$150 million state cash splash to disaster proof northern NSW

Another round of funding to help safeguard seven LGAs in northern NSW from future natural disasters has been revealed. See what’s planned

Left: Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry, Minister Emergency Services Murray Watt, Richmond Valley Mayor Robert Mustow and Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader by the Richmond River near Coraki to discuss funding for projects under the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program.

Raised bridges, widened flood channels, and improved drainage in the townships of Woodburn, Coraki and Lismore are among the latest projects funded under the $150 million Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program.

The combined 36 local projects funded under the initiative have been recommended by CSIRO following extensive community consultation and have been agreed by the Federal and NSW Governments.

The federal government’s next cash splash for flood-resilient projects across Northern NSW was announced on Friday.

Federal Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt was joined by three of the region’s mayors to discuss how the funding will roll out.

Mr Watt said funding will be for projects that will improve community connectivity and economic resilience through transport infrastructure and evacuation route upgrades.

Murray Watt, Federal Minister Emergency Management with Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader at Coraki during an announcement of labours next tranche of the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program funding.

Many of the projects align with recommendations from the NSW Flood Inquiry, and with local flood-plain risk mitigation programs.

All seven LGAs of the Northern Rivers region: Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed will benefit.

Projects include raising the level of two low set bridges at Tatham to improve access between Casino and Coraki during flood events, and widening the Browns Creek flood channel at Lismore.

Other projects on improving town drains at Woodburn, Coraki and Lismore to minimise damage to property and allow for quicker recovery following floods are also planned.

The funding will go towards new and upgraded pump systems and town evacuation plans.

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

Jai Vaze, CSIRO Senior Principal Research Scientist explaining flood modelling procedures at Coraki during an announcement of labours next tranche of the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program funding.

NSW Emergency Services Minister, 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 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.”

The Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program (NRRRP) provides $150 million dollars to the New South Wales (NSW) Government to deliver flood mitigation and resilience projects across seven local government areas (LGAs) impacted by the devastating February – March 2022 flood event.