for a future highway upgrade, while also providing certainty for future planning and land-use decision making by Council and property owners following the 2022 floods.
This is the first step to deliver a safer, more efficient and resilient highway that can support population and economic growth in the region.
This will allow us to work with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) as well as Lismore and Ballina councils to incorporate the preferred alignment into the Local Environmental Plans, rather than the historic LEP alignment.
After the display period closes, we will publish a report that includes responses to issues raised by the community. Feedback received on the preferred corridor will be considered, which may require some refinements to the alignment before we work with DPHI and councils to incorporate the preferred corridor into the LEPs.
We will continue to consult with councils, local businesses, community and property owners, to improve our knowledge of the area, which is important in assisting us understand the wider network impacts.
Further progress and timing for an upgrade on this section of the highway is subject to further funding. This includes field investigations to inform the strategic design, community consultation, environmental assessment, property acquisition and the final business case.
We will keep the community informed of any progress via this project web page.
Transport for NSW recognise and celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing cultures and care of Country. We pay respect to traditional custodians and Elders past and present.
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Tonight we can show you four relocated homes that were moved from Lismore to Goonellabah – as part of the state’s flood recovery plan.
The Mount Pleasant Estate properties will soon undergo renovations, for residents to then move in.
Service NSW is looking to relocate to The Village Shopping Centre in Goonellabah with the development application (DA) submitted to Lismore City Council
The plans to relocate to Goonellabah were revealed at the opening of the new Molesworth Street opening on July 5 this year
building should take between 12 and 18 months
The $2.56 million building will be located behind Rivers and The Reject Shop
which will be accessed by turning left off Simeoni Drive
The number of parking spaces for the entire Village Shopping complex is 262
The current building site has the capacity for 30 car parking spaces
there is a net loss of 14 car parking spaces
TTM Consulting conducted a parking usage survey over seven days during different months over a two-year period (July 2022 to July 2024) and found that 29 out of the 30 car parking spaces to the north (the existing site) were not used
while 65 to 100 car parking spaces were available in the southern (or main) car park
The conclusion was the development would not have an adverse effect on car parking in the overall Village Shopping complex
When customers are leaving the new Service NSW Customer Service Centre
they will be turning left on to Simeoni Drive
The roundabout upgrade at Simeoni Drive takes on more importance with this DA
especially with the proposed 130 placement Childcare Centre for the vacant block between The Village and Aldi
It is anticipated that the new Service NSW Customer Service Centre will experience an additional 5 vehicles per hour for Simeoni Drive North and 4 per hour for Simeoni Drive South post development
The conclusion is the development is not expected to have a significant impact on Simeoni Drive and its nearest intersections
It is planned that the new Service NSW Customer Service Centre will accommodate driver testing and the full suite of government services and transactions
driver testing is being undertaken at the Lismore Golf Club in East Lismore
we offer a variety of group fitness classes for you to choose from
encouragement and a social aspect to help you reach your fitness goals while having fun
Group Fitness classes can be booked up to 24 hours prior by ringing us on (02) 6625 5370
Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre, 50 Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah 2480
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
Welcome to Lismore’s Australian Breastfeeding Association Group
Chat with mothers who have 'been there' and connect with our local breastfeeding counsellors and educators
You don't need to have breastfeeding concerns and you don't need to be breastfeeding to join us
Bookings: 02 6625 1235
Fields marked as 'Required' must be completed
Enter your email address or your friend's email addresses all separated by commas.
This event occurs on the Second Friday of every 1 month(s) for 8 times.
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 CBD, North Lismore and Simeoni Drive in Goonellabah were illuminated with the twinkling glow of enchanting fairy lights just in time for Christmas. And the best news is that the gorgeous, twelve large trees are permanently lit and will continue to delight all year round.
Economic Development Officer, Kelly Dymand, said: “Our community has been delighted with these installations; here’s just a few of the many positive comments we’ve received:
The Business Centre Illumination Program is intended to improve our streetscape, vibrancy and experience, creating an attractive and connected experience for locals and visitors alike.”
Youth crime has been a regular talking point for the residents of Goonellabah since early 2024
Over 250 concerned residents turned up for a youth crime meeting in March that year organised by local resident Andre Els
youth crime is still an issue in Goonellabah and another community meeting is being held at the Lismore Workers Sports Club in Goonellabah tonight (Thursday
Another large and enthusiastic group is expected to attend a Magpie Centre Community Meeting to discuss ways of addressing the youth crime rate in Goonellabah from a preventive and rehabilitative perspective
When asked how he got the idea for a Magpie Centre
Community Leader and CEO of the Magpie Centre Indigenous Corporation
said I thought of a magpie which is black and white and represents indigenous as well as non-indigenous kids
I recalled the original Magpie Centre in Goonellabah from my somewhat “misspent youth” in the late 1990s and early 2000s
and I have longed to recreate what my memory of that was - a place where Aunties and Uncles made us toasted sandwiches
gave us a hug or mentored us in values for good clean living
“I have been looking at other successful programs in the area
since I don’t believe in reinventing the wheel
That’s why we have amongst our guest speakers Mark Robertson - One Vision Productions’ Founding Director
who has worked with disengaged and at-risk youth for more than 16 years
Working alongside a host of high-profile Program Ambassadors such as Chris Hemsworth and Baker Boy
which is a comprehensive online toolkit for addressing mental health issues
including the well-known 'MPOWER Interactive App'
Program facilitator with Community Corrections - servicing Lismore
also has links to Namabunda Farm at Alstonville
which is a place for Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth to learn life skills through volunteering
and engagement workshops as well obtaining their chain saw or forklift licence.”
who is Officer in Charge of Lismore Police
will give us an update on crime in the Goonellabah area.”
“After recent discussions with local community members who are at the forefront of addressing local youth crime
I am thinking the Magpie Centre might be well placed to become a hub for identifying all the local resources
services and organisations already addressing youth needs in the Northern Rivers
We could then help troubled kids and those who have had time in juvi (juvenile detention centre)
to connect with appropriate supporting services
But I am keen to hear what people think at the meeting.”
Event Coordinator Deb Gerada said: “Bradley’s enthusiasm was contagious
and the volunteers who have stepped up to help me for Thursday’s meeting are absolutely amazing
the idea of addressing youth crime from a preventive perspective really appealed to me
"I believe if the Magpie Centre does something small and achievable
we will gain community trust and credibility and can go on to achieve bigger things!"
