Dozens of residents speak out against subdivision for 12 new homes at East Lismore

A block of land in Lismore could be sliced up to make way for new homes, raising concerns among some residents.

A block of land in Lismore backing onto the Wilson Nature Reserve could be subdivided to make way for new homes.

Developers have proposed subdividing a block of land in Lismore backing onto the Wilson Nature Reserve to make way for new homes – sparking opposition from dozens of residents.

Those opposing the $1.6 million project have deemed it potentially “environmentally destructive” and raised concerns about endangered koalas in the area.

The pitch includes a new road connecting the new housing estate to City View Dr in East Lismore.

The property sold for $835,000 back in 2019 and there is about 4 hectares available, set to be divided into 12 parcels of land.

More homes are badly needed in the Northern Rivers. Picture: Realestate.com

The developers have proposed keeping 15,000 square metres of endangered rainforest on the site, which is mapped as containing core koala habitat. A koala was observed on-site during investigations for the project.

It’s proposed that almost 20 trees would be bulldozed, but environmental planner Peta Harris states in planning documents that “no koala food trees are proposed to be removed”.

Ms Harris said the project “combats the prevalent issues of urban sprawl” and would support Lismore City Council’s housing target of an additional 8000 new dwellings by 2036.

The proposed plan to subdivide the block of land on City View Dr, East Lismore.

“Subdivision of the land will directly benefit the community through providing additional developable and saleable lots … to meet the housing needs of the growing community population” she said.

“The development will have positive economic impacts for the site and the broader region.”

But more than 70 Lismore residents have opposed the move in a petition and said the development would occur on land prone to bushfires and impact koalas and endangered trees.

Residents have also complained the plans “encroach” on existing property boundaries.

Dozens of Lismore residents have opposed the move, saying the project would be “environmentally destructive”. Picture: Realestate.com

The petition calls for the project to be knocked back.

“We object to the development on the grounds (it) will adversely impact the protected Wilson Nature Reserve, which is a rare remaining part of the Big Scrub with diverse and sensitive habitat and wildlife,” the petition states.

“The proposed development will destroy threatened flora and fauna species, wildlife habitat and corridors and pollute Wilsons Creek catchment.

“We object to the removal of native trees and a historically significant strand of ancient Hoop Pines.”

Visit the Lismore City Council website for more information, or to have your say.