Community forum rejects Lismore council biodiversity plan

A COMMUNITY Forum organised by Lismore City Council has voted of nine to six against the introduction of the Biodiversity Management Strategy.

A COMMUNITY Forum vote of nine to six against the introduction of the Biodiversity Management Strategy is just one on many factors the Lismore Council will consider when it votes on the plan in April.

The Council invited 40 random people from different rate areas to attend a Community Forum "to provide a face-to-face opportunity for community representatives...to have their say on the BMS".

Only 16 people actually attended the forum and most were over 50 years old, so it didn't really provide a good cross section of the community, Councillor Vanessa Ekins said.

Mayor Jenny Dowell was also disappointed by the low turnout at the forum, as it diminished its value as a feedback mechanism she said.

The forum heard the result of a community phone survey by the Hunter Research Foundation showing the community did think rate rises tied to the BMS were affordable, Ms Ekins said.

Associate Professor Caroline Sullivan from Southern Cross Uni also outlined the Rural Landholder Initiative, a key component of the BMS.

At the conclusion of the Forum nine people voted against the proposed BMS and six voted in favour.

Council is expect to vote on whether or not to implement the BMS at its April 14 meeting, and will consider the forum's outcome among a range of other data and resources.