This month marks an important milestone for Lismore, with vital upgrades to the Gasworks Creek pump station in East Lismore now complete, boosting the city's flood resilience.
The achievement is part of Lismore City Council's broader commitment to operational resilience - the first in a series of pump station upgrades to follow in 2026. It follows emergency work undertaken to restore operations at all pump stations in 2022.
The project involved raising pumps and electrical systems above the record 2022 flood level, installing mechanical trash screens to prevent blockages, and improving overall pumping efficiency. Minor site refinements will continue over the coming weeks.
Works were undertaken by Northern Rivers-based contractors: Steady State Pty Ltd and Engineered Project Solutions Pty Ltd.
Construction will begin at Browns Creek, Magellan Street and a brand-new pump station in South Lismore later this year. Start dates will be revealed in the coming months.
These projects are funded by the Australian Government through the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program, administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said: "Flood recovery isn't a quick fix - it's a long-term commitment."
"These projects are part of a bigger picture that will make Lismore better prepared for whatever nature throws at us."
Minister for Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said: "The pump stations in essence act as the lungs of the Lismore flood levee system, they are actively working to keep the city as dry as possible when the river rises during big rain events, with ongoing upgrades making them more powerful and intelligent they will help better protect Lismore during future floods."
"They perform a vital role in extracting stormwater and localised flooding from behind the levee system and pump it back into the Wilsons River, minimising damage to homes and businesses downtown."
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said: "This upgrade reflects how investment through the NRRRP is delivering practical improvements to Lismore's flood-mitigation network, strengthening the city's ability to cope with increasingly severe weather events."
"By modernising these ageing pump stations with more powerful, reliable and remotely operated systems, this program is supporting Lismore's long-term efforts to reduce local flood impacts and protect homes, businesses and essential services during future storm events."
