Member for Ballina Tamara Smith has launched a petition calling for urgent action to restore the Richmond River, following the major fish kill in the wake of Cyclone Alfred.
“The Richmond River is part of a vast, interconnected system of waterways that flow through our region,” Ms Smith said.
“Following the recent mass fish kill in the Ballina Shire, it’s clear that restoring the Tuckean Swamp is a crucial part of the solution.”
Calls for River Authority and Long-Term Funding
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Ms Smith is calling for a state-based river authority to coordinate the dozens of local and government groups involved in river management.
She also wants long-term funding for land restoration near drainage systems known to cause fish kills.
“Funding is critical to restore the Richmond River and protect it for future generations — and community pressure does work,” she said.
The petition urges support for landholders to rehabilitate farmland into natural ecosystems that help prevent blackwater events and fish deaths.
Fish Kills Spark Broader Push
The fish kill in March was the latest in a series of similar events in the Richmond system, including another following the 2022 flood.
Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said, “If this happened in the Murray-Darling, it would be considered a national crisis.”
Ballina Shire Councillors last month backed a motion from Greens Councillor Kiri Dicker to support the NSW Government buying back and restoring the Tuckean Swamp, saying it has potential to become the “Kakadu of the South.”
Drainage Reset Making Progress
Ms Smith welcomed the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s work clearing over 80 rural drains as part of a “drainage reset” across the Richmond floodplain.
“This work is about more than just drainage — it’s about helping farmers manage water more effectively, reducing the risk of future fish kills, and improving flood resilience,” she said.
“I haven’t given up on improving the health of the Richmond River despite a decade of setbacks including floods, fires and lack of resourcing from the old political parties.”
Sign the Petition
To maintain momentum, Smith said broad community support was vital. “The good news is: many of us are acting.”
📍 Sign the petition here: Tamara Smith’s petition to restore the Richmond River
Related stories:
👉 Fix This Now: Mayor leads national push to restore Richmond River
👉 ‘Kakadu of the South’: Council backs Tuckean Swamp buy-back for river health
Main Photo: Greens NSW Upper House members Kate Faerhman and Sue Higginson with Tamara Smith (centre) on the river in 2018
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