When the rain comes down faster than the drains can cope, where does the water go? Ballina Shire Council wants Alstonville, Wardell, and Lennox Head residents to help answer that question.
Three new overland flood studies covering the three towns are now on public exhibition.
Engineering consultants prepared the studies using technical modelling and information from the community, including photos and experiences from the March 2022 flood and other major rainfall events.
“Overland flooding occurs when heavy rainfall exceeds the capacity of the drainage system, causing water to flow across streets, yards and low-lying areas on its way to creeks, rivers and the ocean,” said Ballina Shire Council Manager Engineering Works Paul Crozier.
“These studies will provide up-to-date information to support town planning, guide future development and assist emergency response in future storms.
“That’s why it’s so important for the community to have their say and help us finalise these documents.”
Residents can talk to council staff about the draft study for their area at a drop-in session:
- Wardell War Memorial Hall, Monday, 9 November, 5pm to 7pm
- Wollongbar Hall, Wednesday, 11 November, 5pm to 7pm
- Lennox Head Community Hall (Epiq), Wednesday, 18 November, 5pm to 7pm
Council is also drafting the Ballina Island and West Ballina Local Stormwater Drainage Management Study and Stormwater Masterplan. It is expected to go on public exhibition between December 2026 and early 2027.
Once adopted, the overland flood studies and the stormwater masterplan will sit alongside existing studies of riverine flooding across the region’s major creeks and river catchments.
Together, they will give a fuller picture of flood risk and help guide future flood risk management planning across Ballina Shire.
The project is funded by Ballina Shire Council and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
View the draft studies and give feedback at yoursayballina.com.au/overland-flood-study by Friday, 27 November.
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