Flood season in the Northern Rivers arrives with the wet season and our peak storm period from December to April. Between king tides, river backflow, saturated ground and fast-moving summer thunderstorms, locals know how quickly things can turn. Having the right equipment on hand or knowing where to hire it fast makes all the difference when you’re dealing with fallen branches, blocked access, mud, debris or rising water. Preparing your home, acreage or business with the tools you’ll need after a storm is one of the smartest ways to reduce damage and speed up recovery.
Generators for blackout readiness
Power is often the first thing to go during a storm, and blackouts can last for hours or days. Hiring a generator sized to run one or two pumps simultaneously ensures you are ready to act quickly when the rain comes. A generator keeps your essential systems running and enhances your safety while you deal with the impact of a flood or storm. It will mean you can keep fridges and freezers running, run essential water pumps, and provide energy for lighting and other tools required to make repairs.
Chainsaws for clearing branches and access routes
Thick subtropical vegetation, steep terrain and heavy rain are the perfect recipe for fallen trees and blocked access. A chainsaw is an essential tool to help you clear fallen branches in driveways and around your property. Flooding can bring logs onto fences and creek banks, too. Be cautious when cutting trees near swollen riverbanks, as they can collapse without warning.
Water pumps to drain flooded areas
In the Northern Rivers, it’s not unusual for drains, paddocks, and under-house spaces to fill in minutes after a downfall. Water pumps are one of the most essential tools to have on standby. Hiring a water pump will ensure you can quickly clear water from garages, workshops, or under-house storage. They are also great for moving water away from low points around your property. Draining the water away from building sites and agricultural areas will help to minimise damage.
Pressure washers and wet/dry vacuums for fast flood recovery
Prompt action matters if water enters your home or business. Hiring the right cleaning equipment will prevent mould and minimise damage. The smell of silt and sludge is difficult to remove if left unchecked. Pressure washers ensure efficient removal of mud from driveways, paths, decks, exterior walls and machinery. Wet/dry vacuums are best for heavy-duty cleanups after floods.
Clean up fallen tree limbs with a woodchipper
Storms can drop huge limbs, palm fronds, and green waste across your property. A woodchipper turns bulky debris into small, manageable chips within minutes, saving hours of manual cutting. Instead of throwing away branches, you can use your chipped green waste as mulch for garden beds, erosion-prone areas and around your trees to stabilise soil. Mulch is especially handy, as storms can often strip soil and flatten ground cover.
Trailers
Hiring a trailer is a practical, time-saving option for post-storm clean-up. Save yourself multiple wheelbarrow trips and load garden debris and damaged furniture in one go. They are great for transporting long or awkward items such as broken fencing materials and heavy materials. Combine with a mini-loader or Kanga to make the job even faster.
When a storm rolls through or floodwaters rise, having the right equipment on hand makes all the difference between a stressful clean-up and a smooth recovery. Whether you need pumps, generators, chainsaws, woodchippers or a reliable trailer, hiring gives you fast access to the tools that help you get back on your feet sooner. With serviced, ready-to-go gear and local advice from people who understand our conditions, you can tackle the clean-up safely and efficiently.
Get the job done with Greenstar Hire!
