Our strategies & plans

An aerial view over Lismore CBD towards the river.

Overview

In June 2017, Council adopted a new set of strategic plans to guide its strategic direction and long-term and short-term planning. All NSW councils develop these strategic documents using a model called the Integrated Planning & Reporting Framework.

These plans are updated each time a new Council is elected. 

The implementation of the Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) framework in 2009 revolutionised the way Councils in NSW plan, document, and report on their future plans. In the years since, many councils have refined their processes for creating and reviewing these plans.

The IP&R Framework is community-driven and centres on their aspirations for a decade or more. It comprises integrated plans that outline a vision, goals, and strategic actions to achieve them. The framework includes a reporting structure to update council and the community on progress, with regular reviews to ensure continued relevance of the goals and actions.

Graphic showing Council's organisational framework.

Community Strategic Plan

The Imagine Lismore Community Strategic Plan 2022-2032 details the community’s 10-year aspirations for Lismore and sets the scene for what the community wishes for its future.

Imagine Lismore Community Strategic Plan 2022-2032(PDF, 20MB)

Community Engagement Strategy

The Community Engagement Strategy and Community Participation Plan outline Council's principles for community engagement and notifications for planning processes.

The Community Engagement Strategy establishes guidelines for staff and the community on how Council will communicate with and involve the community in Council decision-making.

The Community Participation Plan focuses specifically on planning and development, outlining the methods Council will use to inform community members about proposed or ongoing developments, rezonings, and other planning matters.

These documents are mandatory for Council under the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 and Local Government Act 1993.

Community Engagement Strategy(PDF, 7MB)

Community Participation Plan(PDF, 373KB)

Resourcing Strategy

Council's Resourcing Strategy outlines the resources – time, money, assets and people – required to achieve the strategies and objectives in our corporate plans.

The Resourcing Strategy consists of three components:

  • Long Term Financial Planning
  • Asset Management Planning
  • Workforce Management Planning

Long-term financial planning

Council has a Long Term Financial Plan (10 years) that sets out the roadmap to long-term financial sustainability. Financial sustainability is broadly defined as Council’s financial ability to deliver acceptable, affordable and ongoing services to its community.

Long Term Financial Plan(PDF, 887KB)

Long Term Financial Plan Model 1(PDF, 148KB)

Long Term Financial Plan Model 2(PDF, 75KB)

Long Term Financial Plan Model 3(PDF, 75KB)

Asset management planning

The Council manages and owns assets valued at about $1.5 billion, including roads, footpaths, bridges, parks, ovals, buildings, stormwater drainage, and operational and community land.

The goal of asset management is to understand the condition and future costs for maintenance and replacement of these assets, in order to budget effectively and provide necessary services and facilities for current and future generations.

The Asset Management Strategy and Asset Management Plans provide information on the condition, lifespan, and future costs of these assets.

Asset Management Strategy(PDF, 4MB)

Asset Management Plan – Transport(PDF, 3MB)

Asset Management Plan – Buildings(PDF, 2MB)

Asset Management Plan – Stormwater(PDF, 3MB)

Asset Management Plan – Parks and Recreation(PDF, 2MB)

Asset Management Plan – Wastewater Systems(PDF, 2MB)

Asset Management Plan – Water Supply Systems(PDF, 2MB)

Asset Management Plan – Land Improvements and Other Structures(PDF, 2MB)

Along with Asset Management Plans, Council has a number of documents that supplement these.

Cycleway Plan 2011(PDF, 6MB)

Pedestrian Acces and Mobility Plan 2011(PDF, 4MB)

Strategic Business Plan for Water and Wastewater(PDF, 6MB)

Workforce management planning

Council's Workforce Management Plan is a document that outlines what people Council needs now and into the future to continue delivering services to the community.

Workforce Management Plan 2023-2026(PDF, 10MB)

Delivery Program & Operational Plan

The four-year Delivery Program is Council’s strategic plan for achieving the community’s vision while the Operational Plan is a sub-set of the Delivery Program that includes specific activities that will be undertaken during the 2022/23 financial year as well as the accompanying budget. The Delivery Program is expected to be updated early 2023 as part of a strategic plan focused on rebuilding and recovering from the 2022 floods.

Operational Plan 2022-23(PDF, 2MB)

Appendices:

2022-2023 Budget by Program(PDF, 4MB)

2022-2023 Revenue Policy & Borrowings(PDF, 2MB)

2022-2023 Fees & Charges(PDF, 2MB)

Our annual reports

Council has completed its Annual Report for 2021/22.

The report gives an overview of what we achieved during the 2021/22 financial year. This includes progress in implementing our Imagine Lismore Delivery Program 2017-2021 as well as financial performance for the year.

The report includes highlights and snapshots of community projects as well as infographics and statistics to summarise complex information.

Copies of our current and previous Annual Reports are available to view or download below.

Annual Report 2021/22(PDF, 10MB)

Annual Report 2020/21(PDF, 13MB)

(PDF, 13MB)Annual Report 2019/20(PDF, 10MB) and Appendix 1 - Financial Reports(PDF, 5MB)

Annual Report 2018/19(PDF, 3MB) and Appendix 1 - Statutory Information(PDF, 246KB)

Annual Report 2017/18(PDF, 3MB)

Annual Report 2016/17(PDF, 6MB)

Annual Report 2015/16(PDF, 3MB)

Annual Report 2014/15(PDF, 3MB)

Our annual financial reporting

The 2021/22 Financial Reports have been created in line with the Australian Accounting Standards, the Local Government Act of 1993 and its Regulations, and the Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting. This code, specific to councils in New South Wales, necessitates the creation of fair and accurate General Purpose Financial Statements, Special Purpose Financial Statements, and Special Schedules.