The Minns Labor Government-funded rebuild of Halstead Drive in Casino, has been completed, delivering long-term flood-resilient public access to the Richmond River after the original road was destroyed in the devastating 2022 floods.
The $2.5 million project was funded through the Crown Lands Flood Recovery Program and delivered by Richmond Valley Council.
Halstead Drive, which runs along the banks of the Richmond River, provides the only public access to the waterway for recreation, community events, cultural activities, bridge maintenance and emergency response.
The Minns Labor Government provided a $980,000 funding injection last year so Richmond Valley Council could finalise the engineering and reconstruction stage after initial works to remove debris, undertake geotechnical investigations and prepare a resilient rebuild design were completed.
The reconstruction of Halstead Drive reflects a broader NSW Government priority to move beyond simple replacement. By applying a 'build back better' lens, the government is delivering community facilities that are more durable, sustainable, and capable of maintaining essential public access during future flood events.
Reconstruction works included:
- major stabilisation and anchoring of the river embankment to prevent future erosion
- new drainage infrastructure designed to handle runoff
- installation of retaining walls and gabion structures to reinforce the shoreline
- revegetation using native plants to naturally strengthen the riverbank
- reconstruction of the road to contemporary, flood-resilient standards.
The restored road will be used as a safe, shared community space, with access limited to pedestrians and essential emergency and maintenance vehicles.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
"The Minns Labor Government is focused on building stronger and more resilient communities. This project will deliver lasting benefits to the Casino community which was hit incredibly hard by the 2022 floods, including the loss of Halstead Drive.
"Restoring this road to a resilient, modern standard means locals, emergency services and visitors once again have safe access to the Richmond River.
"This is what recovery investment is about - rebuilding essential community infrastructure stronger and better than before."
Minister for Recovery and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:
"This project is a blueprint for how we approach recovery across the North Coast: rebuild with purpose and prioritise resilience.
"By transforming Halstead Drive into a flood-resilient pedestrian and emergency corridor, we are safeguarding vital river access while strengthening the riverbank itself.
"This is a win for local safety, connection, and the long-term endurance of the Casino community and I thank the Richmond Valley Council for their work."
Richmond Valley Mayor Robert Mustow said:
"Restoring this access point to the river through Halstead Drive is a vital part of our community's recovery following the flood.
"It provides a pedestrian link to the river and allows for the continued maintenance of the Irving Bridge and our stormwater outlets.
"Connection to our rivers is highly valued by our community and I thank the NSW Government and Crown Lands for funding the rebuild of this essential public asset."
