The NSW government say 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’.
They say in a media release, ‘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’.
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