Published on 06 November 2024
Lismore City Council has kicked off consultation for the new community-driven Community Strategic Plan (CSP) as the first round of consultation commences to inform a 10-year roadmap for Lismore. Following the 2022 natural disaster, efforts have been focussed on building back stronger and advocating for the much-needed government support to deliver what our community deserves. With 80 percent of all rebuilding projects now complete and the flood recovery program for roads and bridges now in hand, Council is turning its eye toward the future. Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the voice of the community was critical in developing this plan to ensure each project and service theCouncil delivers aligns with expectations and aspirations of locals. "Engagement with the Lismore community has been ongoing in recent years and has informed all manner of strategies and plans for Council,” he said. “But we need to check ourselves by asking the community to rate our performance through the Community Scorecard and then go back out to engage and consult through a series of additional workshops.” Once complete, the Community Scorecard data will be combined with all the valuable community feedback already gathered through various consultations to set the draft areas of focus for the Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035. This will then be taken back to the community in a series of workshops scheduled for March 2025. “This second phase engagement with community will ensure is the testing point where we can check we have heard what residents have told us,” Mayor Krieg said. “It is important to Council that we hear from our community, so that our new CSP provides a clear snapshot of their priorities, expectations and aspirations.” The CSP is a part of the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework set by the New South Wales Government and is updated every four years to guide Council in setting priorities in essential areas such as infrastructure, environmental sustainability, community programs and economic development. “Whether it relates to flood resilience, improving public spaces, arts and culture, supporting local businesses or enhancing environmental initiatives, your feedback is essential in guiding where we focus our efforts,” Mayor Krieg said. “By completing the Community Scorecard, you directly influence the Council’s delivery program for the future, ensuring our actions align with what the community values most.” The survey is open until Monday, 25 November 2024, representing the first consultation stage. This is a rare opportunity to share your ideas and priorities and make a lasting impact on Lismore's future. To take the survey and help Lismore become more connected, proud, and ready to embrace the future, go to www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Council/About-Council/Our-strategies-and-plans/Community-Strategic-Plan
Picture: Keen Street during last year's Music from the Heart.