A $3.35 million investment is set to help Raymond Terrace become more resilient to increasingly frequent and intense severe weather events.
The township was relentlessly impacted by heavy rains earlier this year, including major flooding in May and again in August.
But, measures are being implemented to alleviate those issues moving forward.
The Raymond Terrace Flood Resilience and Mitigation Project will be delivered, thanks to $1,675,000 in funding from round three of Australian Government’s flagship Disaster Ready Fund.
Port Stephens Council is matching the amount dollar-for-dollar, too.
The undertaking involves upgrading the configuration and capacity of the Bourke Street flood pump station to improve the community’s flood immunity and durability.
“The third round of the Disaster Ready Fund investment builds on the work delivered by the government to make Australia more resilient to natural hazards,” Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said.
“Australians are no stranger to the floods, bushfires and cyclones that affect them year-on-year.
“That’s why our government established the Disaster Ready Fund, providing $1 billion over five years to projects such as this.”
Paterson MP Meryl Swanson welcomed the announcement.
“Raymond Terrace has lived through repeated flooding events,” she said.
“So, our community knows all too well the emotional, financial and physical toll they can take.
“This funding is a major step toward reducing that burden and ensuring residents feel safer and better protected.
“The 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.”
Port Stephens mayor Leah Anderson agreed.
“We welcome and greatly appreciate this funding as it will help us make much-needed upgrades to our pump station in Raymond Terrace,” she said.
“The enhancement will reduce stormwater inundation and flood impacts, helping to improve the community’s immunity and resilience.”
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