Urban Stormwater Management Plan Review

Council are currently completing a number of significant drainage projects, that are essential to inform the USMP Review.

To ensure the latest information and updates are available on these projects, the USMP Review will be placed on hold.

The engagement activities listed below are still being completed within a different timeframe. Updates will be shared in the Community Updates tab below.

Affected by localised flooding? Concerned about water quality from urban runoff?

Have your say on the Urban Stormwater Management Plan.

Are there impacts from localised stormwater flooding near your home or business? Are you concerned about the water quality from urban stormwater?

Council is looking for feedback from residents regarding urban stormwater quality and flooding caused by the backing up of stormwater from surrounding swales, pipes, pits and other infrastructure. Although there is often not much we can do when the Wilson or Leycester Rivers burst their banks, urbanised flooding can be minimised with planning, maintenance and capital investment.

If you live in the suburbs of Lismore, North Lismore, South Lismore, East Lismore, Lismore Heights, Richmond Hill and Goonellabah, this is your opportunity to provide feedback.

Where we are at:

• Thank you to those who have reported drainage issues to Council. A list of these reports dating back to 2021 is being reviewed as part of this process to inform the plan.
• Key stakeholders in our community are being identified to work closely with Council as part of a working group, who will provide a high level of feedback to inform the plan.
• Identifying community members who are representative of the urban stormwater catchment areas, to meet with and listen to concerns.
• Collaboration between Council teams to identify problem areas, maintenance and future works.
• Development of education on drains and stormwater, with creation of a supporting factsheet.

Drainage and stormwater management is notably important to our community.

If you would like to have your say, please do so via:

📋 The online form here

📧 Email to council@lismore.nsw.gov.au

🖊️ In writing delivered to the Corporate Centre at 43 Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah or posted to PO BOX 23A, Lismore NSW 2480

Background:

In 2016, Lismore City Council adopted the Lismore Urban Stormwater Management Plan (USMP). Using fees collected from the residents within the urban suburbs of Lismore, the USMP aims to address priority issues to improve urban stormwater quality and reduce nuisance stormwater flooding resulting from rainfall and runoff from urban areas. It details the implementation of capital and renewal projects, maintenance of stormwater assets such as litter collection devices and a range of administrative procedures and processes resulting in significant improvements to both water ‘quantity’, and ‘quality’ outcomes.

The USMP is currently entering the second half of its life (2017 to 2026), and a review is now underway to look back on the success and failures of the plan, to look at areas to be improved, and to include new reported issues to address.

Stormwater improvements are proposed in locations that will maximise the environmental, social and economic benefits to the community. The aim is to deliver the greatest benefit to the community at least cost.

Important to note, the plan is NOT aimed at reducing riverine flooding, as this is influenced by factors beyond the immediate urban areas.