Symonds Road

Symonds Road sustained significant damage during the 2022 natural disaster due to flooding and excessive runoff, which weakened the road pavement and shoulder. As well, the 2022 disaster severely impacted Lismore’s rural stormwater network including sites along Symonds Road. Heavy vehicle traffic during cleanup and emergency works then further deteriorated the road.

Funding Funded by Transport for NSW under the Essential Public Asset Restoration Program
Status Scheduled for Restoration | Emergency Works Complete | Maintenance Ongoing
Timeframe April 2026 (subject to weather conditions)

Funding

Following the 2022 disaster, Lismore City Council crews assessed Symonds Road and documented the damage that had occurred. This evidence supported a successful funding application to the New South Wales Government under the Essential Public Asset Restoration Program (EPAR).

Scope

Council must comply with the legislated guidelines of the EPAR funding, which primarily requires damaged sites to be restored to their pre-flood condition and capacity. With few exceptions, the funding does not cover upgrades or improvements.

Works

The restoration of damaged stormwater infrastructure at Symonds Road has been successfully completed. Additionally, the unsealed section of the road has undergone restorative grading and emergency works have been undertaken for damage associated with Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Further restoration work is planned for the sealed section of Symonds Road. To maximise efficiency and deliver quality results for residents, Council has grouped similar pavement (sealed road surface) projects into a broader package of works. These will be designed and constructed by industry specialists.

Project Timeline

  • Design Phase: Currently underway, with expected completion by October 2025.
  • Construction Phase: A contractor will be appointed following the design phase, after which a detailed schedule will be provided. Construction at Symonds Road is expected to commence between February and April 2026.

Maintenance

Council is aware of current and recurring pavement damage on Symonds Road and has included the road in its regular maintenance patching schedule. However, ongoing wet weather is causing delays. Residents will be informed once firm dates for patching are set.

Timing

2022

2023

2024

2025

  2026
  • Natural disaster occurs
  • Detailed assessment of damage conducted
  • Emergency works undertaken
  • Funding for restoration works sought
  • Routine maintenance works continue
  • Restorative grading of unsealed section of road completed
  • Funding for restoration works secured
  • Rural drainage restoration works completed
  • Tropical Cyclone Alfred emergency works undertaken
  • Restoration design underway
  • Construction contracted
  •  Pavement restoration works scheduled to be undertaken
  • Ongoing routine maintenance continues

 

 

Location of Works

Symonds-Road-Map-of-Works.png

Fact Sheets

Symonds Road Fact Sheet published 16 May 2025(PDF, 458KB)

Further Information

Residents are welcome to subscribe to receive email notifications and updates issued by the Flood Restoration Portfolio. Go to www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Building-and-planning/Flood-Restoration-Portfolio.

The Flood Restoration Portfolio is available by phoning 02 6625 0500 or emailing frp@lismore.nsw.gov.au.

Lismore City Council’s Customer Contact Centre is available by phoning 02 6625 0500 or by emailing contact.centre@lismore.nsw.gov.au

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