Albert Park Footpath

The riverbank in 2022.

About the project

As part of the Crown Lands Flood Recovery Program, Lismore City Council’s Environmental Strategies team received funding to remediate the riverbank at Albert Park baseball fields. The 2022 floods caused significant erosion on the left bank of the Wilsons River, destabilizing the bank and damaging regenerating riparian vegetation. This has reduced the riparian corridor to less than 2 meters in some areas and led to the loss of mature trees.

Following the flood damage, GHD Engineering was engaged to investigate the riverbank’s stability and develop options for remediation. Their geotechnical assessment identified areas at risk of failure and provided recommendations for stabilising the bank. Stabilisation options are limited due to the depth of alluvial floodplain soils and the associated costs.

Based on GHD findings, Council has decided to remove approximately 235 meters of the western footpath that surrounds the baseball fields. The area between the riverbank and the fields will be replanted with native vegetation. While this measure won't eliminate the risk of further erosion, it will help improve safety by limiting public access to the unstable section. Further potential remediation options put forth by the report will be explored in the future. Alternative footpath routes have been constructed to ensure continued passage throughout Albert Park including options for loop tracks and will be marked for users.

The community's understanding and cooperation are appreciated as we work toward creating a safer and more sustainable environment for all visitors to Albert Park.

Path closure is expected between late February and the first week of March 2025.