Despite repeated confirmation by police, politicians, and emergency services, the rumour persists that the death toll in Lismore from the floods was significantly higher than the official figure of 5.
Officially, four people died in Lismore when unprecedented flooding hit the region on February 28, and another person died in flooding on March 29.
At next week's Lismore council meeting, councillor Big Rob will ask the general manager to confirm the number, "because everyone keeps talking about it".
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He will ask: "Following ongoing speculation from many members of our community, can the general manager please confirm the official number of lives lost in the Lismore local government area during the 28 February 2022 catastrophic flood event?".
Cr Rob said he hoped an official response from the council would give clarity to the community and quell some of the rumours.
In the week following the first flood, Richmond Police District commander Superintendent Scott Tanner said the rumour about mass casualties was false and officers had thoroughly searched the CBD, North and South Lismore.
Supt Tanner said only a fifth of people rescued during the flood had registered they were safe, adding to the numbers of people who were listed as unaccounted for.
Lismore MP Janelle Saffin also confirmed the figures, saying the reports of more deaths were untrue.
Cr Rob recognised authorities had disputed the rumours, and hoped the council would also respond.
"There is no benefit to anyone understating those figures. Why would you hide something like that?," he said.
Rumour was still rife on social media though, caused by a number of factors.
Cr Rob said it was tragic five people lost their lives, but it was a miracle the number was not higher given the magnitude of rescues needed and the harrowing circumstances people found themselves in. He said people found it hard to comprehend the casualty list was not higher.
Cr Rob said that asking for confirmation of the death toll from the council allowed a response to be officially tabled.
The council general meeting is on Tuesday night at 6pm.
