For more than 80 years, the Lowreys have grown cane near Wardell.
Gordon Lowrey said he is enjoying one of his best crop years.
The rebuilding of a drain on his farm has been a bonus as it ensures water from a typical heavy fall is drained off the lowest part of his property within 12 hours.
The drain rebuild is part of the $5million Northern Rivers Agricultural Drainage Reset Program jointly funded by State and Federal governments.
Damaged drainage systems at 77 farm sites have been cleared out and repaired to reduce the impact of future flooding as part of the bigger picture with funding from the $150million Primary Industry Support Package under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Vegetation and sediment were cleared from key drainage outlets, restoring water flow across low-lying agricultural land to stop water from pooling and damaging crops. The work supports recovery for primary producers in the sugarcane, horticulture, rice, soybeans, beef and dairy industries.
Eligible sites were assessed and prioritised to ensure the greatest benefit for flood impacted communities. The drainage program is led by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in partnership with the NSW Soil Conservation Service.
State MP and Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin said that cleaning and restoring drainage networks was the essential first step in helping the whole community move forward.
“This $5 million investment is about giving our farmers the confidence to plant again.”
Seeing the results on properties like the Lowreys’ in Wardell proves that when we get the technical work right, the benefits ripple out across the entire region, Ms Saffin said.
Cane grower and NSW Canegrowers Association consultant Mick O’Connor said the drain cleaning program had delivered real benefits for both farmers and the river system.
“By restoring the drainage network to its intended function, water can now move off cultivated land more efficiently before it loses oxygen and degrades in quality,’ Mr O’Connor said.
“This is a win for farmers through improved productivity and healthier soils, and a win for the river as better-oxygenated runoff replaces the poor-quality water that can occur when drainage outlets are not maintained.”
Richmond River Cane Growers Association chairman Geoff Pye said the program has had a positive impact on the local environment.
“The program highlights how a well-maintained drainage network can support productive agriculture while also improving water quality outcomes for the river and the wider community,” Mr Pye said.
This information was provided by the office of Janelle Saffin MP.