A Lismore pump station upgrade that could keep floodwater out of 300 buildings, a Tweed road crossing that kept washing away, and hands-on help for homeowners still rebuilding are all part of the latest push to make the North Coast more flood resilient.
Communities across NSW will be better protected from future disasters, with 14 projects across the state funded through Round Four of the federal government’s $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund.
The federal government will contribute $37 million, with nearly $44.9 million from the NSW Government and project partners, bringing the total investment to nearly $81.9 million.
North Coast projects include:
- Browns Creek Pump Station: This $9 million project will reduce disaster exposure in Lismore through pump upgrades and by raising the levee spillway by 750mm. This will reduce above-floor flooding risk for 300 buildings in a 1 in 10-year flood.
- Port Macquarie Airport: This jointly funded $2.4 million project will deliver an alternative flood-protected access road to Port Macquarie Airport.
- First Nations-led disaster preparedness: More than $1.8 million for the Mob Ready Program in the Northern Rivers.
A new $11.8 million Landcare-led statewide program will also help regional NSW communities better withstand floods and erosion.
“From flood mitigation in Lismore to heatwave planning in Greater Sydney and a flood-protected access road to Port Macquarie Airport, these projects will deliver practical benefits that reduce risk and keep communities safer,” said Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain.
“By investing before disasters happen, we’re helping New South Wales communities better withstand future hazards, recover faster, and remain safer for the long term.”
The full list of successful projects is available at nema.gov.au.
Blacks Drain crossing finished early
In the Tweed, the $2.56 million Blacks Drain crossing upgrade at South Murwillumbah is complete, almost a month ahead of schedule.
The crossing on Tweed Valley Way has washed away multiple times, including during major floods in 1954, 2017, and 2022.
The upgrade replaces it with a stronger, long-term solution designed to better withstand future severe weather and keep the Tweed connected.
Work included rigid concrete pavement, improved pedestrian access, new traffic safety infrastructure, and concrete slope protection, while safeguarding existing critical underground services.
Nature is playing a part too. Lomandra, a native grass-like plant with a deep, dense root system, has been planted along the vegetation strip to bind the soil and help stabilise the crossing.
Lomandra helped sections of a nearby cane drain withstand high-velocity flows during the 2017 and 2022 floods.
The project is part of a $22 million investment to restore and upgrade up to 35 causeways across Tweed Shire.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the Blacks Drain upgrade complete and this important crossing fully reopened to the community,” said Tweed Shire Council Director Engineering Tim Mackney.
“This was a complex project, particularly with critical underground services running through the site, and I want to acknowledge the crews and contractors who worked hard to deliver a great result.”
“Most importantly, the community now has a stronger, more resilient crossing that is better equipped for the conditions we experience here in the Tweed.”
“Communities in the Northern Rivers understand how important a strong, reliable road network can be, and how much impact is felt on the community when these roads close due to flooding,” said NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison.
“As your local MP, I’m proud to have delivered funding to ensure that Tweed Valley Way is more resilient and less likely to have road closures following severe weather events,” said Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot.
“By learning from the past and building back better, we are giving our families, farmers, and local businesses the long-term confidence they deserve with transport links that are stronger, safer, and ready for the future,” said Minister for Recovery and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin.
Help for homeowners still rebuilding
Flood-affected Northern Rivers homeowners will also soon get hands-on support to finish resilience upgrades under the NSW Resilient Homes Program.
A new Program Support Service, delivered through five local community organisations, will help residents in the Resilient Measures stream navigate program requirements, get expert advice, and progress their building works from start to finish.
The five organisations are Uniting Care, Social Futures, Mid-Richmond Neighbourhood Centre, Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre, and the New School of Arts Neighbourhood House Inc.
The $880 million Resilient Homes Program is jointly funded by the federal and NSW governments.
“This new service puts a dedicated advocate in every homeowner’s corner to cut through red tape, provide expert advice, and help residents complete their rebuilds with confidence,” Ms Saffin said.
“We want to see priority projects finished, families back in secure homes, and our Northern Rivers communities standing stronger against future disasters.”
“Our focus is on helping homeowners complete the works that will make their homes more resilient to future flooding,” said NSW Reconstruction Authority Acting Executive Director Jane Holden.
“By working with experienced local organisations that understand the community and the ongoing impacts of the 2022 floods, we can provide practical, compassionate support that responds to each homeowner’s individual circumstances.”
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