New pump station to strengthen East Murwillumbah’s flood defences

CONSTRUCTION has begun on a new $2.85 million flood pumping station in East Murwillumbah, a project driven by years of community advocacy to strengthen the town’s resilience to flooding.

The George Street facility is a central component of a broader engineering program to better protect homes and businesses by reducing the frequency, duration and impact of localised flooding.

The station will include two high-capacity pumps capable of moving nearly 1,500 litres of stormwater per second and builds on the completion of the Murwillumbah (Brothers) Leagues Club pump station in late 2024, with both sites forming part of the town’s levee system.

These stations are designed to transfer trapped stormwater over the levee into the river during high water events, helping prevent back-flooding in low-lying areas and allowing streets to clear more quickly after heavy rain.

The East Murwillumbah project was delivered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority and funded through the Albanese Government’s $150 million Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program (NRRRP).

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the project reflects ongoing recovery efforts across the Northern Rivers following the 2021/22 floods.

“The Albanese Government remains committed to supporting the recovery and resilience works continuing to roll out across the Northern Rivers region after the devastating 2021/22 floods,” she said.

“As part of our direct investment in the region through the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program, we’re seeing good progress on practical flood mitigation projects just like this, as well as a broad range of projects that address community recovery and resilience.”

The East Murwillumbah station forms part of a broader $15.5 million package of six flood mitigation projects across the town, including a new pump system behind Dorothy and William Streets, upgrades to the Wharf Street and Lavender Creek pump stations, modification works at Alma Street, and earthworks at Quarry Road.

Upgrades to Lavender Creek are expected to be completed later this year, while works at Wharf Street are scheduled for completion in 2027.

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the project represents more than just infrastructure, pointing to its broader significance for the community.

“This isn’t just an engineering project; it’s a critical flood mitigation measure and a commitment to the families and business owners of Murwillumbah,” she said.

“These new stations provide a defence against street-level flooding, ensuring that stormwater is moved quickly and efficiently so that the community can stay connected and safe, even during extreme weather.”

The construction works at East Murwillumbah pumping station also coincides with streetscape upgrades in Murwillumbah’s CBD, which was funded through the NSW Government’s Community Restoration Flood Fund and aimed at supporting economic recovery in Northern Rivers town centres.

Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry said the East Murwillumbah project responds directly to the lived experience of the community.

“Our community knows better than most what flooding costs, not just in dollars, but in disruption, stress and lost time,” she said.

“This pumping station is a real, tangible step toward a more resilient Murwillumbah.”

“We’ll keep pushing until the full system is complete.”