Completion of a new stormwater pump station behind the flood protection levee near Brothers Leagues Club in Murwillumbah has already proved a success during Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred and will continue to be part of a suite of measures to improve flood mitigation in the area.
The project, which was completed in February, was undertaken by Tweed Shire Council in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSWRA) and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
The pump station was tested for the first time during Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred. While its ongoing use was hampered by power outages, it still proved helpful in lessening flood damage to Brothers Leagues Club, its facilities and surrounding residents.
During Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred a tree also fell near the pumps and caused extensive damage to fencing and an onsite shelter which meant celebrations of the pump's 'opening' were postponed. The shelter and some fencing have now been repaired and the site is ready for visitors.
The 2 pumps stand around 2 metres tall and combined are able to move almost 1,000 litres of stormwater per second at full speed.
Tweed Shire Council Deputy Mayor Meredith Dennis said she was pleased to see this new part of the Council's flood mitigation strategy being used to reduce the impact of stormwater flooding.
"As the climate changes, it's become apparent that we will never stop flooding from occurring, but we can put measures in place to reduce its impact and ensure that life can get back to normal faster after a flood event.
"We are very grateful to be able to work with both the State and Federal government to see this project completed. We'd like to thank NEMA, NSWRA and DCCEEW for their generous funding."
The majority of the funding for this project has been provided by the Australian Government's $150 million Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program (NRRRP).
Under the NRRRP funding has been provided to deliver flood mitigation and resilience projects across 7 local government areas impacted by the devastating flood events of February - March 2022.
The aim of the NRRRP is to drive long-term resilience and ensure communities are better equipped to withstand and recover from future disasters
Of the $150 million, a total of $116.86 million has been allocated towards flood mitigation infrastructure upgrades across the Northern Rivers, including $7.82 million dedicated to 6 projects in Murwillumbah.
The projects include:
· New pump system behind Dorothy/William St
· Wharf Street pump station upgrade
· Lavender Creek pump station upgrade
· New pump system with east Murwillumbah levee
· Alma Street modification
· Earthworks at Lot 4 on Quarry Road and modification of Condong Creek
Quote from Member for Richmond Justine Elliot:
"The Albanese Labor Government has delivered more than $1.1 million towards this project to improve flood protection behind the levee at Murwillumbah Brothers Leagues Club and boost flood resilience.
"As you're your local Labor MP you can always count on me to deliver funding to help the North Coast build back better, and ensure we're more resilient to future events."
Quote from Janelle Saffin, State Member for Lismore and NSW Minister for Recovery and the North Coast:
"This is the kind of infrastructure we need to help protect our community. It makes us more resilient and gives people the confidence to stay and invest in our community."
