Active floodgate management
The status of all Richmond Valley floodgates actively managed by Rous.
In this section
Active floodgate management
For over 25 years, we have worked cooperatively with landowners, the sugar cane industry and NSW State Government to actively manage floodgates across the Richmond floodplain.
Active floodgate management is the voluntary opening of floodgates during non-flood periods to allow tidal water movement between waterways and drainage systems. This improves drain water quality and enhances aquatic habitat and fish movement.
Floodgate management plans are implemented by Rous, volunteer landowners, and some floodgates are operated automatically with tidal float mechanisms.
The status of the floodgates for tidal exchange is correct as of 4pm, 10th of October 2025.
| System | Modification | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bagotville Barrage, Tuckean. | Sluice window in three floodgates. | One sluice open 200mm | Active floodgate management plan. |
| .Boggy Creek, Bungawalbin. | Sluice window in one floodgate. | Sluice fully open | Active floodgate management plan. |
| Bora Creek, Bungawalbin. | Winch on the one floodgate. | Fully winched open. | Active floodgate management plan. |
| Campbell’s drain, Swan Bay. | Sluice window in one floodgate | Sluice fully open. | Active floodgate management plan. |
| Haughwood Canal, Bungawalbin. | Sluice windows installed on two of the floodgates. | Both sluice windows fully open. | Active floodgate management plan. |
| Keith Hall drainage system, South Ballina. | Sluice window in one floodgate. Automatic tidal float mechanism on one floodgate. | Sluice open 200mm. Automatic tidal float operating normally. | Active floodgate management plan. |
| Montis Creek, Broadwater. | Automatic tidal float mechanism on one floodgate. | Automatic tidal float operating normally. | Active floodgate management plan. |
| Reardon’s drain, Swan Bay. | Sluice window in one floodgate. | Sluice fully open. | Active floodgate management plan. |
| Rocky Mouth Creek. | Winch on six floodgates. | All floodgates, including fish emergency escape, winched open. | Active floodgate management plan. |
| Sandy Creek No. 1, Sandy Creek. | Sluice window in the floodgate. | Sluice fully open. | Active floodgate management plan. |
| Seelims Canal. | Sluice window in one floodgate. | Sluice fully open. | Active floodgate management plan. |
| Thearles drain, Swan Bay. | Sluice window in one floodgate. | Sluice open 100mm. | Active floodgate management plan. |
| West Coraki Canal. | Sluice window in one floodgate. | Sluice fully open. | Active floodgate management plan. |
