As a consequence of the March 31 flood, a Lismore Business Taskforce was formed in late May 2017 to assist with the post-flood recovery process, improve flood mitigation measures and help secure the economic future of the city.
The Taskforce has three primary roles:
- Advocacy – removing obstacles and red tape for local businesses in relation to Category C grants, assistance from banks,
- Business support – the execution of high-impact promotion and marketing efforts to bring consumers back to Lismore, identification of immediate returns and longer term benefits to the city, plus a strategy to attract new businesses and increase investment.
- Business resilience –producing updated flood management plans and procedures and ensuring that all property owners and businesses are better informed and better prepared to deal with future floods. Lismore Business Taskforce
Members include:
- Deborah Benhayon – Lismore Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- Alex Smith – RDA Northern Rivers
- Jane Laverty – NSW Business Chamber
- Robyn Hobbs – NSW Small Business Commissioner
- Kaylene Hopf – Chairperson Lismore Business Panel
- Ben Roche - Southern Cross University
- Thomas George MP – State Member for Lismore
- Kevin Hogan MP – Member for Page
- Cr. Isaac Smith – Mayor of Lismore
The Taskforce will meet in mid June to evaluate the combined results of post-disaster surveys of affected businesses, conducted by the Lismore Chamber of Commerce and Lismore City Council.
