Works Complete on $5 Million Northern Rivers Drainage

Damaged drainage systems at 77 farm sites have been cleared out and repaired to reduce the impact of future flooding as 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.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain said:

"Both levels of government were delivering practical support helping people get back on their feet and for Northern Rivers farmers, restoring drainage is one of the quickest ways to protect crops, stock and livelihoods.

"This jointly funded investment with the NSW Government has repaired and cleared drainage at 77 farm sites, helping reduce the impacts of future flooding and supporting recovery after the devastating 2022 floods.

"Programs like this show what's possible when we all work together to back our producers with on-the-ground works that strengthen resilience and keep regional economies moving."

NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin said:

"Our agricultural community provides significant economic and social benefit to our region, and their resilience since the 2022 floods has been incredible. By working closely with growers and local leaders, we identified that cleaning and restoring drainage networks was the essential first step in helping the whole community move forward.

"This $5 million investment is about giving our farmers the confidence to plant again. Seeing the results on properties like the Lowreys' in Wardell proves that when we get the technical work right, the benefits ripple out across the entire region.

"I'm proud that we didn't just 'fix' the problem and walk away. We have used this success to establish a permanent Drainage Reset Program, ensuring we now have a proven blueprint ready to protect our agricultural heart whenever disaster strikes."

"I have stated that the barriers that prevented our farmers from clearing their drains previously should not happen again and we have proven that it can be done. I have further stated that this work belongs in the Disaster Adaptation Programs (DAP) with one currently underway in the Northern Rivers."

Cane Grower and Consultant to the NSW Canegrowers Associations, Mick O'Connor said:

"The drain cleaning program has delivered real benefits for both farmers and the river system. By restoring the drainage network to its intended function, water can now move off cultivated land more efficiently before it loses oxygen and degrades in quality.

"This is a win for farmers through improved productivity and healthier soils, and a win for the river as better-oxygenated runoff replaces the poor-quality water that can occur when drainage outlets are not maintained."

Richmond River Cane Growers Association chairman Geoff Pye said:

The program has had a positive impact on the local environment. With the drainage system now being restored, highly productive floodplain land is once again contributing to both the local economy and the health of the broader environment.

"The program highlights how a well-maintained drainage network can support productive agriculture while also improving water quality outcomes for the river and the wider community."