Expression of Interest - 1 Molesworth Street Lismore (Old Greyhound Track)

Council is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from community organisations, not-for-profits, businesses, industry groups and other interested parties for the future use of the site at 1 Molesworth Street (old Greyhound Track)

This EOI process provides an opportunity for innovative, sustainable and flood-aware proposals that deliver community benefit, economic stimulus or strategic value for Lismore.

Council has not determined a preferred future use for the site. This process is intended to test the market and community interest and inform a future report to Council.

Interested parties are to understand that the successful EOI will receive the site as is and will be expected to carry out their own due diligence and community consultation including with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, as a requirement of the handover process.

Timeline

• EOI is to be submitted via the online link: CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT AN EOI(External link)
• EOI opens: Wednesday 25 February 2026
• EOI closes: Monday 30 March 2026
• Report to Council: Tuesday 12 May 2026
• Late submissions will not be accepted.

Assessment Criteria

Proposals will be assessed against criteria including:

• Strategic alignment with Council’s Community Strategic Plan
• Community benefit and public value
• Economic impact and job creation
• Risk considerations including risk of any significant adverse impacts
• Proponent capability, governance, and financial viability
• Long-term sustainability of the chosen endeavour

Shortlisted proponents may be invited to present their proposal to Council or participate in further negotiations.

Background

• The site at 1 Molesworth Street, Lismore was formerly home to the Lismore Greyhound Race Track.
• The facility has not operated since the major flood events in February–March 2022, and the venue was deemed no longer viable for racing due to repeated flood damage and high repair costs.
• Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has formally offered to gift the land and infrastructure to Lismore City Council.

At its Ordinary Meeting on 10 February 2026, Lismore City Council resolved to accept the former Lismore Greyhound Track at 1 Molesworth Street, Lismore, as a gift from Greyhound Racing NSW subject to appropriate due diligence. The decision followed the cessation of racing at the site after the 2022 flood events, which caused significant damage and rendered the facility no longer viable for greyhound racing due to repeated flood impacts and high reinstatement costs.

Council's due diligence processes include property investigations, risk assessments and any other checks required prior to formal transfer. As part of the same resolution, Council determined that the land would be classified as Operational land under the Local Government Act 1993. This classification provides Council with greater flexibility in relation to leasing, licensing, development or potential future disposal of the land, compared with the restrictions that apply to Community land.

The resolution also included a commitment to undertake a public Expression of Interest process for the future use of the site. Council confirmed that a 30-day EOI period would be conducted following completion of due diligence and confirmation of the land transfer and classification. The purpose of the EOI is to invite proposals from community groups, organisations, businesses and other interested parties for potential future uses of the site. Submissions received during the EOI period are to be assessed and reported back to Council for further consideration and decision.

Governance and Decision-Making

This EOI is the first stage of a transparent, staged process.

Key points:

• The land will be classified as Operational land under the Local Government Act 1993, allowing Council flexibility in considering lease or sale options.
• This EOI does not constitute a binding offer or commitment by Council.
• Council may shortlist proponents and request further detailed submissions.
• Any proposed lease or sale will be subject to formal Council resolution.
• If Council resolves to sell the land, it will comply with statutory requirements, including public notice provisions where applicable.
• Probity, transparency and value-for-money principles will guide the assessment process.

Council reserves the right to:

• Not proceed with any proposal
• Negotiate with one or more proponents
• Seek additional information
• Terminate the EOI process at any time

Risk and Due Diligence Considerations

The site is flood-affected and proponents must:

• Demonstrate an understanding of flood planning levels and resilience requirements
• Identify mitigation and adaptation strategies
• Outline insurability considerations
• Demonstrate financial capacity and funding sources
• Highlight economic, social and/or community benefits associated with the proposed endeavour
• Demonstrate capability and capacity that is sustainable for the future in relation to the proposal
• Address governance and compliance frameworks

Council will undertake its own due diligence in assessing proposals, including social, economic and financial benefits, confidence regarding capability and capacity, legal, planning and risk considerations. Interested parties are to understand that the successful EOI will receive the site as is and will be expected to carry out their own due diligence and community consultation including with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, as a requirement of the handover process. 

Planning

Development of the site may be subject to future DA approvals, at the responsibility of the lessee/future land owner.