Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan has launched a new petition calling on governments to explore engineering solutions that could reduce flood levels by one to two metres across the Richmond River catchment.

The push comes just days after the release of CSIRO’s new flood modelling, which revealed the true scale of devastation from the 2022 floods and introduced a new hydrodynamic tool to guide future mitigation strategies.

Mr Hogan launched the petition on the former site of Woodburn’s IGA supermarket – a location symbolic of the hardship many communities still face. The store was destroyed in the floods and, three years on, still hasn’t been rebuilt.

In an emotional open letter published by IndyNR.com, former IGA owner Tania Hundy described the heartbreak of being denied government support despite years of effort and compliance. 

“They broke us,” she wrote, detailing how bureaucratic missteps and shifting goalposts left Woodburn without a vital community service and dozens of jobs.

“Lowering flood risk improves mental health, protects our homes, helps with insurance, and gives our region a future,” Mr Hogan said.

He is calling on the Federal and State Governments to use the CSIRO’s new tool to model scenarios that would divert, hold back, or slow floodwaters – with the aim of reducing future flood heights across the entire Richmond catchment. This includes the Bungawalbin Creek, Coraki, Eden Creek through Kyogle, the Richmond River through Casino, and the Terania, Leycester and Wilsons rivers through Lismore to Ballina.

Click here to sign the petition: www.kevinhogan.com.au/flood-petition

Mr Hogan said the petition is a way for the community to demonstrate strong public support for proactive mitigation work.

“This is our chance to make sure governments take real action to keep us safe,” he said.

The CSIRO is now holding a series of public consultations across the Northern Rivers, including a community forum in Ballina on Tuesday 5 August, to gather feedback and discuss possible solutions.

Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative – Ballina Community Forum:

• When: Tuesday 5 August, 9am–4pm
  
• Where: Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore SLSC
  
• Register: Event info here

Main photo: Mr Hogan was joined at the launch in Woodburn by local MP Richie Williamson, councillors, business leaders, and community members who he says are united in their call for action.