Two submersible flood pumps are about to be installed at a critical section of Lismore's flood defence system, replacing stormwater removal units previously powered by tractors in the CBD.
The new remotely operated pumps form part of a $29.8 million modernisation of Lismore's flood pump station network, under the $150 million Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program, administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority and funded by the Albanese Government.
Lismore City Council, which is delivering the project, completed an upgrade of the nearby Gasworks Creek flood pump station late last year.
The Magellan Street flood pump station previously required a tractor to be driven into position to operate the pumps manually, with the tractor-driven pump removing around 600 litres of localised floodwater per second.
As part of the project, the two new submersible electric pumps will have a combined capacity of 1000 litres per second, significantly increasing pumping capability and reliability.
Lismore's flood pump stations play a vital role in the city's flood mitigation system, removing stormwater and localised flooding from within the levee walls and pumping it into the Wilsons River.
However, increasingly intense rainfall events have overwhelmed the ageing network, leading to localised flooding in the CBD. Vulnerabilities in electrical systems, exposure to flood debris and reliance on manual operation further limited performance.
Further works will follow at the Browns Creek flood pump station, the centrepiece of the network overhaul. First built in the 1960s to extract stormwater from the low-lying Lismore basin into the Wilsons River, the station will undergo essential modernisation, including the installation of new, more powerful pumps.
A rollout of a new 10 kilometre fibreoptic network last year will enable remote activation and monitoring of the upgraded flood pumps during future weather events.
Together, these upgrades will strengthen Lismore's flood defences and improve the city's ability to manage intense rainfall when river levels are high.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain said:
"This project is another example of the Albanese Government's commitment to working with all levels of government to support the Lismore community's long-term resilience to the impacts of natural disasters.
"Lismore community members will benefit from this greatly. Whether you're a resident or an emergency worker, this pump ensures that we are in a better position to recover from future disasters."
Federal Senator for NSW, Jenny McAllister said:
"Lismore should have the infrastructure it needs to protect it from flooding. That's why we are funding important upgrades like this."
NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin, said:
"The modernisation of the Magellan Street station is a gamechanger for how Council and the community respond in future flood events."
"For too long, our community has watched brave operators head out in tractors during dangerous conditions to keep the pumps running. This investment changes that.
"We are building back better in the heart of our city to ensure our businesses, workers, and families are backed by a modern system that works when it matters most."
Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said:
"Upgrading Magellan Street pump station is a critical step in strengthening Lismore's flood resilience.
"For the community, this project is really about confidence. It's about knowing we're investing in smarter infrastructure that helps protect key areas of the city during severe weather events.
"Replacing the old, tractor-driven system with modern, remotely operated pumps will allow Council to respond faster and keep staff out of harm's way when conditions are at their worst."
