Richmond River Erosion Hot Spots Revealed After Flood Study
New research mapping Richmond River erosion mapping across the Northern Rivers has identified more than 1,600 landslides triggered during the 2022 floods. This gives authorities their clearest picture yet of where sediment is entering the river system.
The year-long project, led by Rous County Council in partnership with Griffith University, used advanced LiDAR imagery to compare historical riverbank conditions with post-flood data. The results revealed approximately 3.3 million cubic metres of erosion across the catchment over the past decade.
Adjunct Professor Andrew Brooks said about one million cubic metres of that erosion occurred during the 2022 flood event alone. This highlights the scale of landscape change across upstream areas feeding into the Richmond River.
Rous Catchment and Cultural Awareness Manager Anthony Acret said sediment entering waterways remains one of the biggest threats to river health across the Northern Rivers.
“When sediment flows into the rivers, it clouds the water and harms aquatic plants, fish and overall water quality,” he said.
The study found most erosion is occurring in the upper and middle reaches of the catchment. As a result, impacts are travelling downstream into the Richmond River estuary and affecting water clarity and ecosystem health.
Mr Acret said the findings would help guide future restoration priorities.
“Investing in revegetation, improving soil health and stabilising riparian zones are practical actions that can make a real difference,” he said.
The project forms part of the Richmond River Coastal Management Program, which is being delivered in partnership with Ballina, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Kyogle and Byron councils. It is also in partnership with NSW Government agencies and local stakeholders.
Rous General Manager Phillip Rudd said the report would help target repair works under broader initiatives. These include the Northern Rivers Watershed Initiative and Operation Richmond River Recovery.
The findings provide the first catchment-wide blueprint for identifying erosion hot spots and improving long-term river health across the region
From the Northern Rivers Times News Desk
