Lismore Council Score: 45/100 — What Residents Should Know
Lismore scores 45/100 overall, with its strongest performance in Lifestyle & Amenity (52/100). Ranked #55 of 79 regional councils in NSW.
Lismore records a composite score of 45/100 (developing), ranking 57th of 79 in its regional peer group and 95th of 128 across NSW. It sits in the lower half of NSW's regional councils, serving around 44k residents in a regional centre.On Financial Sustainability, Lismore posts 41/100 (developing). That trails the regional peer average of 51 and trails the NSW state average of 51. It captures how well the council balances its books, manages debt, and funds future infrastructure without over-relying on rates increases.Community Services comes in at 41/100 for Lismore, rated developing. That trails the regional peer average of 51 and trails the NSW state average of 51. It captures the reach and quality of libraries, childcare, aged support, community centres, and grants that touch daily life.The council's Lifestyle & Amenity result — 52/100 — reads as solid. That roughly matches the regional peer average of 51 and roughly matches the NSW state average of 51. It captures parks, sportsgrounds, cultural venues, events, and the general liveability of the area relative to what residents pay.For Core Operations, Lismore lands on 47/100, a developing result. That sits modestly below the regional peer average of 51 and sits modestly below the NSW state average of 51. It captures the essentials — roads, waste, planning approvals, and how efficiently the council runs its day-to-day services.
What This Means For Residents
Lismore's strongest showing is on Lifestyle & Amenity (52) and Core Operations (47). Practically, strong lifestyle and amenity scores point to better-maintained parks, sportsgrounds and cultural venues, and generally a more liveable public realm. Alongside that, strong core operations mean waste, roads and planning approvals are running smoothly and rates are more likely to be delivering visible value.On the flip side, weaker financial sustainability often shows up over time as sharper rates increases, deferred renewals, or borrowing to cover recurrent costs. And a lower community services score usually means thinner program hours, fewer support staff, or gaps in facilities like libraries and community centres. The weakest dimensions here — Financial Sustainability (41) and Community Services (41) — are the areas most likely to shape resident complaints and future rates decisions.Score Breakdown
| Dimension | Score | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Sustainability | 41/100 | developing |
| Community Services | 41/100 | developing |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 52/100 | solid |
| Core Operations | 47/100 | developing |
| Composite | 45/100 | developing |
Related Councils: lismore