A critical section of Bungawalbin Levee is proposed to be partially relocated to build its long-term resilience, benefitting the community, environment and agricultural industries in the Richmond Valley.
Rous County Council (Rous) say they received this advice from independent industry experts following a rigorous assessment process examining all possible options, with consultation now underway with impacted landowners to inform the path forward.
In 2024, Rous received grant totalling of $6.9 million under the Natural Disaster Relief Assistance Program (NDRA) and State and Commonwealth Government’s Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to repair Bungawalbin Levee following the 2022 catastrophic flood.
Located between Woodburn and Coraki in the Richmond Valley Council area, the Bungawalbin Levee is an eight-kilometre-long earth levee that protects properties from minor and moderate floods.
Failures
The levee has failed twice, in 2017 and 2021, and sustained further damage in 2022 and 2025.
As part of the $6.9m grant, Rous engaged industry-leading engineer consultants to identify feasible engineering options for the Levee’s repair.
Following thorough geotechnical investigations, environmental surveys and options assessment, the preferred option currently being considered by Rous involves relocating a critical section of the Bungawalbin Levee to improve long-term performance, according to Chrisy Clay, Rural Flood Mitigation Manager, Rous County Council.
‘Independent, engineer consultants have recommended that the most critical section of the levee may no longer be located adjacent to the creekbank due to its instability. The advice received recommends repositioning a section of the Bungawalbin Levee to provide a more resilient engineering structure and reducing the risk of future failure in this location,’ said Ms Clay.
‘The current preferred option involves moving roughly 1.5km of the upstream section, so it becomes part of Bungawalbin–Whiporie Road.
‘Rous has commenced consultation with impacted landowners to gain feedback on the preferred option before any final decisions are made. Rous recognises that landowners input is an important part of determining the most appropriate path forward.’
Significant infrastructure
According to Cr Robert Mustow, Mayor of Richmond Valley and Rous Chair, Bungawalbin Levee holds significant importance within the local community through its role in protecting nearby properties during minor and moderate flood events.
‘The existing Bungawalbin Levee has failed us over the past decade,’ Cr Robert Mustow said. ‘As Chair of Rous, I welcome the government’s investment and support to repair the Bungawalbin Levee and improve flood resilience for the future.
‘The current repair represents a once in a generation opportunity to build lasting resilience into the Bungawalbin Levee.’
Subject to landowner feedback, detailed design and approvals, on-ground works are anticipated to begin in 2026 and continue into early 2027, weather permitting.
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