Lismore’s CBD will be better protected from localised flooding, with a major upgrade to the Browns Creek Pump Station set to begin construction in November.
The $16.5 million rebuild will significantly increase the amount of stormwater that can be moved from behind the levee during flood events, helping reduce localised inundation and maintain access to homes, businesses and key transport routes for longer.
The Browns Creek Pump Station upgrade is funded by the Albanese Government through the $150 million Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program, administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
Two new pumps will increase the station’s capacity from 4,000 litres of water per second to 10,000 litres per second, allowing it to move two and a half times as much water as the existing system.
Together, the new pumps will be capable of moving the equivalent of more than 12 Olympic-sized swimming pools every hour and will be able to start operating at lower water levels, allowing pumping to begin earlier during a flood event.
The existing pump station will remain operational throughout construction, maintaining the current level of service while the new infrastructure is delivered.
Why Browns Creek matters
Browns Creek Pump Station has formed part of Lismore’s flood mitigation infrastructure since the 1970s, helping to manage stormwater in and around the CBD.
The station is particularly important during flood events where river levels are high but remain below the levee height. During these events, the pumps remove stormwater that would otherwise become trapped behind the levee.
This helps reduce localised inundation and can maintain access to homes, businesses and key transport routes for longer.
When river levels exceed the levee and floodwaters enter the basin, the pumps are temporarily switched off. Once river levels fall and conditions allow, pumping resumes to help remove water from within the city.
Planning for construction
Construction is expected to commence in November 2026 and be completed in late 2027, weather and site conditions permitting.
The Molesworth Street entrance to Clyde Campbell Car Park will close in early December to allow the establishment of a construction site compound, with the car park remaining accessible via Keen Street.
From early January, Molesworth Street will be closed to through traffic near the Koori Mail building, with a detour in place via Zadoc and Keen Streets. These traffic arrangements are expected to remain in place until the end of construction.
A temporary roundabout has been installed at the intersection of Zadoc and Keen streets to support traffic movements during construction.
Council is working directly with affected businesses and property owners and will provide further information to the community ahead of changes to traffic and access arrangements.
Together with works underway at the Magellan and Snow Street pump stations, the Browns Creek project forms part of ongoing investment in Lismore’s flood mitigation infrastructure.
For additional information and FAQs, visit https://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Building-and-planning/Flood-Restoration-Portfolio/Flood-resilience/FR-Browns-Creek-Pump-Station
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:
“The Browns Creek Pump Station upgrade is an important step in supporting the long-term recovery of the Northern Rivers and building a safer, more resilient Lismore.
“This project is a practical investment to help reduce localised flooding and improving access to homes, businesses and essential services during flood events.
“Through the Australian Government’s $150 million Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program we are delivering infrastructure that helps build a safer future.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Recovery, Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin:
“Rebuilding Lismore is about building back better and more robust. We are taking the opportunity to upgrade and modernise, ensuring our essential infrastructure is stronger and truly fit for the future.
“By more than doubling the capacity of these pumps, we are actively defending the CBD, protecting local livelihoods, and keeping our roads open longer when the river rises.
“True recovery is about giving people confidence that their town is better prepared for the future. This project gives our community tangible proof that we're delivering the protection Lismore needs to grow, invest, and move forward together.”
Quotes attributable to Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg:
“Browns Creek has been part of Lismore’s flood mitigation system for more than 50 years, and this project represents an important investment in infrastructure that directly supports our CBD and community.
“I thank the Australian and NSW Governments for their investment in this project and their continued support for Lismore’s recovery.
“As we deliver this work, Council will continue looking for opportunities to strengthen our flood mitigation infrastructure and make sure the investment being made today delivers the greatest possible long-term benefit for our community.”
Quotes attributable to Flood Restoration Portfolio Executive Director Charlotte Foy:
“Considerable work has gone into getting the Browns Creek project ready for construction, including environmental assessments, geotechnical investigations, hydraulic modelling and detailed engineering design.
“The new station has been designed with capacity for four pumps, with two new pumps being installed as part of the currently funded works. Council will continue working with the state and federal governments to identify additional funding opportunities.
“Keeping the existing pump station operational throughout construction has also been an important part of planning the project, ensuring the current level of service is maintained while the new facility is built alongside it.
“We are conscious that these works are taking place in the heart of the CBD and will continue working closely with businesses and property owners to manage construction impacts and keep the community informed.”