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 will guide management, protection and enhancement of the natural environment for rural, urban and Council land in the Lismore City Local Government Area (LGA). 

 The Lismore City LGA covers a topographically diverse area of approximately 129,000 ha of unceded Widjabul Wia-bal Land. Situated on the North Arm of the Richmond River approximately 20km from the coast, it contains a mosaic of small villages, agricultural land, bushland in addition to the urban land associated with Lismore City. 

 Biodiversity management objectives extend across the numerous land tenures in the LGA including private freehold, multiple occupancy, Council reserves, National Parks and Reserves and Crown Land. 

The review of the BMS included stakeholder engagement which comprised: 

+ facilitated discussions and workshops with Council staff 

+ A facilitated workshop with key community stakeholders 

+ A questionnaire for Council staff and community                        stakeholders 

 Results of the stakeholder engagement will inform the review of the BMS including revised objectives and actions. In addition to stakeholder consultation, the project comprised a review of the operating environment, including scientific advancements, datasets, legislation and policy context, as well as an evaluation of implementation of the BMS over the last 5 years. 

 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.