While all of Lismore and the Northern Rivers anxiously await the release of the CSIRO report for large-scale flood mitigation that will reduce flood-level heights in the Lismore CBD and further downriver at Coraki and Broadwater, smaller resilience measures have been implemented through the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program (NRRRP).

Announced in February 2023, the program provided $150 million for a range of resilience projects. Although those projects have been slow in coming to fruition, they have had a positive impact when called upon.

The Lismore App asked Brendan Logan, Lismore City Council's COO and CFO, about what measures have been implemented in Lismore and what impact they had.

Mr Logan said that since the 2022 flooding events, Lismore City Council has been planning and delivering a ‘Resilience’ program of works that improve our ability to prepare for and respond to flooding events. 

During Tropical Cyclone Alfred, these works proved their value, in particular, a series of drain cleaning projects that prioritise outcomes for the community.

Those projects have included:

• The recently completed East Town Drains extension project (see images and drone footage attached) saw the repair of a 1,400-metre open drain system adjacent to Wyrallah Road Public School, Lismore Thistles Soccer FC and Wade Park. Works saw the removal of invasive coral trees and debris, restoring optimal flow to the section of stormwater drainage connecting to Gundurimba Canal. Works were funded by the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program (NRRRP). Read more.  

• The recently completed Urban Drain Cleaning project successfully cleared 8 kilometres of open drains, expediting the removal of excess stormwater from homes and community facilities during future weather events.

“Council has invested multiple funding sources over the past 12 months to deliver a series drain clearing works, by a newly formed dedicated team under the leadership of our Head of Water and Waste, Matt Potter, and Director for the Resilience Program, Garon Clough," Mr Logan said.

"We have also partnered with the NSWRA and Rous Council Council to deliver other projects, including the East and South town drains projects, which enable the clearing of major flood mitigation drains.

"Importantly, these works only mark the first step in the delivery of the Resilience program. More project commencement and completion announcements will be coming soon”.