Lismore City Council is putting a spotlight on its urban stormwater network, with a major drain‑clearing program now underway across the Lismore CBD.  

Comprehensive CCTV inspections completed in 2025 identified a number of priority sites requiring attention to ensure the stormwater system performs effectively during future weather events.   

Using this information, Council’s specialist contractors are now on the ground utilising high‑pressure water jetting and vacuum trucks to remove tree roots, debris and other blockages. Each drain is then re‑inspected using CCTV to confirm the line is clear and flowing as intended. 

The work will continue through February, with crews operating from early morning into the evening on weekdays, and on Saturdays when required, to get the job done as efficiently as possible.  

(The map shows the location schedule for drain-clearing. Image: LCC)

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said the work is an essential part of Council’s resilience efforts. 

“Drainage may not be glamorous, but it’s important,” he said.  

“We’re removing blockages and obstructions that directly resulted from the 2022 floods – silt, gravel and even the odd keyboard – to ensure our system performs the way it should.”  

This program builds on ongoing maintenance across the city and the clearing of more than 8km of open stormwater drains. It also complements a series of pump station upgrades that are underway or scheduled to begin later this year. 

Council acknowledges there may be some temporary inconvenience associated with the works, and crews will continue to minimise disruption wherever possible. Residents and businesses affected by the program will receive advance notification from contractors with specific dates and timings. 

This project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.  

For more information, visit: https://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Building-and-planning/Flood-Restoration-Portfolio/Roads-and-bridges/FR-Lismore-CBD-Drain-Clearing.