Around 300 people gathered at a recent Lismore City Council meeting to protest a proposed motion to halt the previously promised handing back of land on the North Lismore Plateau, and to investigate selling parts of the 37ha site. 

The motion was put forward by newly elected councillor Big Rob, and it sparked a massive community backlash, with more than 20,000 people signing a petition against the proposal. 

Cr Rob argued that given the council’s financial position, “the outcome sought will ensure council does not try to prematurely dispose of land prior to exploring various options and issues”. 

Wearing a ‘Big Robbery’ shirt, in reference to a headline in a local newspaper that proceeded the meeting, Cr Rob argued that the council should investigate selling some parts of the site to fund the rejuvenation of other areas, which could then be handed back to Traditional Owners, the Widjabul Wia-bal people…