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.

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)
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)
Affordable & Diverse Housing Strategy(PDF, 6MB)
Biodiversity Management Strategy 2015-2035: Revised 2nd Edition(PDF, 2MB)
Coastal Zone Management Plan for the Richmond River Estuary(PDF, 2MB)
Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management for south-east Lismore(PDF, 3MB)
Disability Action & Inclusion Plan
Economic Development Strategy 2019-2024(PDF, 8MB)
Flood Response Report(PDF, 18MB)
Inspire Lismore 2040 (Local Strategic Planning Statement)
Lismore Flooding Impacts & Recovery Statement(PDF, 6MB)
Lismore Floodplain Risk Management Plan(PDF, 2MB) and Floodplain Risk Management Plan appendices(PDF, 893KB)
Lismore Growth Management Strategy 2015-2035(PDF, 7MB)
Lismore Sport and Recreation Plan to 2024(PDF, 5MB) and Lismore Sport and Recreation Plan to 2024 Supporting Resources Document(PDF, 2MB)
Local Environment Plans and Development Control Plans
Nimbin Parking Strategy(PDF, 2MB)
On-site Sewage and Wastewater Management Strategy(PDF, 820KB)
Reconciliation Action Plan(PDF, 59MB)
Regional Policy for the Management of Contaminated Land(PDF, 641KB)
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)
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)
Council produces regular Progress Reports to update the community on progress in achieving the strategies outlined in the Delivery Program.
Progress Report January to March 2021(PDF, 2MB)
Progress Report October to December 2020(PDF, 2MB)
Progress Report July to September 2020(PDF, 2MB)
Progress Report April to June 2020(PDF, 2MB)
Progress Report January to March 2020(PDF, 2MB)
Progress Report October to December 2019(PDF, 2MB)
Progress Report July to September 2019(PDF, 1MB)
Progress Report June 2019(PDF, 1MB)
Progress Report June 2018(PDF, 7MB)
Progress Report March 2018(PDF, 5MB)
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)
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.
- Financial Reports 2021/22(PDF, 4MB)
- Financial Reports 2020/21(PDF, 2MB)
- Financial Reports 2019/20(PDF, 5MB)
- Financial Reports 2018/19(PDF, 3MB)
- Financial Reports 2017/18(PDF, 3MB)
- Financial Reports 2016/17(PDF, 3MB)
- Financial Reports 2015/16(PDF, 3MB)
- Financial Reports 2014/15(PDF, 10MB)
- Financial Reports 2013/14(PDF, 5MB)
- Financial Reports 2012/13(PDF, 3MB)
- Financial Reports 2011/12(PDF, 4MB)
- Financial Reports 2010/11(PDF, 5MB)
- Financial Reports 2009/10(PDF, 2MB)
- Financial Reports 2008/09(PDF, 2MB)
- Financial Reports 2007/08(PDF, 1MB)