We acknowledge the Bundjalung people as the Traditional Custodians of the Kyogle area.
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Kyogle waterways
The Richmond River and the Clarence River are the two main rivers in the Kyogle Local Government Area (LGA). The Richmond River causes flood issues in Kyogle and the Clarence River causes flooding in Tabulam. Within the upper reaches of the Clarence River catchment flash flooding can affect Urbenville area - Tooloom Creek, Old Bonalbo area - Bonalbo Creek, Bonalbo area - Peacock Creek. Within the upper reaches of the Richmond River catchment flash flooding can affect all tributaries upstream of Wiangaree, the Fawcetts Plain area - Fawcetts Creek.
The local information page provides valuable resources for your Local Government Area (LGA). You can explore flood information for your local river catchment through Local Flood Insights, access local flood plans and guides, and connect with local councils and NSW SES units.
What causes flooding in the Kyogle region?
Watch these videos to learn more about how floods move through the Richmond River and Clarence River catchments.
Climate change is expected to bring heavier rainfall and higher sea levels, which will make flooding worse in the Kyogle area.
Every flood is different. While NSW SES can provide guidance on what may occur in future floods, it's important to remember that predictions are not guarantees.
Kyogle communities
Kyogle is the main township and is surrounded by a number of smaller rural villages such as Tabulam, Woodenbong, Bonalbo, Wiangaree, Cawongla, Grevillia, Old Bonalbo, and Mallanganee.
To find Community Resilience Networks in Kyogle region, and learn more about how these communities are responding to floods, email Kyogle Council at council@kyogle.nsw.gov.au.
Kyogle
Kyogle floods regularly. In February 1954, 10 people lost their lives, with homes destroyed or damaged. There were 10 big floods in the region between 1974 and 2022. The 2022 flood caused widespread evacuations, damage to bridges and roads, and long-term community isolation.
Image description: Summerland Way Kyogle in 2022 with floods nearly to the roof of the Caltex service station. Photo: Kyogle Council
Floods rise quickly in the region, especially after heavy rain near Wiangaree, giving little time to prepare. Floodwaters from the Richmond River and Fawcetts Creek can also rise at the same time. Low-lying areas like “The Flats” and parts of Fawcetts Street can flood every 2 to 5 years on average.
Kyogle’s levee protects “The Flats” from smaller and moderate floods, up to a Geneva Bridge gauge height of about 17.53m. If the water stays below this height, the levee can reduce the flooding, providing around 2–4 hours to get to safety.
The levee helps reduce the impacts in smaller, more frequent flood events. However, it will not protect against larger floods above 17.53m. Once the water does over the top, flooding happens quickly and can isolate around 60 homes. Some areas outside the levee, including parts of Fawcetts Street, flood at much lower heights and have no protection.
to find out how levees work visit Levees.
Image description: Road blocked by deep flooding at the junction of the B91 and Kyogle Road in 2022 floods. Photo: Becci Darragh INDYNR.
Tabulam
Tabulam experiences flooding from the Clarence River and nearby Tabulam Rivulet, with additional backwater flooding from the Timbarra River. The Bruxner Highway divides the village, with most properties on higher ground, although some in a natural gully are vulnerable during large floods. Significant floods occurred in 1954, 1863, 1976, 2011, and 2013. Rural communities in the Clarence River valley, such as Paddy's Flat and Bonalbo, often face isolation due to localised flooding.