North Lismore Plateau to be turning point in Lismore history

COUNCIL planners and the developers of the North Lismore Plateau say we are about to witness a new chapter in Lismore’s history.

PLANNING: Lismore Council’s integrated planning manager Steve Denize and Plateau Group’s Tony Riordan on the site of the new development. Picture: Andy Parks

COUNCIL planners and the developers of the North Lismore Plateau say we are about to witness a new chapter in Lismore's history.

The NSW Planning Department approved the rezoning of 255 hectares of land which will allow for the creation of a new suburb in North Lismore.

Tony Riordan is chair of the Plateau Group which represents 11 landowners.

He first approached council about developing the land 15 years ago and said it was a momentous day when the rezoning was gazetted last Friday.

"We have watched other towns grow around our city at the expense of Lismore,'' he said.

"This will focus attention back into our business centre, especially the CBD as the development is so close.

"It will completely reinvigorate North Lismore and provide affordable housing close to where people work."

The rezoning will ultimately allow for 1300 residential lots, with 1500 new dwellings housing around 3600 people.

Council has already adopted a Development Control Plan and Section 94 Contributions Plan which means developers can lodge their DAs immediately.

Jim Punch from the Winten Group said they plan to lodge a DA for the first 450 houses within the next month. Mr Riordan said he expected the entire thing to be sold within a decade.

Lismore council's integrated planning manager, Steve Denize, said there had been extensive cooperation between the council and the developers to ensure a range of outcomes for the community including new cycleway/walkways to town, cultural heritage protection for the Aboriginal community, a diverse range of housing stock and a range of subsidies to ensure first-home buyers are able to get a foot in the door.