Work is underway on a new $2.85 million flood pumping station, a project born from years of community advocacy to bolster the safety and resilience of Murwillumbah.
The George Street pumping station is the cornerstone of an integrated engineering program designed to protect homes and businesses by reducing the frequency, duration and impact of localised flooding.
Delivered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority and funded through the Albanese Government's $150 million Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program (NRRRP), the East Murwillumbah station will feature two high-capacity pumps capable of moving nearly 1,500 litres of stormwater per second.
This project follows the successful completion of the Murwillumbah (Brothers) Leagues Club pump station in late 2024. Both stations sit within the town's levee system, specifically designed to "lift" trapped stormwater over the walls and into the river when high water levels would otherwise cause the town to back-flood.
By addressing recurring neighbourhood flooding in low-lying urban areas, these pumps will significantly shorten the time it takes for streets to clear and life to return to normal after heavy rain.
The pump stations are part of six flood mitigation upgrades in Murwillumbah, valued at $15.5 million in combined funding, under the NRRRP including:
- new pump system behind Dorothy/William Street
- upgrades to Wharf Street and Lavender Creek pump stations
- modification works at Alma Street
- earthworks at Quarry Road.
Works to upgrade Lavender Creek pump station are expected to be completed later this year, with Wharf Street pump station completed in 2027.
The East Murwillumbah pumping station commencement also coincides with work to beautify streetscapes in the town's Central Business District.
The streetscaping is being delivered through the NSW Government's Community Restoration Flood Fund, which supports the economic recovery of villages and town centres in the Northern Rivers.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said:
"The Albanese Government remains committed to supporting the recovery and resilience works continuing to roll out across the Northern Rivers region after the devastating 2021/22 floods.
"As part of our direct investment in the region through the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program, we're seeing good progress on practical flood mitigation projects just like this, as well as a broad range of projects that address community recovery and resilience.
"I'd like to thank the NSW Government, Tweed Valley Council and the community groups involved for their efforts in getting this project underway."
Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot MP said:
"The Albanese Labor Government has delivered more than $2.8 million towards this project to improve flood protection in East Murwillumbah 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."
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
"This isn't just an engineering project; it's a critical flood mitigation measure and a commitment to the families and business owners of Murwillumbah.
"These new stations provide a defence against street-level flooding, ensuring that stormwater is moved quickly and efficiently so that the community can stay connected and safe, even during extreme weather.
"By working together and putting community voices at the heart of our planning, we are delivering the resilient, long-term protection this region deserves."
Tweed Valley Mayor Chris Cherry said:
"Our community knows better than most what flooding costs, not just in dollars, but in disruption, stress and lost time.
"This pumping station is a real, tangible step toward a more resilient Murwillumbah. We'll keep pushing until the full system is complete.
President of Business Murwillumbah Rebecca Whan, said:
"For years businesses and residents in Murwillumbah have been calling for practical solutions to address the ongoing impacts of flooding, particularly in our CBD and low‑lying areas.
"These pumps represent real progress - they won't stop flooding entirely, but they will make a meaningful difference by reducing the duration and impact of floodwaters after heavy rain."
