Federal Government announces flood protection programs for Northern NSW

Emergency Services Minister Murray Watt has announced funding for the flood mitigation projects recommended by the CSIRO’s Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative.

The projects will be the first tranche of works under a $150 million commitment from the Federal Government, addressing 16 recommendations shortlisted by the CSIRO report in November last year.

Mr Watt says $17.2 million will be allocated towards upgrading seven combined pumps and pump stations in Lismore, where he made the announcement.

The initiative will also award $1.1 million to establish a new pump system for East Murwillumbah as well as $470,000 for the installation of box culverts in Grafton to improve local drainage.

Mr Watt says the projects, which total $50 million, were jointly agreed upon by the state and federal governments and aim to provide future protection for communities that continue to feel the aftermath of the floods over a year later.

“For many people the events of last year are still very raw, with the upcoming anniversary bringing into sharp focus what they’ve been through and what they’re still going through,” Mr Watt said.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg welcomed the commitment from the government to address the long-troubled pumps, which were overwhelmed by last year’s historic flooding.

“We’ve asked for many, many years in Lismore that we need pump upgrades,” Mr Krieg said.

“This is all fully funded through this report, and for the people of Lismore, that is a massive relief.”

Deputy Premier and Regional Minister Paul Toole welcomed the projects, which will be managed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

“The successful projects align with the recommendations from the Independent NSW Flood Inquiry and play an important role in improving flood preparedness and flood resilience across Northern Rivers communities,” Mr Toole said.

Mr Watt says the Federal and NSW Governments will continue to review other project recommendations from the CSIRO report as it continues its next stage of research.