Director and Treasurer of the Magpie Centre said
“We have really appreciated some seed funding from Josh Seague from CDAT (Community Drug Action Teams)
as well funding some barbecues that are already gaining interest from local youth
"We have also received small but helpful contributions from local member Janelle Saffin and Shar Goodwin from Aboriginal Affairs for some of the meeting expenses
we will need to access more funding in the future
and I feel this is entirely doable when we have some runs on the board.”
Anyone who would like more information about the Magpie Centre is welcome to contact Bradley Walker on 0477 831 694 or walkerhealing83@gmail.com
The meeting is open to every Goonellabah resident
The meeting starts at 5:30pm at the Lismore Workers Sports Club
Check out the Facebook event page https://www.facebook.com/share/1ECnMgwokU/
The meeting will also be live streamed via this link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563153908303.
Learn the foundation of boxing technique and punch combos incorporated in a workout that gets your whole body fired up. No session is the same but may include partners, bag work and lots of skills and drills for improving hand-eye coordination, strength and endurance, core stability and self-defence.
This event occurs every 1 week(s) on Wednesday for 36 times.
Mt Pleasant Estate in Goonellabah doubled its housing numbers yesterday when the second relocated flood home was moved early Wednesday morning
The NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSWRA) has said the goal is to move four homes onto the prepared sites before Christmas
The homes will be renovated to a high standard in early 2025
with the first homeowners moving in towards the end of 2025
Mt Pleasant Estate is part of the NSW Government's $100 Resilient Lands Program (RLP)
Thirty-nine (39) homes will be built in the estate and offered to flood-affected people and families first before hitting the open market
The four houses have been purchased under the $790 million Resilient Homes Program (RHP)
with more to be offered for sale in 2025 as the program progresses
It is funded by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments with the goal of moving people off the floodplain
One of the key objectives of the project is to demonstrate the relocation process and potential for these character homes and how they can fit within a new neighbourhood
A local architect has been commissioned to provide the RA with design options for alterations to make sure the homes contribute to the character of the Goonellabah community and surrounding environment
Mount Pleasant was the second RLP site announced in 2024
The site will demonstrate a mix of small and standard lot sizes as well as detached and attached housing types with a range of price points for buyback participants
Mount Pleasant is one of seven sites that have so far been identified under the Resilient Lands Program
Summerland Estate near Casino and Junction Hill near Grafton
It will also demonstrate housing types that could be rolled out at other RLP sites and builds on the community master planning work led by the RA in partnership with the Living Lab and Government Architect NSW
The RA has held two community information sessions and BBQs at Mount Pleasant in May and September this year to keep the community updated on the proposed development
Changes have been made throughout the process
such as reducing the number of properties from 50 to 39
especially moving traditional Lismore timber homes into an area with a mostly modern brick/brick veneer build
Both houses have been raised to allow parking underneath
which has also upset some local homeowners on Dudley Drive who used to look over bushland towards Tucki Tucki Creek
(The four-site block of relocatable homes at Mt Pleasant Estate in Goonellabah
The masterplan is moving towards finalisation to accelerate the delivery of new homes on the site
The site will be developed progressively over three stages from the end of 2024 to 2026
RHP participants who have accepted a buyback offer will have the first opportunity to purchase property delivered under the RLP
any remaining properties will be made available to the broader public
To stay up to date and receive more information about this or any other RLP development, people can register their interest by emailing RLP@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au or phone 1800 844 085.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “Australia’s largest resilience adaptation program is underway in the Northern Rivers, and the relocation of these buyback homes to Mount Pleasant is an important milestone.
“This really strengthens the link between the Resilient Homes Program and the Resilient Lands Program and gives people impacted by 2022 floods a way to get off the floodplain.
“The Mount Pleasant site will be an architecturally designed development that demonstrates the best use of mixed-housing types with the surrounding neighbourhood and natural features.”
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, “We are providing homeowners hit by Australia’s worst-ever flood disaster with a range of options to get them off the floodplain and out of harm’s way.”
“We have reached a major milestone as the first homes are relocated off the floodplain, retaining their unique character and working with the local community to provide a more resilient future.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said, "There is a high level of interest in the community for relocating homes or purchasing relocated homes and Mount Pleasant will be a good demonstration of how that can be done.
“Preserving these historic homes and providing that link to the past is important for the community, but Mount Pleasant will also provide a diverse range of other housing options and different price points.”
The number of people voting early or pre-poll is similar to 2022 after the first week of reporting
That includes losing two days of voting thanks to Easter Monday and ANZAC Day
The last federal election was held in May 2022
so less than two months after two major floods ripped through Lismore and the Northern Rivers
The flood affected the early voting centre for Lismore
which opened at the end of the first week (one day)
The difference was made clearer in comparisons between Lismore and Goonellabah
there were 2,546 early votes in the first week of 2022
the one day in the first week garnered 886 votes
while the second week had 7,062 votes counted
The people of Grafton led the way with 4,929 votes
If you want to avoid the crowds on election day this Saturday
or you don't care about the democratic sausage
On election day, voting is open from 8am to 6pm. Your list of voting venues can be found easily through the Lismore App's 2025 Federal Election button on the front page or by clicking Voting on Election Day
We asked the three major parties how early voting was treating them. Needless to say, they were positive without missing the opportunity for a political message.
Current Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said, "Numbers across the booths have been strong, with lots of people saying we need to change the government. We live in a wonderful democracy, and it's time to get this country back on track."
The Greens candidate for Page, Dr Luke Robinson, said, "The signs have been encouraging so far, with an emphatic response to our campaign across Page. Voters see that, unlike the old parties, we're offering serious, long-term, and fully funded solutions to cost-of-living issues, for example by fixing the housing crisis, and providing access to decent, free, universal public services, including education, childcare and healthcare."
The Lismore App will have election count updates for the seat of Page on Saturday night, once numbers start rolling in after polling booths close at 6pm on our Facebook page.
Picture: The site of potentially 600 flood-free residential sites off Pineapple Road, Goonellabah.
Two people have been charged over alleged property offences as part of an ongoing investigation in Lismore.
About 3.05am on Monday, 3 February 2025, a supermarket in Goonellabah was broken into, and five televisions were stolen.
Officers attached to Richmond Police District were notified and commenced inquiries under Strike Force Imperium.
Following extensive inquiries, officers executed search warrants at two homes in Goonellabah where they allegedly located five televisions and their boxes.
