Green light for long-awaited North Lismore Plateau project

IT’S been more than a decade in the pipeline, but the North Lismore Plateau development project has finally been approved by the State Government.

Elevated view Lismore from North Lismore Plateau showing the Showground. Photo Cathy Adams / The Northern Star. Picture: Cathy Adams

IT'S been more than a decade in the pipeline, but the North Lismore Plateau development project has finally been given the green light by the State Government.

The plateau has the potential to hold 1550 new dwellings with the combined potential to boost Lismore's population by about 3600, Lismore Mayor Jenny Dowell said.

"It's good news and it's long awaited," she said.

"I can remember when I first campaigned in 2003, a man at the top of Invercauld Rd pointed over to Lismore Plateau and said 'that's where we need housing'.

"So it's been a long battle, probably about 15 years in total and it's had its ups and downs but with determined effort from council, the landowners and everyone really working in partnership, we've got it through."

Cr Dowell said they received notification about 10 days ago that the decision would be handed down within a fortnight, however given the project's historical hiccups and delays, there was a reluctance for people to hold their breath.

"We've had delays in this before so no one got to excited and then yesterday we got the announcement that it would delivered today," she said.

Cr Dowell said the development would go a long way to improving housing shortages in the region.

"We know that wherever you intervene along the spectrum of housing, makes it easier for everyone," she said.

"This development will bring more affordable housing.

"Quite a few of the blocks up there will be eligible for the $20,000 rebate for families earning $84,000 or less. It will also bring more jobs and more families into our region.

"So it's a great development and the fact that it's west of the city really balances up our city."

Cr Dowell said council was currently working on the plateau's preliminary infrastructure works like the water main service and gravity sewer, which would take it to development stage by the end of June.

She said as soon as the development applications and lot plans were approved, developers could begin selling blocks.