Janelle Saffin MP

LISMORE City Council has now commenced a major road restoration project designed to strengthen the local road network and improve resilience against future flooding and severe weather.

Dubbed the Pavement Restoration Program, it will see more than 100 locations across 49 rural roads rehabilitated between now and early 2028. 

This work follows detailed planning and assessment, combining on-the-ground surveys with advanced aerial imaging captured by helicopter. These insights have helped Council identify key areas most in need of repair and ensure the works deliver the greatest benefit to the community.

Instead of full reconstruction – which involves digging up and replacing multiple layers – the program will use more efficient and sustainable pavement stabilisation methods. These techniques reuse existing materials with minimal overlay and include foamed bitumen and lightly bound base. By adding binders to the existing road layers in place, these methods improve durability and moisture resistance.

For motorists, the benefits are also clear: roads can be resurfaced and reopened in less time, reducing traffic disruption and keeping the community moving.

Roads targeted under the program include Broadwater Road, Coraki Road, Eltham Road, James Gibson Road, Koonorigan Road, Nimbin Road, Stony Chute Road, Tregeagle Road and Wyrallah Road. 

This project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. It complements Lismore’s ongoing Landslip Restoration Program, which will remediate up to 60 road landslips through to late 2027. 

“This is about more than fixing roads – it’s about building resilience for the future,” Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg says. “We know how vital safe, reliable roads are, and this program will deliver lasting improvements with minimal disruption.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain welcomed the announcement, highlighting the importance of building stronger, more resilient infrastructure for regional communities.

“This investment is about giving communities like Lismore the confidence that their roads can stand up to future challenges and keep people connected when it matters most,” Minister McBain said.

“We’re proud to work with the NSW Government and Lismore City Council to deliver practical solutions that make a real difference on the ground.

“These upgrades aren’t just repairs, they’re a commitment to safer, stronger roads that support recovery and long-term resilience.”

NSW Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin applauded the ground-breaking approach to strengthen and build back better local roads.

“This is a fantastic example of what happens when all three levels of government work together to deliver for our communities. By pooling our resources, we aren’t just patching holes; we are building back better to ensure Lismore’s road network is tougher and more resilient than ever before.”

“Seeing this funding put to good use across 100 locations shows our commitment to a recovery that lasts. 

“We are making sure these roads can better stand whatever the weather throws at us, keeping our locals connected and safe.”

For more information, visit https://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Building-and-planning/Flood-Restoration-Portfolio/Roads-and-bridges/FR-Pavement-Restoration-Program