Planit Consulting was engaged by Lismore City Council to manage the East Town Drains refurbishment project – an essential upgrade to one of the city’s key open drainage systems.
The works focused on a 1.4-kilometre open drain located near Wyrallah Road Public School, Lismore Thistles Soccer FC, and Wade Park. The system had been significantly impacted by invasive coral trees and years of silt and debris accumulation, which severely restricted stormwater flow.
To restore the drain’s capacity and improve resilience during heavy rainfall:
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Invasive coral trees were treated to prevent regrowth and mulched.
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Native vegetation was preserved wherever possible.
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Silt and debris were carefully excavated to reinstate the drain’s original grading.
The project was completed just prior to Cyclone Alfred, ensuring the improved drainage system was ready to perform during the intense weather event. This timely upgrade reconnected the local open drainage network to the Gundurimba Canal, improving flow and helping reduce flood risk for nearby areas – including the Lismore CBD.
The project was made possible through Flood Risk Management Infrastructure funding as part of the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program (NRRRP).
Special thanks to Kyogle Earthworx, ReForest Now, and Ecoteam Australia for their support and collaboration.
