Northern Rivers flood resilience efforts get an investment boost

The next tranche of the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program will deliver 20 new projects across the region, through a federal investment of $100 million. It follows the announcement of the first $50 million of projects in February earlier this year.  

These projects include: 

• Raising the level of two low set bridges at Tatham to improve access between Casino and Coraki during flood events. 

• Widening the Browns Creek flood channel at Lismore. 

• Improving town drains at Woodburn, Coraki and Lismore to minimise damage to property and allow for quicker recovery following floods. 

• New and upgraded pump systems. 

• Town evacuation plans. 

• Reforestation and revegetation plans in the Clarence, Richmond, Tweed and Brunswick Catchments, to provide nature-based flood mitigation. 

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said the full investment in the Northern Rivers would help communities be more prepared for future disasters. 

“The majority of these new initiatives will improve community connectivity and economic resilience through transport infrastructure and evacuation route upgrades, and they complement the work we’re doing through other programs, like the Disaster Ready Fund which saw over $17 million invested in Northern Rivers projects in round one, said Minister Watt.  

New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said disasters can’t be prevented entirely but the NSW Government is working to reduce the risk natural hazards pose to communities across the state to build resilience. 

“The people of the Northern Rivers know all too well the devastating effects floods can have on lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure,” Minister Dib said. 

“The Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program means we can support communities in the region as they prepare for disaster, with the aim of reducing loss of life, the load on our emergency services and the overall impact of natural hazards.”