Work is underway to modernise Lismore’s central business district flood defence infrastructure, with new remotely operated pumps and digital monitoring systems being installed across the city’s pump station network. The upgrades form part of a A$29.8 million project under the A$150 million Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program, administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority and funded by the Australian Government. According to the official announcement, the programme aims to strengthen Lismore’s ability to manage intense rainfall and reduce localised flooding within the levee-protected city centre.
Delivered by Lismore City Council, the modernisation focuses on upgrading ageing pump stations that play a central role in moving stormwater from the low‑lying Lismore basin into the Wilsons River. The initiative reflects a broader national effort to improve disaster resilience infrastructure, similar to initiatives such as the Space Innovation Institute for National Resilience, which explores how advanced technologies can support emergency preparedness.
Remote Pump Technology Replaces Manual Operations
A key component of the upgrade is the replacement of the Magellan Street flood pump station’s tractor‑driven pumping system. Previously, a tractor had to be positioned on site to operate pumps manually, removing around 600 litres of floodwater per second during heavy rainfall.
The new installation includes two submersible electric pumps with a combined capacity of 1,000 litres per second. The upgrade increases pumping capacity while reducing operational risk for staff during severe weather events.
Mayor Steve Krieg said the project would help strengthen flood resilience while improving safety and responsiveness.
“Upgrading Magellan Street pump station is a critical step in strengthening Lismore’s flood resilience. “For the community, this project is really about confidence. It’s about knowing we’re investing in smarter infrastructure that helps protect key areas of the city during severe weather events. “Replacing the old, tractor-driven system with modern, remotely operated pumps will allow Council to respond faster and keep staff out of harm’s way when conditions are at their worst.” — Steve Krieg, Mayor, Lismore City Council
Fibre Network Enables Remote Monitoring
The pump station upgrades are supported by a 10 kilometre fibreoptic network rolled out across Lismore last year. The network allows operators to remotely activate and monitor flood pumps during major weather events, enabling faster response when river levels rise.
Digital connectivity is becoming increasingly important in public infrastructure management, supporting real‑time monitoring and operational coordination. Similar connectivity developments, such as research into long‑range wireless technology, highlight the growing role of advanced communications in strengthening infrastructure resilience.
The city’s pump stations remove stormwater and localised flooding from within the levee system and discharge it into the Wilsons River. However, ageing equipment, electrical vulnerabilities and exposure to flood debris have previously limited the system’s effectiveness during extreme rainfall events.
Network-Wide Modernisation Underway
The Magellan Street works follow the upgrade of the nearby Gasworks Creek flood pump station, which was completed in late 2024. Additional improvements are planned for the Browns Creek flood pump station, originally constructed in the 1960s as part of Lismore’s flood mitigation infrastructure.
The Browns Creek facility will receive new, higher‑capacity pumps as part of the broader network overhaul, helping the city manage stormwater during periods when heavy rainfall coincides with high river levels.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the programme reflects cooperation between different levels of government to support long‑term resilience in disaster‑prone communities.
“This project is another example of the Albanese Government’s commitment to working with all levels of government to support the Lismore community’s long-term resilience to the impacts of natural disasters. “Lismore community members will benefit from this greatly. Whether you’re a resident or an emergency worker, this pump ensures that we are in a better position to recover from future disasters.” — Kristy McBain, Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Australian Government
Federal Senator for New South Wales Jenny McAllister also emphasised the need for reliable flood protection infrastructure.
“Lismore should have the infrastructure it needs to protect it from flooding. That’s why we are funding important upgrades like this.” — Jenny McAllister, Senator for New South Wales
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin described the Magellan Street upgrade as a significant change in how the city responds during flood events.
“The modernisation of the Magellan Street station is a gamechanger for how Council and the community respond in future flood events.” “For too long, our community has watched brave operators head out in tractors during dangerous conditions to keep the pumps running. This investment changes that. “We are building back better in the heart of our city to ensure our businesses, workers, and families are backed by a modern system that works when it matters most.” — Janelle Saffin, NSW Minister for Recovery
Together, the upgraded pump stations and digital monitoring network are intended to improve Lismore’s capacity to manage localised flooding during severe weather, while strengthening the reliability of a system that remains central to the city’s flood defence strategy.