About 8am yesterday (Tuesday, 11 February 2025), police attended one of the homes where they arrested a 16-year-old boy and a 41-year-old woman.
They were taken to Lismore Police Station, where the boy was charged with aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence.
He was refused bail to appear before a children's court yesterday (Tuesday, 11 February 2025), where he was granted conditional bail to appear before a children's court on Friday, 7 March 2025.
The woman was charged with goods suspected stolen in/on premises, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, and receive property-theft.
She was granted bail to appear before Lismore Local Court on Monday, 31 March 2025.
Investigations under Strike Force Imperium continue.
Woolworths Goonellabah plans to increase the grocery pick-up and home delivery components of its business.
Woolworths has submitted a DA (development application) with Lismore City Council for 'Proposed alterations and additions to an existing shopping centre to provide Direct To Boot services & additional Home Delivery services, including the construction of a roof canopy, relocation of TOMRA recycling container, storage area, loading docks and associated signage, along with an extension of the loading hours.
The changes are estimated to cost $2.8 million.
The proposed changes are at the front of the Woolworths building outside Anytime Fitness. Six new 'direct to boot' rear parking bays will be developed to service the increased need for online shopping.
Existing parking bays will be lost, including two accessible parking bays, but they will be relocated.
There will be more changes at the loading dock area of Woolworths where the Return and Earn and recycling bins are located.
The Return and Earn will be relocated to the corner car park, to the left when you enter the area off Oliver Avenue. The recycle bins will also be relocated.
A new Home Delivery depot ramp will be constructed where those facilities exist.
The existing playground near Simeoni Drive will get a refresh and the trolley bay will be relocated.
The plan says that there will be a loss of two car parking bays. However, Woolworths claim that the benefits of Direct To Boot and Home Delivery will offset that loss.
The proposed extended loading times between 5am and 7am.
An Environmental Noise Assessment Report said the potential noise generated by the proposed extended loading hours was assessed at the nearest noise-sensitive receivers in accordance with the noise criteria detailed in the NSW Noise Policy for Industry. Noise levels were predicted to comply with the noise criteria without the need for acoustic treatment.
Lismore City Council has yet to make a decision on the DA.
The inaugural Australian Masters Pickleball Championships is ready to go in Lismore tomorrow.
Older players will compete for their spot at Nationals.
About 8.15pm (Tuesday 29 October 2024), emergency services were called to Fischer Street, Goonellabah, following reports of shots fired.
Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended and found damage to a window.
A crime scene has been established, and an investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Lismore Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 3333 000.
With the festive holidays for a lot of families for another year
the school holidays continue throughout January
and parents begin to think about how they can entertain the kids for another four weeks
Far North Coast (FNC) Hockey and NSW Regional Youth Holiday Break Program are putting on a Summer Holiday Hockey & Multi-Sports Camp for one week in January
FNC Hockey's Sharon Maher told the Lismore App children five and over will enjoy five days of sports with morning tea and lunch provided
"They'll go through the whole Hook Into Hockey program
That's been the basic program for beginners for many years
they'll do that Monday to Friday in the morning
We've also got planned a novelty carnival with buckets of water on one afternoon and a water games activity on another
"We have massive sprinklers on the turf
which we use throughout the day just to cool the kids off
The cost is $75 for the week for kids 5 to 11
thanks to funding from the state government under the NSW Regional Youth Holiday Break Program
Sharon would like to have made it free for everyone; however
that is the funding she received and the conditions that were included
"It's good because 12 years and older are a very hard group to actually reach and connect with
And it gave us the basis to invite the younger kids as well
It gives them a great introduction into community sport
whereas a lot of kids feel intimidated starting out in sport on their own
"It's also great for parents because it's holiday care as well
Morning tea and lunch are included every day
a sausage sizzle and then burger day on Friday
This is the first time FNC Hockey has held this event at this time of year
but they are still expecting about 60 kids to register and enjoy a week of fun and sport
If you are concerned about the qualification of staff
volunteers (with appropriate Working with Children Checks)
To learn more or to book your child/children a spot in the Summer Holiday Hockey & Multi-Sports Camp, click here.
There has been a severe shortage of childcare in Lismore since the 2022 big flood wiped many centres out.
In June 2024, the lack of childcare places was highlighted when Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan and Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education Angie Bell hosted young mothers and two Early Childhood and Care providers in Goonellabah.
It was said that mothers who try and register their children in an appropriate facility while pregnant still have to wait 12 to 18 months for their children to be accepted.
The shortage is about to change in Goonellabah; however, it is a long way from solving the crisis.
First Steps on Rous Road was under construction for much of 2024 following council DA approval and is now in service.
Its $1.7 million construction has created a wonderful 98-place childcare centre in Goonellabah.
The next Goonellabah childcare offering has had a lot of the community talking as land was cleared and ready for construction to start at the Simeoni Drive site next to the Aldi supermarket.
The development application (DA) has been approved, and now the owners are waiting for the construction certificate approval from Lismore City Council.
When complete, the $2.9 million two-storey childcare centre will have room for 140 children and 48 car parking spaces at the back of the block with associated landscaping and operate from 6:30am to 6:30pm Monday to Friday with 23 staff on site.
The facility will have a shade cloth-covered sandpit, slide and fort, balance beam, mud kitchen, bike track and climbing pole, as well as stepping stones throughout the childcare centre.
The entrance and exit of the childcare facility will be shared with Aldi shoppers.
(Aldi on the left and Coles to the right of the new childcare centre on Simeoni Drive, Goonellabah)
Whilst the new childcare centres will not solve the shortage problem across Lismore, it will shorten the waiting list.
NSW and Queensland police have swarmed the northern NSW border for a week of action under Operation Northern Borders
which included an arrest in Goonellabah on Monday
Operation Northern Borders is an interstate investigation targeting organised crime and OMCG activities on the NSW and Queensland border involving the NSW Police Forces’ Raptor Squad
the NSW Crime Commission and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission
police conducted 15 Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) compliance checks
arrested 10 people and laid 48 charges and charged for multiple offences including weapon and drug charges
one stolen motorcycle and a stolen caravan
Detective Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis
said its vital for interstate law enforcement to work together to target criminals operating on our state borders
“Criminals think the moment they cross the border we can’t get them and that they are safe from the consequences of their actions
the reality can’t be further from the truth
“NSW and Queensland Police are always working together to bring criminals on either side of the border justice,” Det Supt Koutsoufis said
“For those criminals who try to run and hide from police
know you can’t because we will find you and we will put you before the courts.”
