Environmental initiatives
The Environmental Strategies team works to improve nature and protect animals in our area.
They do this by following the Biodiversity Management Strategy, which is funded by the Special Rate Variation.
The team works on projects with local groups to restore land and protect animals. They also help rural landowners improve the environment and educate the public about nature.
The team also gives advice to other parts of the Council on how to protect the environment.
They restore land in the city through the Urban Green Corridors Plan and help koalas by monitoring their habitats according to the Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management.
2023 goal: Self-generated renewable electricity
In December 2014, Lismore City Council adopted a Renewable Energy Master Plan with a goal to generate all its electricity from renewable sources by 2023.
The plan was developed following an 18-month community consultation, in which residents identified the environment as a top priority.
The Renewable Energy Master Plan involves two stages: Stage 1 is focused on reducing consumption through energy efficiency measures such as LED lighting and solar PV and solar hot water systems at Council-owned sites.
Stage 2 is construction of a large-scale solar plant. At present, Stage 2 is not commercially viable, but council will monitor developments and prepare for implementation closer to the 2023 target year.
Wetland improves stormwater treatment
In 2013, a $180,000 stormwater treatment wetland was constructed in North Lismore to improve the water quality flowing from the Slaters Creek catchment into the Wilsons River.
The wetland, which includes aquatic plants and native trees and shrubs, mimics a natural wetland's ability to reduce pollutants in waterways.
Wetlands are often described as the "kidneys of the landscape," and it is due to the extensive draining and filling of natural wetlands that many Australian river systems have poor water quality.
The technology is common in suburban areas where low-lying land is used to treat stormwater and create attractive open space. This wetland is performing well and has potential to be used in 16 other sub-catchments within the area.
Our Community Energy Efficiency Program
The Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP) is an Australian Government initiative that supports local councils and community organisations in improving the energy efficiency of buildings, facilities, and streetlighting as well as delivering community education.
The program has helped Lismore City Council to improve the energy efficiency of the Lismore Memorial Baths, the Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre, and the Corporate Centre in Goonellabah.
Council also installed a hybrid wind and solar-powered off-grid streetlight outside Lismore City Hall, and partnered with the Lismore Community Sustainability Forum to design and deliver community education on energy efficiency.
Additionally, council installed solar hot water systems on 10 facilities, with the goal of self-generating all electricity from renewable resources by 2023.
Guide promotes biodiversity in backyards
My Local Native Garden Guide is a 40-page booklet created by Lismore City Council and Rous County Council, which provides tips and species recommendations for designing and planting a native garden in Lismore's main landscapes, including information on landscaping for water quality and protecting local koalas.
The guide is also available in hardcopy at the Lismore Library.
Water education activities for schools
Students of all ages benefit from learning about ways in which we can all help improve the health of our drinking water catchment.
Teaching children the value of water as a precious resource helps get the message into more households and sets up good habits for life.
Phone (02) 6625 0500 to ask for support with water education.
Feel Blue Touch Green
The "Feel Blue Touch Green" initiative is a program that encourages people to spend time in nature to improve mental and physical health.
Research shows that nature can be a powerful healer, and that parks and bushland can play an important role in improving health for everyone, particularly vulnerable members of the community.
This program is being implemented in Lismore, and includes a brochure promoting urban green spaces and bushland areas as places for the community to access and enjoy.
The initiative also includes signs in the city centre with maps and information on 12 locations in Lismore and Goonellabah to visit, and free bush therapy events for Lismore residents referred by mental health peer workers.
3D water catchment model
The 3D Richmond and Brunswick Catchment Model is a free resource for community groups, schools, and educational events that teaches about catchment management and the impact of daily practices on land, water, and native plants and animals.
The model is interactive and can be brought to schools or events by a trained Council Education Officer. To book or for more information, contact (02) 6625 0500.