Condong Drainage Boost Strengthens Farming Future

A major funding commitment will improve flood resilience for Tweed farmers by upgrading one of the region’s highest-priority agricultural drainage systems.

A major agricultural drainage upgrade at Condong Creek is a step closer after the NSW Reconstruction Authority committed up to $1 million towards the project through the Tropical Cyclone Alfred Agricultural Drainage Reset Program.

The funding will support one of Tweed Shire Council’s highest-priority agricultural infrastructure projects, with Council contributing up to $500,000 towards the estimated $1.5 million cost. Together, the investment aims to improve drainage efficiency across productive farmland while strengthening the region’s resilience to future flooding.

The Condong Creek project is the largest approved under the second tranche of the jointly funded Australian and NSW Government recovery program. The initiative is restoring critical drainage infrastructure damaged during recent flood events while improving long-term outcomes for agricultural communities across Northern New South Wales.

Before construction begins, the project will undergo detailed design work, environmental and regulatory approvals, feasibility assessments and cost confirmation. Delivery of the works will be managed by the NSW Soil Conservation Service once the NSW Reconstruction Authority confirms the final project scope.

Supporting a Vital Agricultural Region

Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry said restoring and improving drainage systems is essential for protecting the region’s productive agricultural land and supporting local farmers following years of severe weather.

“Our farmers have endured repeated flood events in recent years and we know that when drainage systems are compromised, water can remain on productive farmland for extended periods, affecting crops, soil health and farm operations,” Cr Cherry said.

She said Council had identified the Condong Creek works as its highest agricultural drainage priority because of the long-term benefits it could deliver throughout the catchment.

“This funding allows us to progress a project that Council identified as the highest priority for our agricultural community and one that has the potential to deliver long-term benefits across the Condong catchment.

“We’re pleased to be working with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, the Soil Conservation Service and our farming community to improve drainage outcomes and strengthen resilience ahead of future flood events.”

Partnership Delivers Recovery Investment

Tweed Shire Council General Manager Troy Green said the project demonstrates how all levels of government can work together to support regional recovery and improve resilience after natural disasters.

“This project is a great example of governments working together to support local communities recovering from natural disasters,” Mr Green said.

“The Condong Creek project has been identified through detailed assessment and consultation as a priority investment, and Council’s co-contribution demonstrates the importance we place on improving resilience for our agricultural sector.”

The Tropical Cyclone Alfred Agricultural Drainage Reset Program will restore critical drainage infrastructure at 25 council-nominated sites across Northern NSW and the Mid North Coast.

The program is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and is being administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in partnership with the NSW Soil Conservation Service.

The first round of projects includes drainage restoration works in the Tweed, Richmond Valley, Ballina, Rous County and Kempsey local government areas, reflecting the widespread impact flooding has had on agricultural production across the region.

Building Long-Term Flood Resilience

The NSW Reconstruction Authority has advised that specialist investigations and detailed planning for the Condong Creek project will now begin before final construction decisions are made.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said repeated flooding had placed enormous pressure on primary producers throughout Northern New South Wales.

“Farmers across Northern NSW have faced repeated severe weather blows. This program delivers practical, on-the-ground recovery to ensure flood-affected agricultural land drains quickly after heavy rain, reducing costly business disruptions for our producers,” Ms McBain said.

She said allowing councils to nominate their highest-priority projects ensured recovery funding was directed where it would deliver the greatest benefit.

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the program builds on the success of earlier drainage restoration projects completed throughout the Northern Rivers.

“Our primary producers require this sort of recovery and resilience support after multiple flood events in the North and Mid North Coast,” Ms Saffin said.

She noted that previous drainage reset programs had restored 77 drainage sites, delivering significant benefits for farmers by improving water movement and streamlining approval processes for ongoing maintenance.

Ms Saffin said the next stage of the program would further strengthen the region’s ability to recover from future flood events while helping farmers return to production more quickly following heavy rainfall.

Once completed, the Condong Creek drainage upgrade is expected to improve water flow, reduce the time productive farmland remains inundated after flooding and enhance the long-term resilience of one of the Tweed’s most important agricultural districts.