Governments commit further $3 million to progress Northern Rivers flood resilience

The final report under the Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative (NRRI) was released today. The Initiative was established following the unprecedented, devastating floods that struck the Northern Rivers region in early 2022.

Funded by the Albanese Government through the $11.4 million NRRI, the report identifies options to help reduce flood impacts across the Richmond River catchment and support future resilience planning in the region.

Prepared by Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, the report combines community consultation with high-resolution hydrodynamic modelling and historical data to test how various flood mitigation measures could perform across the catchment.

The Albanese and Minns Governments are providing $3 million to deliver a feasibility study and detailed enabling studies.

The Minns Government is contributing $2 million to progress this important work, with the Albanese Government contributing an additional $1 million.

The study will assess the technical, environmental, economic and social feasibility of potential interventions and help inform future investment decisions. Richmond Valley, Kyogle, Ballina and Lismore councils will play a key role through formal governance arrangements overseeing the study, helping ensure local knowledge and community priorities are reflected throughout the process.

The feasibility study will directly inform the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan (DAP), led by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

It will ensure flood mitigation options are considered alongside a broader suite of measures to reduce disaster risk and build long-term community resilience across the region.

NEMA and CSIRO will hold community drop-in sessions in July to discuss the findings and answer questions.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain:
"The 2022 floods were devastating for many communities across the Northern Rivers and highlighted the need for greater understanding of how to reduce flood impacts in the Richmond River catchment in the future.

"The release of this report is a significant milestone for Northern Rivers communities.

"It gives us a scientific basis for understanding which flood mitigation measures could make the biggest difference.

"This will help inform future resilience planning and decision-making by providing a stronger evidence base for governments to consider future flood resilience investments.

"The Albanese Government is committed to working with the Minns Government on the next steps, ensuring this important work continues to progress."

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Science, Industry and Innovation Tim Ayres:
"The CSIRO's Australian science is central to delivering future flood resilience for the Northern Rivers.

"Better planning and engaging with local communities, states and experts to prepare for the challenges ahead are essential to protecting the community and their livelihoods.

"This report is a great example of investing in science to deliver real benefits for regional communities."

Quotes attributable to Senator for NSW, Jenny McAllister:
"People in the Northern Rivers have long called for a clear picture about the way the catchment works, so they can consider options together to best protect their communities.

"I thank all those who took the time to give their input into this important work."

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:
"My reading of this report gives us real hope because it shows technically that flood levels can be lowered across all four local government areas in the Richmond River catchment - Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Ballina.

"The NSW Government always had funding available, and this $2 million investment, along with the $1 million commitment from the Australian Government, is the official start of the detailed scoping work and technical analysis required before any onground implementation can begin.

"There is still a way to go, but we are moving forward. I look forward to working closely with the Australian Government, the four councils and our community as these scoping works shape up."