Mayor Steve Krieg joined the Talking Lismore podcast last week to discuss expectations for 2025.

If 2024 was the year of 'getting stuff done', how would he characterise 2025?

"2025 will be a year of “cutting ribbons,” he said tongue-in-cheek as a number of projects come to fruition. Mayor Krieg has an optimistic outlook for 2025, with a slew of projects set to significantly benefit the community. He highlighted the reopening of the Lismore Library in early February as a major milestone. The library, a significant community asset, has undergone extensive renovations following flood damage.

“What an amazing asset that's going to be for our city and our residents,” Krieg said.

Other projects nearing completion include the refurbishment of the historic Municipal Building on Molesworth Street, set for occupancy in the first quarter of 2025. Work on the old Visitor Information Centre is also underway, while City Hall has received the green light for continued renovations.

The recently opened Art Gallery and the ongoing refurbishment of the Conservatorium are expected to contribute to a revitalised central business district. Mayor Krieg emphasised the importance of these cultural hubs in bringing life back to the city.

One of the mayor's hopes for 2025 was to see construction activity in the CBD, including the start of some high-rise buildings. Mayor Krieg expressed his desire to see cranes dotting the Lismore skyline by Christmas 2025.

"We've all seen the old Lincraft building that's in the process of getting cleaned up and demolished at the moment, and I know that the owners of that site have plans of building up. I know of probably two or three other sites in and around the CBD or just on the CBD fringe that have plans of building up as well. And as a council, we are really trying to be proactive in working with these developers to get things happening and moving."

The mayor stressed the need to reimagine Lismore, embracing its history while looking towards a modern future as a regional centre.

When discussions moved to plans for the vacant land once buyback houses are removed, Mayor Krieg said preliminary discussions have centred around zoning regulations of these sites. He emphasised the importance of increasing the rate base to support Lismore's long-term sustainability, acknowledging the impact of the floods and the buyback program on the city's finances.

The final part of our Talking Lismore podcast chat was about the upcoming Legends of Cricket T20 game to be played at Oakes Oval on Saturday, February 15.

The biggest change from the inaugural event, which was funded by the state government, is the second Legends match is being underwritten by Lismore City Council, so tickets need to be sold.

"We're going to have more than what we had last time, by the looks of it, that is world-renowned Aussie cricketers in town, all who are here just to help promote where Lismore is at, where we've come from, and where we're headed."

"I just really want to test our capabilities as a city. Coffs Harbor, for example, had a big bash game a couple of weeks ago. Didn't get a ball in because it rains there. But, are we, as a city capable, of hosting events like that? And so, this is the first step in testing our capability, testing our facilities, the ability to be able to host 10,000 people at Oakes Oval. To really determine what our potential is as a city, and it's not just sport, you know, it's all the significant landmark events."

You can purchase tickets for the Legends of Cricket T20 game by visiting the Visit Lismore website or by clicking here.

To listen to the complete Talking Lismore podcast, click on the link.