Grafton's city levee walls set the standard

THIS month marks 50 years of flood protection from Grafton's flood wall , and we're delving into the archives to celebrate.

Aerial photos of Northern NSW Flooding. Grafton locals watch the floodwaters from behind the safety of the Levy which saved the town from flooding. Pic Glenn Hampson. Picture: HAMPSON GLENN

FOR half a century Grafton's levee walls have successfully fortified the city against the might of the Clarence River.

To protect a city on the floodplain of the largest river on Australia's east coast is an extraordinary engineering feat. Half a century later the decision not to cut back in the magnitude of the project is a significant success story.

In 2013 the city's flood levees came within millimetres of being breached. Could the recent flood devastation experienced in Lismore have been prevented had the same foresight been shown as Grafton's community and political leaders at the time?

It has been two months since Tropical Cyclone Debbie wreaked havoc on communities from North Queensland to the NSW North Coast. News Regional Media has published a limited edition 132-page tribute 'Defying Debbie' (details opposite page) which tells the stories of triumph and hope in the aftermath of the deadly natural disaster.

Pick up a copy from participating newsagents or The Daily Examiner office at 55 Fitzroy St, with all proceeds going to the flood recovery effort.

Next Wednesday, June 14 is 50 years since completion of Grafton's flood leveel, finished just months after waters last encroached on the city.

To mark the occasion The Daily Examiner will publish a 12-page feature include a historic flood information and photos, stories of those who remember the 'last big flood', current flood models and predictions and the latest advice on how to prepare for next inevitable big one.

Originally published as Grafton's city levee walls set the standard