Lismore Biodiversity Management Strategy – Workshop + Review

AWC was invited by Lismore City Council to conduct the review and co-design of the Lismore Biodiversity Management Strategy (BMS) to provide recommendations for update of the BMS to ensure effective delivery of objectives in the next phase of implementation. The review guides a renewed vision for how Council engages with community for nature positive management of ecosystems and enhanced biodiversity values across land tenures in the Lismore Shire LGA.

The Lismore LGA covers a topographically diverse area of approximately 129,000 ha of unceded Widjabul Wiabal Land. Situated on the North Arm of the Richmond River approximately 20km from the coast, it is comprised of a mosaic of small villages, agricultural land, industrial and urban lands in the Lismore city and bushland. The LGA is comprised of a wide range of land tenures including freehold, multiple occupancy, National Parks, Crown Land and other government agencies.

The strategy for stakeholder engagement will include opportunities for the following stakeholders, and any additional advised by LCC, to attend facilitated discussions and workshops:

+ Public stakeholders

+ Indigenous stakeholders

+ Academic / Citizen science

+ Business

Results of the stakeholder engagement will be a key component used to inform the whole-of-BMS performance, highlighting strengths, gaps and opportunities.

The project comprises a review of program objectives, the operating environment, including current tools and datasets, and an evaluation of achievements to date. With local insight from 30 years of work in the Northern Rivers region AWC can make a significant contribution to the review of the Lismore BMS.