The Ballina Local Government Area (LGA) is located on the North East Coast of NSW. The main township of Ballina is located at the mouth of the Richmond River. The Ballina LGA is affected by flooding caused by a number of reasons including:
The ocean tidal conditions during flood events add another level of complexity because higher levels result if the flood peak coincides with the top of the tide. In floods larger than the 1% AEP, substantial parts of Central Ballina would be inundated.
Although floodwaters from the Richmond River spill into the lower lying areas of Ballina Township, the extent of flooding from this source alone is minimal. Flooding from tributaries of the Richmond River - North Creek and Emigrant Creek, contribute a greater risk to Ballina than the main channel.
Knowing the flood potential of where you live, work and visit in the Ballina LGA is important to keeping yourself, your family and others safe during floods.
See below to find out more about floods in your area, and steps you can take before, during and after flooding.
Ballina CBD is affected by tidal flooding from the Richmond River on extreme high tides of 1.8 m or more. Salt water is likely to affect some streets in the Ballina CBD, in particular Tamar Street.
Flash flooding can occur during very heavy rain in conjunction with high tides.
Please avoid driving through any water that is over roads as this can cause a wake that can cause water to enter into low lying premises and cause damage.
Low lying areas, including local roads, in North Ballina and Cumbalum area can be affected by Flash flooding. Floodwater can cover the Tamarind Drive from north of Ballina and Cumbalum to and including the interchange roundabout under the M1 highway.
Roads that may be affected include:
Flooding in these areas can be deep and very dangerous. This is especially the case when there is a high tide combined with heavy rain periods.
Ballina North and Cumbalum will flood again. That's a fact!
Flash flooding affects the Teven Road, from the Bruxner Highway at West Ballina through to Teven.
Roads that are commonly affected by flooding include:
Low lying roads in the West Ballina area can be affected by flash flooding. This is particularly an issue when flash flooding combines with salt water from extreme high tides. Roads that are affected include sections of:
When a Prepare to Evacuate - Watch and Act is issued
When a Prepare to Evacuate - Watch and Act is issued, you should prepare to evacuate. Staying inside a house, even one which you think is high enough, may be very dangerous. If you are warned to evacuate it is always safest to move to a location away from the flood affected area before floodwater arrives.
When an Evacuate Now - Emergency Warning is issued
When an Evacuate Now - Emergency Warning is issued and you leave your house:
For information on roads, contact your local council for local road closures and Live Traffic NSW for major road closures.
