77 farm sites with damaged drainage systems have been cleared out and repaired to reduce the impact of future flooding, says the NSW Labor government.
They say in a media release the $5 million project is ‘part of the $150 million Primary Industry Support Package under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, announced following the devastating 2022 Northern Rivers floods’.
‘Vegetation and sediment were cleared from key drainage outlets, restoring water flow across low-lying agricultural land to stop water from pooling and damaging valuable crops. The work supports recovery for Northern Rivers primary producers across the sugarcane, horticulture, rice, soybeans, beef and dairy industries.
‘Led by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in partnership with the NSW Soil Conservation Service, eligible sites were assessed and prioritised to ensure the greatest benefit for flood impacted communities. Ballina Shire Council, Clarence Valley Council, Rous County Council, and Tweed Shire Council participated in the program.
‘Wardell cane grower Gordon Lowrey is enjoying one of his best years on his family’s property after participating in the $5 million pilot program across the Northern Rivers farmland drainage.
‘For more than 80 years, the Lowreys have grown cane south of Ballina and the rebuilding of the drain on his farm ensures water from a typical heavy fall is off the lowest part of his property within 12 hours.
‘Building on these learnings, the NSW Government has already established a new Drainage Reset Program to address drainage issues following Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is also jointly funded by the DRFA. Works are expected to commence in the coming months across affected local government areas’, says the government media release.
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