What next for Lismore (and surrounds)? The flooding of Lismore in the early hours of Monday 28 February 2022 and the following days has had a devastating impact on the city, the settlements downstream and rural landholdings. Many parts of the Northern Rivers were affected by the heavy rainfall but it is the region’s ‘capital’ of Lismore, much of it located on the Wilson’s River floodplain, whose future must now be carefully considered. Many believe it can never be rebuilt in its previous form and the time has come for a radical reconfiguration. Robin Osborne reflects on the latest tragedy to hit Lismore and what might happen next. Photos courtesy of the Richmond River Historical Society. In an article titled “Historical tales of a floodplain town” Margaret Henderson from the Richmond River Historical Society – which was massively impacted by the 2022 flooding – concluded by saying, ‘There is always a human touch to every flood!’ Truer words have never been written about a natural catastrophe that has descended on Lismore all too often since the settlement was founded. Even then, the basin’s propensity to flood was well known by the Aboriginal people whose land it was part of. ‘Periodic flooding has always been part of life on the Richmond River [of which the Wilson’s forms the early part],’ Mrs Henderson continued.
from political leaders, state or federal. Now, everyone wants more for their taxes and people aren’t happy. Local government, with the advantage of being just that, has been quicker to respond, at least in words. Promising money is not within Lismore City Council’s purview: it has been in dire financial straits for several years, and the general manager’s position has been a revolving door.
‘There were three floods on the Richmond in 1861. Then, in 1863, Casino took the brunt of the flooding, with Lismore again being inundated in 1864. The 1870s and 1880s saw more flooding, especially in 1889. In 1893 there was a major disaster when the river peaked at 29’3” (8.92m), started to fall, and then rose rapidly again to 34’3” (10.44m)… ‘During floods of the 1940s and 1950s, stock was often seen racing down river with the current to Ballina and the open sea: pigs, cows, horses, poultry, sometimes on rafts and often with a snake or two clinging to a piece of driftwood.’ Lismore’s esteemed historian elaborated on “the human touch”, writing ‘As with all disasters, however, there are the accompanying stories of courage, goodwill and humour in times of flooding... ‘The June 1945 flood was one of the worst in the history of the town … Many people were caught in their homes, especially in North Lismore. Boats were needed urgently and police sent out an SOS. Ballina fishermen answered the call and, with their boats loaded on to Mick Feros’ big lorry, they rallied to the rescue. Hour after hour 6 | NorDocs
they rowed people to safety. Then the next day they returned with food and blankets.’ This should sound familiar, as during the days following the 2022 flood an informal flotilla of craft, ranging from powered tinnies to paddled kayaks, set forth in the perilous floodwaters to rescue the stranded, many clutching their pets, and ferry them to the safety of higher ground. Fijian contract workers from the closed abattoir in Casino added some muscle and tuneful singing. Courage and goodwill, indeed. Eighty years ago little assistance was offered by the military or the police (the SES didn’t exist), let alone rapid responses
Lismore’s recently elected Mayor Steve Krieg has predicted that the disaster, which reached a record 14.37 metres, two metres above the 1954 and 1974 levels, will change the city forever. ‘It has to change to survive,’ Krieg said. ‘This was our Cyclone Tracy, this wasn’t a big flood event: this was a demolition.’ Unlike in the aftermath of the historical floods, the criticisms this time have been fast and furious: the potential of the flooding was underestimated and warnings came too late (similar views were expressed in 2017); the 000 phone line was inadequately manned; rescue measures were inadequate and more people would have died unless community members had moved to save those at risk. And the levee bank, built after years
