Improving flood resilience in Raymond Terrace through pump station upgrade

THE Bourke Street pump station will be upgraded through funding delivered by the Federal Government and Port Stephens Council, aiming to improve flood resilience in Raymond Terrace.

Large rainfall events in recent years have resulted in flooding which impacts local businesses, residential properties and critical infrastructure.

The capacity of the Bourke Street flood pump station, which conveys stormwater from behind the levee to the Hunter River, is currently insufficient to minimise the risk of flooding.

An upgrade to the configuration and capacity of the station, delivered by Council, will improve the community’s flood immunity and resilience, according to the National Emergency Management Agency.

The “Raymond Terrace Flood Resilience and Mitigation Project” will receive $1,675,000 in funding from Round Three of the Albanese Labor Government’s flagship Disaster Ready Fund, with that number being matched by Council.

“Raymond Terrace has lived through repeated flooding events, and our community knows all too well the emotional, financial, and physical toll they can take,” Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson said.

“This funding is a major step toward reducing that burden and ensuring residents feel safer and better protected.

“This investment in the Bourke Street flood pump station is practical, targeted, and timely.

“It will make a real difference on the ground by strengthening our local flood mitigation infrastructure and boosting our community’s resilience.”

Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson thanked the Federal Government for its contribution.

“We welcome and greatly appreciate this funding from the Federal Government as it will help us make much-needed upgrades to our pump station in Raymond Terrace.

“The upgrade will reduce stormwater inundation and flood impacts helping to improve the communities flood immunity and resilience.”