New Landfill Development
Planning for the future
Lismore City Council is committed to leading our community towards a more sustainable future by transforming how we manage waste. A key Council service, waste management is evolving to reflect our community’s shared responsibility in creating a circular economy.
Our ten-year Resource Recovery and Residual Waste Strategy 2022-2032 outlines a bold transition to a system that values materials, maximises recovery, and innovates solutions for residual waste
The strategy is driven by three key themes:
- Shifting to a circular economy
- Maximising resource recovery
- Determining long-term, sustainable solutions for residual waste that cannot be recycled or reused
In addition to this, following a comprehensive Waste Services Review in 2023/24, Council had been evaluating different waste management models and resolved to proceed with ‘Balanced Regional Model A’ which included remediation of the current damaged landfill as well as the long-term pursuit of a new regional landfill.
Why is a new landfill needed?
Council’s current landfill at the Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre (LRRC) on Wyrallah Rd was damaged during the 2022 natural disaster events and is currently closed. While restoration work is underway, waste is currently being transported to Queensland for disposal. This temporary solution comes at a significant cost to Council and the community.
Once the restored landfill reopens it will only provide limited capacity. Forecasts show the landfill could reach full capacity between 2032 and 2035 and the remaining flood-free land at the Wyrallah Rd site is not sufficient for future expansion.
Council began investigating a suitable site to develop a new landfill disposal facility within the Lismore LGA to relocate its landfill operations by the early 2030s. These investigations considered the potential for developing a regional facility that could service other Northern Rivers councils too.
Regional waste challenges
Residual waste management is a shared challenge across the Northern Rivers region, with many councils sending their waste interstate. This increases costs, reduces local self-sufficiency, and places pressure on the environment and surrounding communities.
By partnering with neighbouring councils for a regional approach to landfill development Council seeks to:
- Improve flood resilience and waste service security
- Deliver cost savings; and
- Enable best-practice landfill and environmental management technologies
Selecting a suitable site
In order to select a suitable future landfill site, a comprehensive site selection study was commissioned in 2024 to assess 30 potential locations across the Lismore LGA. These sites were evaluated on 25 criteria, including land use permissibility, environmental and cultural sensitivity, proximity to residential dwellings and flood resilience.
Based on these criteria, Blakebrook Quarry was identified as the highest ranked site. 
Council then undertook a Feasibility Assessment to test and confirm the site’s suitability. This included evaluating environmental, engineering, logistical, and financial factors, such as site capacity, environmental and social impacts, infrastructure needs, and any development constraints. The results of the Feasibility Assessment recommended Blakebrook Quarry as its preferred site and in September 2025, Council endorsed this recommendation and to proceed to the next phase of the project.
Project phases and anticipated timeframe
Note: This timeline is an estimation and is subject to change.
Want to know more?
Subscribe to updates for the 'New Landfill Development' here, email the project team at landfilldevelopment@lismore.nsw.gov.au, or call Council on 02 6625 0500.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will happen to the Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre?
Only landfill disposal will transfer to the new facility for Council’s waste collection trucks and commercial operators. The Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre (LRRC) will remain as the facility for household waste and recycling drop-off, the Return and Earn bulk collection depot, Revolve Shop and Environmental Education Centre. As part of a broader redevelopment plan, the LRRC will receive upgrades over time to improve site safety and resource recovery activities.
What will happen to quarry operations at Blakebrook?
Quarry operations will continue while the site transitions over to a landfill. This will involve detailed site preparation over several years as the quarry operations wind down towards the end of the 2030s.
How long will the new landfill operate?
The new landfill is being planned with a projected operational life of over 50 years. This long-term approach supports regional waste needs and avoids the need for frequent new facility development.
Will a regional landfill mean more waste from outside Lismore?
Yes, a regional landfill would be designed to serve multiple council areas. However, any agreements would be carefully managed to ensure the facility operates sustainably and that costs and impacts are shared fairly. This collaborative model can also help secure funding for Lismore and enhance environmental outcomes through investment into potential projects such as methane gas capture and electricity generation.
Who will pay for the new landfill?
Funding sources are currently being identified as part of the business case development. Council will seek to leverage grant funding, partnerships, and operational revenue to deliver the project in a financially sustainable way.
Will there be opportunities for community input?
Yes. As a State Significant Development, Council is not only required to undertake engagement, but we recognise that engaging with our community early and well ensures that your views shape the project design features, operational controls, and environmental safeguards, and helps build confidence in the fairness and transparency of the decision-making process. Make sure you subscribe to Community Updates so that you can stay informed as the project develops, ask questions and take part in consultation opportunities as they arise.
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