From Recovery to Regeneration - Lismore’s Local Strategic Planning Statement is Open for Public Exhibition
Lismore City Council, in partnership with Solve Property Group, has released its draft Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) for public exhibition, marking a significant milestone in shaping the long- term future of the Lismore Local Government Area.
We’re proud to have partnered with Council in the preparation of the LSPS, a landmark strategic framework that sets a clear, long-term vision for the region.
On public exhibition from 4 May to 26 June 2026, the LSPS outlines a clear and coordinated vision for land use, growth and development over the next 20 years and beyond - positioning Lismore as a principal regional growth centre for housing and employment in New South Wales.
Developed through close partnership with Council, extensive research, strategic planning and community engagement, the LSPS represents a decisive shift from recovery to regeneration, establishing a framework to guide sustainable growth, resilience and economic prosperity.
At its core, the strategy sets an ambitious trajectory for Lismore to grow to a population of more than 60,000 people, supported by at least 6,500 new jobs and up to 10,000 new homes over time.
A Vision Beyond Recovery
The LSPS will act as Council’s principal strategic land use planning framework, guiding growth and development over the next 20 years.
Its importance is underscored by the context in which it has been developed. Following the 2022 flood event - the most significant ever experienced in Lismore’s CBD and surrounds - the city has faced both the challenges typical of regional centres and the uncertainty of a changing economic landscape. This has created a need for a new planning narrative that moves beyond recovery and towards long-term resilience, regeneration and growth.
The LSPS goes well beyond disaster recovery, establishing a long-term pathway for a connected, resilient and future-focused city. It promotes coordinated action across all levels of government, industry and the community to realise Lismore’s full potential as a regional capital.
The strategy is underpinned by a commitment to collaboration, recognising that achieving Lismore’s vision will require strong partnerships between government, industry, First Nations organisations and the broader community.
“Lismore has a unique opportunity to reimagine its future - not just to recover, but to lead. This LSPS sets out a confident, long-term direction that aligns growth, resilience and economic opportunity in a way that is both aspirational and practical.”
Gary White, Chief Planner, Solve Property
A Collaborative, Evidence-Based Approach
The development of the LSPS has been underpinned by a multi-disciplinary approach across Solve Property’s planning and economic teams. The project has included:
Extensive research and analysis to identify key issues and opportunities
Vision and strategy development
Broad stakeholder consultation and engagement
Alignment of land use planning with economic outcomes
This ensured the LSPS is grounded in evidence while reflecting the priorities and aspirations of the local community.
The public exhibition phase represents an important milestone in this process, providing an opportunity for residents, stakeholders and industry to provide input and help shape the final strategy.
Key Themes Shaping Lismore’s Future
The LSPS establishes a clear framework for growth, supported by several key strategic themes:
Aligning Planning with Economic Outcomes
In parallel with the LSPS, Solve Property has prepared Lismore’s Economic Development Statement (EDS), ensuring strong alignment between land use planning and economic growth. The EDS integrates baseline economic profiling, sector and precinct prioritisation, and structured engagement with local businesses, institutions and delivery agencies. It is supported by a clear implementation framework that defines Council-led, partner-led and advocacy-led actions, ensuring delivery is realistic and aligned with Council’s capacity.
Once complete, the EDS will establish a growth framework that clearly articulates the new economic drivers required for Lismore to realise its vision of growing to a population of 60,000.
From Strategy to Delivery: The Lismore Futures Plan
Solve Property is also preparing a Futures Plan for the City of Lismore, translating long-term economic and land-use analysis into a practical investment and delivery roadmap.
The Futures Plan presents a clear vision and establishes a coordinated roadmap for Lismore’s future as a regionally significant centre of opportunity in Northern NSW. It provides a new narrative for the city, alongside a structured framework to guide decision-making, investment and delivery - ensuring that growth benefits both Lismore and the broader region.
By combining economic analysis and narrative, spatial logic and implementation sequencing, the Futures Plan creates a clear pathway from strategy to delivery, supporting coordinated investment and enabling tangible outcomes on the ground.
A Milestone for Lismore
The public exhibition marks the culmination of significant collaboration, research and engagement. It represents an important step in shaping a shared vision for Lismore’s future - one that is resilient, innovative and forward-looking.
Solve Property is proud to support Lismore City Council in delivering this important project and helping to guide the region’s growth and transformation over the coming decades.
View the Draft LSPS
View the Press Release
About Solve Property Group
Solve Property Group is a specialist advisory firm working at the intersection of planning, economics and strategy. The firm partners with government and industry to shape the future of places, unlock growth and deliver evidence-based outcomes. Solve Property partnered with Lismore City Council in the development of the Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), bringing integrated planning and economic expertise to support a robust, evidence-based and future-focused strategy.