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
Lismore City Council has delivered a $7 million sewerage pump station on Pineapple Road, Goonellabah, on a site that could accommodate 600 future homes.
The flood-free land was unable to be developed due to wastewater issues, but the new infrastructure permits Development Applications to be processed.
Mayor Steve Krieg said, “Lismore City Council declared a housing emergency in May 2021, and the situation was exacerbated by the natural disasters in 2022.
“This significant public investment opens up the potential for 600 new housing lots.”
(Mayor Krieg is on the verge of being confirmed as Mayor serving another term but is hesitant to confirm until all the votes are in - he was very pleased to cut the ribbon for this, one of many projects he hopes to unveil in the next term of office.)
The DA process has faltered at times, and Mayor Krieg admitted the DA lag at one point was unacceptable, but for general DA processing, the council are now averaging an 8-day turnaround.
“A development of this size will take more than eight days, but we have teams to prioritise important sites. Graham Snow has done a great job reducing delays.”
Mayor Krieg said the land was not encumbered by any other restrictions, including Koalas, “Not a eucalypt in sight!” he confirmed.
The surrounding land is rural and held by landowners and a developer who has started marking out lots.
The infrastructure is mainly underground, leaving a minimal visual impact on the surroundings.
The tanks are sufficient to hold an entire day's worth of wastewater and have an additional emergency tank.
Developers will be providing services to the area, such as electricity, so the two pumps were commissioned using generators.
The project was jointly funded by Lismore City Council ($5.6 million) and the State Government via its NSW Regional Housing Fund ($1.4 million)
MP Janelle Saffin said, “I am pleased that the NSW government can make a contribution to this important project that now has the potential to deliver more housing stock, desperately needed, and with the necessary infrastructure in place.”
This project was completed in conjunction with BASEC engineering, DGP Water and Ledonne Constructions.
(The wastewater pump station is north of Summerland Christian College at the end of Pineapple Road, Goonellabah)
A police officer has been injured following an incident at Goonellabah early this morning
after receiving information a man wanted on an outstanding warrant was there
A 28-year-old man allegedly attempted to evade police by gaining access to the roof
He was arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station where he was assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to Lismore Base Hospital with a suspected broken leg
While attempting to gain entry to the property
a male officer suffered a laceration to his right arm
A 19-year-old woman who was at the property was also arrested on outstanding warrants
She was refused bail to appear before Lismore Local Court today (Monday
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
All four flood-affected houses have now been relocated from East Lismore to Mt Pleasant Estate in Goonellabah.
The rooves are on, and all are elevated, with some having concrete driveways already built as part of the early stages of the home renovation.
The NSWRA (Reconstruction Authority) has stated previously that the renovations will be completed to a high standard to fit in with the aesthetics of the area and should be finished by mid-2025.
Back in March this year, the NSWRA's Susie George said they had received over 100 expressions of interest to relocate to the Mt Pleasant Estate. So, there is no shortage of interested flood-affected parties ready to explore their options.
The million-dollar question is around affordability.
At this stage of the process, it is purely speculation, but it is worth getting a professional opinion from a local real estate agent. Andrew Gordon from R Gordon & Son has been in the real estate game for 34 years but has never experienced anything like the Resilient Homes Program.
Andrew Gordon said it is difficult to estimate pricing at this stage as you can only refer to what has been said by the RA.
"Yes, we've heard that it's going to be an extensive renovation, and I hope it's on a Bangalow-type scale. You drive through some of those estates where you've had exactly the same thing happen: older homes moved to a location and done up, and they sell for a million plus or two million. Well, I'm not expecting that sort of level in Lismore, but I'm certainly expecting over the $600,000 mark. I can't see it being any less than that.
"If you look at the average price up there, the mean would be well above $800,000. I'm just not sure these will get to that point. I don't think that's the point of the exercise."
Andrew raises a good point: what is the point of the exercise?
Is it buying the land at Mt Pleasant Estate through the Resilient Lands Program, then moving four homes, renovating them and selling them to flood-affected people going at market price or a reduced price to make them affordable to those people who were at high risk in the floodplain?
If we make the assumption that the average Lismore buyback house was around $500,000, and the removal costs were $120,000, plus another $150,000 to renovate the house, including landscaping, the total cost of the exercise would be $770,000. That is before adding the value of the land.
Just Street currently has a 670sqm steep block for sale at $295,000. However, the average flat block is around the $350,000 mark.
The total cost of purchasing and establishing the house in Mt Pleasant would be around the $1.12 million mark. Of course, if the house was purchased for a market rate of approximately $130,000 (3brm 1 bth), then the total cost would be around the $750,000 price range.
A timber home on Just Street, which could be similar to what is being renovated at Mt Pleasant, sold in October this year for $780,000. It had 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on a 880sqm block of land.
Would a resident who received a buyback for $500,000 to $550,000 be able to afford a property out of flood for $700,000 to $750,000?
"I don't know how the RA is going to structure that," Andrew explained, "I would have thought there'd be an affordable component to it. To which there's a formula that will dictate a finishing price. But I think regardless, people are going to get a very good home. I'm sure the effort will be made to ensure that it's a very good home. As an example of exactly what you can do, and provide you with a variety of homes.
"You've gotta be careful about pricing. You don't want to devalue your neighbour's homes, and I'm sure the RA is very, very aware of that because that will have shortcomings straight away."
"You would have to believe that even a timber home with a modest renovation up there would have to be worth $700,000. But if they're trying to sell it under the banner of affordable, then I'm not sure what that formula will be."
Eventually, we will know the purchase price of houses in Mt Pleasant Estate and the four relocated homes.
"It comes through the land titles office, and that information becomes public knowledge. So, we'll always be able to tell at some stage. And I'd imagine they'd be on the open market for which there will be a price levied."
As mentioned at the start of this story, this is speculation; however, the reality can not be far off.
Andrew concluded by saying, "I honestly don't know, but I'm very interested to see how it works".
Bradley Walker is hoping to run monthly meetings to help find solutions for youth crime in the region. Photo: DAVID COPE.
THE Magpie Centre Indigenous Corporation is holding monthly meetings to address youth crime in Goonellabah.
The corporation’s chief executive, Bradley Walker, has organised the meetings, with the first held at the Goonellabah Workers Sports Club on Thursday night.
