Rivers - Assessment of River Condition - New South Wales

RICHMOND RIVER

The Richmond River Basin covers some 7000 square kilometres with the regulated section encompassing some 400 square kilometres of this. The basin has a large coastal plain stretching from south of Evans Head north almost as far as Cape Byron. There is a strong tidal influence on the river which extends past Lismore on the Wilsons River - a major tributary - to beyond Tatham on the Richmond River. The Richmond River meets the ocean at Ballina. Major modifications to river flow within the regulated section of the Richmond Catchment is Toonumbar Dam (11,000 ML). The upland ranges and the plateau north of Lismore remain mostly forested. Agricultural activities, as well as urban developments have resulted in the clearing of native vegetation. The Richmonds' extensive aesthetic, recreational and productive values together with an agreeable climate, contribute to a steady increase in population and tourism-oriented activities. These factors place considerable pressure on regional resources, as do the area's primary industries. These pressures are common to many catchments throughout the coastal regions of NSW.

The Richmond River Basin (203) ARCE was moderately modified and the ARCB was significantly impaired. The basin condition was largely unmodified based on the hydrological disturbance index, moderately modified based on the catchment disturbance index, moderately modified based on the habitat index and substantially modified based on the nutrient and suspended load index.

Environment Index