Lismore Police Station, courthouse hit hard by floodwaters

See how an ingenious ‘pop-up’ has helped Lismore police continue the good work of justice while they themselves were rendered flood-affected.

Crime doesn’t pause for anything, not even a natural disaster, as Lismore police officers have found.

The Lismore Police Station was one of countless CBD buildings inundated with floodwaters when the Wilsons River overflowed.

Acting Superintendent Brendan Gorman said both access to the station and technology was impacted by the water.

“When the Lismore CBD was inundated in floodwaters, a metre of floodwater went through the bottom floor,” he said.

The adjacent courthouse also suffered $30,000 worth of damage, according to a Department of Communities and Justice spokesperson.

At the height of flooding, Lismore officers were also receiving calls from distressed residents looking for emergency help.

“At the same time we received of over 1000 call for assistance on top of usual business,” Acting Supt Gorman said.

Needing to help out residents but without a home themselves, Lismore officers soon set up a spot at Lismore Heights Bowling Club but they soon realised it could not be a long-term solution.

That’s when Southern Cross University stepped in.

Within 24 hours, the university had created a police “pop-up” within the campus library.

The space had allowed police to recommence general and criminal investigation duties, Acting Supt Gorman said.

“The only thing we don’t have is a face-to-face police operation,” he said.

Instead, the public is urged to call Lismore Police [phone] and police can assist residents as normal.

Acting Supt Gorman said the space and Southern Cross University's help had been “invaluable”.

“You can’t put a value on assistance we received in regards to setting up this space,” he said.

“We’re called essential services for a reason, once residents know police are there it kind of creates a calm within the community.

“We hope to help the community remain safe while they help friends and family.”

Acting Supt Gorman said it was also a reminder to would-be criminals that police are continuing to make arrests and look after the community.

“It is a reminder we’re still out on the field, continuing our regular duties, and continuing to arrest those who wish to disrupt our community,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Communities and Justice spokesperson said Lismore Courthouse will remain closed while repair works are underway.

Local Court sittings are transferred to Ballina Local Court and District Court sittings vacated.

“Staff have been diverted to Ballina, Byron Bay and Tweed Heads courts which are all fully operational and open to the public,” she said.

Casino Local Court will be closed until further notice.