Richmond Riverkeeper says it welcomes the data behind CSIRO's new model for the Richmond River catchment, accepting that even the most ambitious set of measures modelled would not stop towns in the catchment from flooding, while warning that the health of the river itself is still missing from the conversation.

This spring, the Richmond River will come alive with a month-long celebration of culture, community, and Country as Richmond RiverFest 2025 runs from 28 September to 26 October.

Public comments may have closed on the CSIRO's fifteen proposed mitigation measures to protect Lismore, Ballina, Kyogle and Casino from the worst of future flood emergencies, but criticism of the process has only become more strident.

Recent fish kills in the Richmond River have once again highlighted the significant need for action to improve the health of the river. 

The youth of Kyogle were asked what their number one priority was and they said it was ‘is looking after the health of the river and they want to be involved in healing it’.