The aim was to address ongoing break-ins, car thefts and other youth crimes in the region.
Mr Walker put the call out to a number of community groups and organisations to address the issues with ongoing support.
“It has to be driven by the community,” he said.
“It shouldn’t get to the point where something very bad happens which forces a reaction.
“I also think it must go beyond just grants, we need to make sure the key people are delivering on their promises.
“It comes down to accountability and we want people to bring something to the table at the meetings.”
The Magpie Centre aims to achieve the best outcomes for all youth.
Previously based in Goonellabah, the centre hopes to establish a permanent home in the area.
“It’s in the name with the magpie; black or white we need to make sure none of our kids are left behind,” Mr Walker said.
“I consider myself a leader in the community and I really want to work in a mentor role for our youth.
“We can’t just have one meeting and forget about it which can often happen.”
Mr Walker suggested job creation where the local young people can be in charge of looking after their local parks.
He wants to oversee it, while helping young people find jobs with some of the larger employers in town like Coles and Woolworths.
“I would happily be involved to see these things delivered,” Mr Walker said.
“It would be great to work alongside our local TAFE where they have access to skills and equipment that could help them in the workforce.”
The Joint Regional Planning Panel has approved the $27.88 million Landcom development in East Lismore that will help ease Lismore's rental crisis
The 50 Build-To-Rent apartments will be constructed on the corner of Military Road and Crawford Road
where it is expected to house approximately 110 people
Medium-density housing represents only a fraction of how people live in Lismore
this has been a city of three-plus bedroom homes that now has a lot of one or two persons living in those homes
The apartments will be a mix of sizes from studios to three bedrooms
Landcom staff explained at an East Lismore community meeting that low-income earners will be given priority to rent 20% of the new apartments
lifestyles and budgets of different households
open space and other community infrastructure
(An early drawing of the proposed 50 Build-To-Rent apartments in East Lismore)
The site for the apartments is not prone to floods
and the design aims to maximise solar access and cross ventilation for the well-being of future tenants
The development will also include private off-street parking
a mix of subtropical plants and views of bushland in the east
There is no indication from Landcom as to when they will break ground on the development
East Lismore is one of three proposed developments aimed at affordable housing
Bristol Circuit in Goonellabah and Cynthia Wilson Drive
will deliver another 56 affordable rental townhouses when built
Landcom is in the process of selecting a Community Housing Provider (CHP) to deliver the development and provide tenancy management services
The CHP will become the owner of the properties and be responsible for maintaining the buildings and landscaping
A Landcom spokesperson told the Lismore App in October
the Reconstruction Authority and the CHP sector
is developing an Affordable Housing project in Goonellabah
"The project aims to deliver approximately 56 affordable rental townhouses across two sites: 16 at Bristol Circuit and 40 at Cynthia Wilson Drive
These homes will cater to low-moderate income earners
including essential workers such as teachers
"There will also be an emphasis on providing affordable homes to people impacted by the floods
"The project is progressing and we expect to make an announcement in the coming months to advise the CHP partner and next steps."
Landcom will collaborate with the chosen CHP and Council to finalise the design and prepare the Development Application (DA)
Community engagement sessions will be held prior to the DA submission
providing community members an opportunity to offer feedback on the project
Chief executive and founder David Gray said the rebrand reflects the company’s evolution and rapid expansion over the past eight years
A PROPOSAL to realign a dangerous section of the Bruxner Highway near Lismore has resurrected 50-year-old plans in a bid to make it safer and quicker
The NSW Government has identified a preferred corridor for the upgrade of about eight kilometres of the highway between Sneaths Road
Transport for NSW now seeks community feedback on the proposal to help identify potential issues before working with other agencies and councils to incorporate the preferred corridor into local environment plans
Funding had yet to be allocated to the project
but preserving the land from development was the first step towards the upgrade and would help with land use planning
Transport for NSW reassessed a historical single carriageway alignment to the north of the existing highway between Wollongbar and Goonellabah from the 1970s,” the spokesperson said
“We examined where improvements could be made to enhance safety and efficiency of the highway
identify community impacts and make the corridor less susceptible to flooding
“The latest assessment confirmed that
the preferred corridor should be on the historical alignment north of the existing highway.”
The Bruxner Highway is a key east-west corridor between Lismore and Ballina
and Transport for NSW has been planning improvements along the full length of the highway to improve safety for all road users
and improve pedestrian and cycle connectivity
The NSW Government closed submissions last month on its plan to invest $7.5 million
to make the intersection of Cowlong and Alphadale roads and Bruxner Highway safer for motorists
Transport for NSW recommended traffic signals as the best upgrade option
For more information on the highway upgrade, go to nswroads.work/w2g
Goonellabah Tucki Landcare made a big contribution to council's urban landcare project
A DEDICATED group of volunteers from the Goonellabah Tucki Landcare group have been recognised for their efforts as part of a year-long program with Lismore City Council
Council invested $30,000 in 10 landcare groups who collectively contributed $621,700 in-kind value for work improving Lismore’s urban environment over the 12-month period
The Lismore Urban Landcare report listed Goonellabah Tucki for 65 per cent of the overall contribution
Group secretary Shaen Springall said they have planted about 50,000 trees into the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly Gully over the last five years
They have extended and widened the existing rainforest corridor by planting into open areas along the walking track
“We’re only a little group of dedicated volunteers
to achieve so much is fantastic really,” Springall said
“Our initial funding came from the pockets of our members; now we’re getting better grants with more support from the council.”
Mr Springall said ongoing efforts will keep the group busy for several years
It is focused on creating biodiversity that will attract more wildlife and birds to the area
“We’re lucky to have the support of a local commercial nursery who lets us grow our own stuff,” he said
“Everything we do goes in 200mm pots and are at least a metre before it goes in the ground
“That helps with canopy cover and allows for less maintenance time.”
Mr Springall said new members are welcome and can spend as little as one hour helping
The group meets at the site on Saturday mornings at 8am
“If 20 people turn up for just one hour
that is still 20 hours of work time that we wouldn’t have had,” he said
“We have a core of 12 and we’ve had people come and help who were with the NDIS
“Council has been more supportive with landcare groups in general
it’s great that they recognise the value we add.”
You can get in touch with the group at [email protected] or on the Goonellabah Tucki Landcare Incorporated Facebook page.
