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 2028 and 2031 and the remaining flood-free land at the Wyrallah Rd site is not sufficient for future expansion. 
To maintain local control over our waste services and avoid relying on costly external providers, Council is acting now to plan for a new landfill facility.
Council is investigating a suitable site to develop a new landfill disposal facility within the Lismore LGA to relocate its landfill operations by 2030. These investigations will consider 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 multiple councils currently transporting waste to Queensland due to limited or flood-impacted local landfill capacity. 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 landfill development 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 is now undertaking a detailed Feasibility Assessment to test and confirm the site’s suitability. This includes 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 will inform Council’s decision on whether to nominate Blakebrook Quarry as its preferred site for the development. Once the preferred site is confirmed Council will progress to concept design and planning approval.
Next Steps
Once a suitable site is confirmed, Council will develop a Concept Design and then move through an Environmental Impact Assessment phase, which includes preparing an Environmental Impact Statement with supporting technical studies to lodge with a Development Application for the new landfill development.
The community will have the opportunity to provide feedback throughout the Environmental Impact Assessment phase, including a formal public exhibition period.
Project stages and anticipated timeframe
Note: This timeline is an estimation and is subject to change.
Project updates
Contact the project team at landfilldevelopment @ lismore.nsw.gov.au or visit Council’s Facebook and LinkedIn profiles for project updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t the current landfill site be expanded?
Council initially planned to expand the existing landfill facility at our waste facility on Wyrallah Road, however the 2022 floods inundated much of the planned expansion area and the remaining flood-free land is not sufficient in size or capacity to meet our long-term landfill needs.
How long will the landfill operate?
The new landfill is being planned with a projected operational life of up to 50 years. This long-term approach supports regional waste needs and avoids the need for frequent new facility development.
Why is a regional landfill facility being considered?
Residual waste management is a shared challenge across the Northern Rivers region, with multiple councils currently transporting municipal waste to Queensland due to limited or flood-impacted local landfill capacity.
The urgent need for new waste management infrastructure has been identified in state, regional and local waste strategies. Further, following a comprehensive Waste Services Review in 2023/24, Lismore City 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.
What are the benefits of a regional landfill facility?
This regional approach aims to address the current landfill capacity deficit in the Northern Rivers region, where several councils are exporting waste to Queensland. Key benefits include lower costs by sharing resources, improved flood resilience, and the potential to implement best-practice technologies.
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. Once Council has determined the preferred site for the landfill development there will be opportunities for public input during the Environmental Impact Assessment phase where feedback from the community and key stakeholders will inform the Development Application. Feedback can help shape the project’s design, operational controls (e.g. hours, traffic management), environmental safeguards, and long-term monitoring strategies.
How will Council report back to the community on feedback received?
Council will publish project updates and summaries of consultation outcomes, to explain how feedback has been addressed through the Environmental Impact Assessment phase by preparing a formal response to submissions report. This ensures transparency and demonstrates how community views are considered in project planning and approvals.
What will happen to the Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre?
The Lismore Recycling and Resource Centre will remain unaffected and only landfill disposal operations will transfer to the new facility. Services such as the household waste and recycling drop-off areas, Community Recycling Centre, Return and Earn, Revolve Shop and Environmental Education Centre will continue to operate as normal at Wyrallah Road.
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