Construction will begin early next year on a $16.5 million upgrade to Lismore’s Browns Creek Pump Station, more than doubling its stormwater capacity.
Work is expected to start in January 2027, with two new pumps to increase the station’s capacity from 4,000 litres per second to 10,000 litres per second.
The new system will be capable of moving the equivalent of more than 12 Olympic-sized swimming pools of water every hour, improving the city’s ability to manage stormwater behind the levee during floods.
The project is supported by the Australian Government through the $150 million Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program, administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain says the project will help strengthen Lismore’s flood resilience.
“The Browns Creek Pump Station upgrade is an important step in supporting the long-term recovery of the Northern Rivers and building a safer, more resilient Lismore.”
“This project is a practical investment to help reduce localised flooding and improving access to homes, businesses and essential services during flood events. Through the Australian Government’s $150 million Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program we are delivering infrastructure that helps build a safer future.”
The existing pump station will remain operational during construction, maintaining current services while the new infrastructure is installed.
Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg says the project will provide important protection for the CBD and wider community.
“…this project represents an important investment in infrastructure that directly supports our CBD and community. I thank the Australian and NSW Governments for their investment in this project and their continued support for Lismore’s recovery.”
“As we deliver this work, Council will continue looking for opportunities to strengthen our flood mitigation infrastructure and make sure the investment being made today delivers the greatest possible long-term benefit for our community.”
Construction is expected to be completed in late 2027, subject to weather and site conditions.
Traffic and access changes will be introduced around the site ahead of construction.
The Molesworth Street entrance to Clyde Campbell Car Park will close in early December to allow a construction compound to be established. The car park will remain accessible from Keen Street.
From early January, Molesworth Street will be closed to through traffic near the Koori Mail building, with motorists detoured via Zadoc and Keen streets.
Those arrangements are expected to remain in place throughout construction.
A temporary roundabout will also be installed at the intersection of Zadoc and Keen streets in late October 2026 to accommodate additional traffic.
Council says it is working with affected businesses and property owners and will provide further information before the traffic and access changes take effect.
The Browns Creek project forms part of a broader investment in Lismore’s flood mitigation infrastructure, alongside upgrades underway at the Magellan and Snow Street pump stations.
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