The work of local Landcare groups has been applauded for a number of years
The removal of noxious weeds along our waterways
such as broad-leaf privet and camphor laurel trees
has led to the planting of native rainforest seedlings to improve the environment and water quality
Shaen Springal and Stephen Nelson have been involved in the Tucki Tucki Creek and Just Street Landcare Groups
which include parts of the Birdwing Butterly Walk
Lismore-based environmental consultancy Ecoteam generously agreed to monitor the health of the Tucki Tucki Creek bi-annually over a period of three years on a pro bono basis to the two groups engaged in riparian rehabilitation
The first monitoring occurred in December 2023. The Lismore App covered Ecoteam’s second monitoring took place on June 28 of this year. The Lismore App news article can be viewed here.
The objectives and methodology of the tests carried out by Ecoteam included sampling and analysing water and other indicators from two monitoring points within Tucki Tucki Creek in accordance with Australian Standards and using both in-situ and laboratory analysis methods to establish a record of the creek's water quality for future monitoring and comparison.
For consistency, Ecoteam is carrying out its tests on Tucki Tucki Creek at the same two sites. The first (upstream) test site is not far from the Birdwing Butterfly Gully, and the second (downstream) is adjacent to the major stormwater retention basin bordering intensive residential building development on Just Street.
A Stream Invertebrate Grade Number Average Level or ‘SIGNAL’ Score provides information on the health of a waterway by assessing the abundance and types of macroinvertebrates present. The first assessments found overall species abundance (fish and macroinvertebrates) were very low, indicating urban pressures have impacted the types of fish species present.
Ecoteam environmental scientist Ana Assis explained that the macroinvertebrates SIGNAL scores for both upstream and downstream test sites in the first round were identical: 3.3. However, in the most recent testing round, the upstream site’s SIGNAL score improved to 4.2 and the downstream site’s to 6.0 – almost double the original reading.
(Ecoteam environmental scientist Ana Assis collecting samples at the downstream site. Photo: supplied)
“This improvement is a positive indicator of healthy waterways,” Ana explained. “In the downstream site below Just Street, we found more macroinvertebrate species that are deemed ‘sensitive’, which means the water quality must be healthy in order for them to survive and reproduce.” Ana cautioned that more rainfall in the summer months can lead to lower SIGNAL scores when floods and high rainfall events can wash away macroinvertebrates and their habitats.
“It is important that we continue to test bi-annually because then we will find out next summer that if the macroinvertebrate scores remain high it will be a sustained improvement from the same conditions. This is why Ecoteam has offered to carry out the tests over three consecutive years,” Ana said.
Both Landcare groups have expended a great deal of time and energy improving the condition of major stormwater retention basins administered by Council along the length of the Tucki Tucki. Just Street Landcare has focussed on two stormwater outfalls flowing down steep banks into the creek below, which are subject to massive surges and occasional pollution after major rain events.
($6,000 state-of-the-art Aquatroll monitoring device is equipped with sensors that measure nine separate aspects of water quality simultaneously. Photo: supplied)
In the last week of August, Just Street Landcare member Chris Ashton filmed a healthy platypus swimming vigorously across the very pool that Ecoteam used for its second downstream testing three months earlier. This sighting caused great excitement among Landcare members and Just Street residents, validating community-based efforts to improve the Tucki Tucki Creek’s ecosystem health.
Ana advised that platypuses like eating the smaller macroinvertebrates that live in the leaf litter and creek bed: it makes sense that there would be more platypus once there is more macroinvertebrate life available.
“The near 100% improvement in the SIGNAL score for macroinvertebrates in this stretch of water is very likely the reason for the most recent addition to a wide-ranging group of fauna that call the Tucki Tucki Creek home,” she concluded.
Mark Dunphy is the managing director of Firewheel Rainforest Nursery, president of the Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy, and is known for his leadership and advocacy for bush regeneration in the Northern Rivers and elsewhere. Mark works closely with Goonellabah Tucki Landcare principals Doug Blythe and Shaen Springall and has observed their approach to riparian rainforest rehabilitation firsthand.
Commenting on the results of Ecoteam’s most recent tests, Mark highlighted the role that revegetation can play in improving water quality.
and the weekend weather is ideal for people of all ages to use the refreshed Goonellabah Skatepark
Lismore City Council finished the upgrade ahead of schedule
Designed by skatepark specialists Trinity Skateparks with input from local enthusiasts, the new features include:
In addition to the new features, the upgrade includes drainage improvements, floor repairs and fresh paint to ensure a smoother ride and enhance the park's appeal.
An official opening will take place in the coming weeks, but for those eager to test out the new features, the park is now open and ready to go.
The upgrades were made possible thanks to funding from the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities program.
In a friendly and relaxed environment, you and your baby can learn nursery rhymes, action songs, and finger plays to share together.
These fun sessions offer spoken communication support to children, and aid in the development of hearing awareness.
Rhymes are part of children’s pre-literacy skills and are an important pillar in their cognitive development. They aid in developing phonemic awareness, building memory and articulation, understanding of concepts, development of social routines, and listening skills.
This event occurs every 1 week(s) on Friday for 35 times.
Three juveniles have been charged after a brawl last Friday night in Goonellabah
two men – aged 38 and 19 – and a 16-year-old boy were at a home on Allingham Place
Read more news: Heading north? Look out for night work delays on Pacific Motorway
Outside the home they were confronted by a group of more than a dozen youths; the older man was allegedly stabbed in the arm with a glass bottle
and the 19-year-old man hit in the head and body with a metal pole
The group fled the scene prior to police arrival
Both men were taken to Lismore Base Hospital for treatment
Officers from Richmond Police District commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident
police attended a home in Goonellabah and arrested a 13-year-old boy
at separate Goonellabah addresses yesterday (Monday 7 December 2020)
All three have been charged with affray and granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Friday 29 January 2021
Read the original story: Police appeal for witnesses after man glassed, second man hit with a metal pole
Saturday's rain did not deter local residents, who surround the new Mt Pleasant Estate, from turning up to a NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSWRA) community BBQ in Goonellabah.
Mt Pleasant Estate was purchased by NSWRA as part of the $100 million Resilient Lands Program. It was the second local land announcement after the Southern Cross University-owned land off Crawford Road.
Unlike, the Crawford Road site, Mt Pleasant Estate is surrounded by established houses along Dudley Drive and Just Street, making it a more complex and difficult case study for the NSWRA.
As an open residential discussion was had, the concern was about property values, housing density and traffic issues along Just Street.
A few residents were selling their homes on Just Street and had received feedback from their realtor that the new development was a concern for prospective buyers. That did not stop offers from being submitted and it could be a bargaining tool used in negotiations.
The density question was raised numerous times with the general feeling that 50 houses was too much for the estate.
A NSWRA spokesperson told the group that the plan was for 'up to 50 houses' and nothing had been agreed on as the Master Plan had not been designed and drawn up. "This is the first step", was the common line used by the NSWRA, referring to the point that this was the first of a few community consultation BBQs so they could listen to feedback and talk to flood-affected residents before completing a Master Plan.
A couple of residents were concerned that decisions had already been made and the BBQ was just a PR exercise.
One man said, "I just bought the block down the road. You can't tell me what sort of house will be put here. I think I've heard enough." At that point, he walked off.
The issue of what type of house will be built and the relocation of flood-affected homes from South and North Lismore was raised due to the existing covenants and fitting in with the modern aesthetics of the area.
If relocated houses were put on a block at the top of the estate then they would block the view of existing homeowners on Dudley Drive who back onto Mt Pleasant Estate. NSWRA staff said this would be taken into consideration.
(Homes at the back of Dudley Drive, Goonellabah that back on to the new development)
As for whether relocated houses break the existing modern covenants and how they would fit with existing new builds. In short, what level of renovation would be completed? Again, the NSWRA staff tried to assure residents that this was their job, to create a community where flood-affected residents could live safely and out of flood.
The issue of density, had two potential impacts. One was increasing the traffic flow on an already busy Just Street because the cars (both residents and trades) left little room for two-way traffic flow, while the other was the potential number of townhouses built on the site.
Apart from creating more local residents, townhouses are a way to address affordability. A four-bedroom/two-bathroom house around the Mt Pleasant area would sell for around $900,000, which would be out of reach for someone who received $500,000 to $550,000 for their South or North Lismore home. A three-bedroom/two-bathroom townhouse could be valued at $450,00 to $550,000 and be within reach.
At the end of the day, you have to give credit to the NSWRA staff. They listened to the feedback and reinforced the fact that no plan or design has been locked in for the Mt Pleasant Estate; in fact, it hasn't even started because this is the first of a few community engagement sessions.
Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg was at the community BBQ, he told the Lismore App the session was invaluable.
"There were a lot of concerns that were raised, and they are understandable; it's really important for the community to voice their opinions. Not everything's rosy, but it was also good to be able to alleviate a lot of fears as well, which I hope happened."
"People have invested a lot of hard-earned money up and around this area and it's going to get turned into relocated homes. There are a lot of covenants that are already in place, so it's about being able to maintain the integrity of the estate and the development."
"Nothing has actually been done. As the RA will admit, they've only owned the land for a very short period. of time. There hasn't been long enough time to develop a plan. But what was very clear today is that through all stages of the planning process, the community in and around here will be consulted and have the chance to have the input."
"There were very clear messages that the RA, as the landowner, will have to take on board, but as council, we will step through that with them as well."
The work of local Landcare Groups is invaluable to the community
The 2km Tucki Tucki Creek regenerative site along the Birdwing Butterfly Walk in Goonellabah is a wonderful example of their work
Goonellabah Tucki Landcare secretary Shaen Springall has been working with other volunteers on this site for over four years
They have planted native rainforest seedlings
and then weed the area by hand until the seedlings are large enough to form a canopy
A regenerative program has also started along the new development on Just Street in Goonellabah where the Tucki Tucki Creek flows
That is managed by Just Street Landcare coordinator Stephen Nelson
Both Shaen and Stephen were keen to have their large-scale riparian rehabilitation efforts aimed at improving the ecosystem health of the Tucki Tucki Creek evaluated on a scientific basis. This will enable the Landcare groups to inform Council, funding agencies, sponsors and the wider community how the creek and stream bank environments are faring. The team first approached Lismore-based environmental consultancy Ecoteam in mid-2023.
Ecoteam very generously agreed to monitor the health of the Tucki Tucki Creek bi-annually over a period of three years, on a pro bono basis. The major cost incurred by the company beyond staff time is sending test results away for laboratory analysis, at SCU’s Environmental Analysis Laboratory (EAL) and further afield.
Lise Bolton is the company’s Managing Director and a Chartered Environmental Engineer who specialises in soil and water management and treatment and is coordinating the bi-annual tests. Discharge from stormwater outfalls along the 3-kilometre length of the Tucki Tucki Creek, which is looked after by both Landcare groups, is just one factor contributing to stresses on the freshwater creek. The pace of housing developments nearby, farm stock further upstream, and the impact of flooding are others.
The first suite of tests was carried out in early December 2023, and the second last Friday (28 June).
(Lise and Ana evaluating aquatic life on the Tucki Tucki Creek. Photo: supplied)
One of the testing sites was downstream from the stormwater outfall, which was extensively planted out in Stage 1 of the Just Street Landcare project. The second site was at Birdwing Butterfly Gully. Elements in the testing process include in-situ and laboratory water quality monitoring and a stream health, fish and macroinvertebrate assessment.
‘Ongoing monitoring and assessment of biological, physical and chemical indicators will provide important information for the ongoing improvement of Tucki Tucki Creek and could act as a precedent for urban rivers and catchments in the Lismore LGA,’ Lise concluded.
Shaen and Justin are confident that future Signal Scores will reach a 5 and above as their regenerative work continues and the natural growth matures.
Ecoteam has a staff of 20, including environmental scientists and engineers, an administration team and a water treatment services operations team including aboriginal employees who work in the communities where they live. Ecoteam provide a wide range of services for public and private sector clients – often at massive scale. These clients include Lismore City Council, Logan Shire Council in Queensland, and a number of other local councils and state government departments.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg was joined by Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan and State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin to officially open the $14.2 million Employment Lands project in Goonellabah.
The project is designed to unlock the Goonellabah Industrial Estate to spur investment and create more local jobs by extending Oliver Avenue to link with the Bruxner Highway.
Mayor Krieg said the project is important for our community as Council looks to attract investment to grow our local economy.
“It’s great to see this joint Federal, State and Council funded project now open. It creates more flood-free land for local industry that will create more local jobs,” he said.
“The project has been delayed due to the February 2022 natural disaster, but I would like to congratulate the construction team on the finished product.”
State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin emphasised the significance of the project.
“This project was important before the flood, it is even more important now as our local economy revives. Part of that is good transport infrastructure and additional industrial land. This delivers all of these things,” she said.
Works included the construction of the Oliver Avenue link, including a new bridge over Tucki Tucki Creek, a new roundabout at the Oliver Ave/Holland St/Taylor Ave intersection, modification/upgrades to the existing roundabout at Bruxner/Holland St to facilitate B-double movements, construction of a new public carpark at Hepburn Park and earthworks to Council-owned land at 260 Oliver Ave to facilitate additional industrial lots.
Council secured $11 million from the New South Wales Government, $2 million from the Australian Government, and contributed $1.17 million for the project.
Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan said the multi-million-dollar project would continue to open doors for the region and unlock further growth potential of the Industrial Precinct.
“This project will open up additional industrial lots on flood-free land, create better access to the estate, especially for heavy vehicles, and deliver a precinct that ensures local jobs stay in our towns,” he said.
“As the Northern Rivers continues to grow, it is important we have the infrastructure to support businesses who want to operate from our region.”
Governor-General Sam Mostyn reads to children at Jarjum Preschool in Goonellabah. Photo: CATHY ADAMS
GOVERNOR-General Sam Mostyn has visited the Northern Rivers for the first time since being sworn into office to see first-hand the damage caused by the 2022 flood.
Ms Mostyn visited Jarjum Preschool in Goonellabah as part of the tour, a centre that caters to 75 students and focuses on providing learning that embraces Indigenous culture.
The tour also included a visit to Southern Cross University to hear about how it helped the community during the floods.
Ms Mostyn said standing in the space that offered emergency accommodation to hundreds of people confirmed for her the scale of the disaster and the impact it had on the community.
“What I have discovered is that this is a community that has dealt with some of the toughest times, many times over, is very resilient and was able to get through this because of the strength of the community,” Ms Mostyn said.
“But there’s still a lot of underlying trauma and concern about what the future holds and not just relying on things that have always been to face if this ever happened again, but more importantly to rebuild community and to have a sense of belief that the community will be OK.”
Ms Mostyn saw her role as representing the community and taking its stories back to the country’s leaders, to help understand what makes a resilient Australia. She also valued the need to do so with kindness and care.
“To stand by communities, either in their moments of great joy or their moments of despair, and stick with communities – that’s something that I’ve always believed,” she said.
“I find wherever I go, the yearning for caring and kindness.”
The Governor-General also met with artists from CONVERGE, and got a sneak peek of the Lismore Library, one of many community assets still under repair.
Books being thrown from the library after the flood was an indelible image she remembered seeing on the news, and she said it was heartening to see the library being rebuilt.
Ms Mostyn also toured the old municipal building, the waste facility and water treatment plant, before attending a civic reception at Invercauld House.
Goonellabah announced as latest Resilient Lands locationSimon Mumford
"Today is a great day." Those were words from Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin and Mayor of Lismore Steve Krieg as they officially announced the latest location for the Resilient Lands Program in Goonellabah
Janelle Saffin and Steve Krieg at today's Resilient Lands Program announcement)
Mount Pleasant Estate on Wedgetail Court will be the new street for many flood-affected residents if they decide to take up the offer of relocating or building something new on the 50 blocks that will be available
Wedgetail Court comes off Just Street which is connected to Oliver Avenue in Goonellabah and is not far from the Goonellabah Shopping Centre
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully and Ms Saffin announced the first Resilient Lands Program location
in East Lismore where 450 blocks will eventually be released to flood-affected residents and the general public with an allocation to affordable and social housing
which need some MOU (memorandum of understanding) red tape to sort through between the NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSWRA) and Southern Cross University
Wedgetail Court is already built and can house the first person by the end of the year or early 2025
"It's further demonstration of our progress with the recovery
We know that we lost housing due to the flood and the buybacks and gradually
we'll be able to replace that and hopefully build more," Ms Saffin told media this afternoon
The design of the new housing estate is flexible depending on the number of buyback residents who wish to move to Goonellabah and what their financial situation is
If more townhouse living is needed then the design will adapt to accommodate that need and if more stand-alone housing is needed then it will adapt to that requirement
Block sizes will vary but there will be some around the 400 sqm to make it more affordable
"We're really excited to be part of releasing these 50 blocks today here in Goonellabah
It's such a beautiful place to live and you can't help but walk down here and actually think about living here
It's got spaces as well for relocatable homes
so some of the flood flood-affected homes we hope might be part of this whole precinct as well as other blocks
(From the back of the new Mount Pleasant Estate development looking towards Just Street
The relocation of a flood-affected house will depend on an individual's financial circumstances and the condition of their house
if a person has already renovated their house with a new kitchen and polished floorboards
this should cost between $100,000 and $150,000
If a person has not renovated the house at all then relocation costs
Depending on the cost of a block of land and if it is a flat or sloping block
this may make it unaffordable to relocate a person's old house and more affordable to build a new house on-site or take a more affordable townhouse option
The Mount Pleasant Estate Resilient Lands Program will be a test case for house relocation
as NSWRA can get a real-life case study or two and be able to share that information with other people who are thinking about relocating their homes
The Wedgetail Court site has been established for quite some time
The delay in today's announcement was due to the negotiations with the developer
you have to work with the people who own it and that can take a while to negotiate as anyone who's ever bought anything knows
If you're buying a whole block of land in an area where you're going to house up to 50 dwellings then that just takes time
Argy bargy backward and forward," Ms Saffin explained
There are some civil works that need to be completed on the new site and that should be done by mid this year
construction of a house for a flood-affected person should begin at the same time
Susie George said there was a list of people who have already expressed an interest in moving to the new estate and as of today that numbered over 100
it is looking likely that 100% of Mount Pleasant Estate will be flood-affected residents
What of the established local residents on Just Steet and those on Dudley Street that back onto Wedgetail Court
has been door-knocking and talking to those who have been home
The response has been positive as people were aware of the development and the need for housing and receptive to the fact this will help flood-affected people and families
Housing density was the only area of concern
"2024 is the year of making things happen on the Northern Rivers and in particularly Lismore."
It certainly feels that progress is being made this year in the vital area of housing and that there is "more to come"
we wait for the next Resilient Lands Program announcement in the Lismore LGA and hope it is not far away
It's the first time it's ever been done to this scale and it's not they're programs designed to fully compensate everybody and give the timeline that people need
it's a work-through process that we're doing
It's some money to help people make decisions about where they can go if they want to be off the so-called floodplain."