We acknowledge the Bundjalung Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the Ballina area.
Ballina waterways
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Ballina waterways
The main township of Ballina is located at the mouth of the Richmond River.
Watch this video to find out more about how floods move through the Richmond River catchment.
What causes flooding in Ballina?
The Ballina LGA is affected by flooding caused by a few reasons including:
- Overtopping of the Richmond River and local creeks (Maguires, Emigrant, and North Creeks)
- Heavy localised rainfall causing flash floods
- Elevated ocean levels and large swells from cyclones or low-pressure systems
Flooding is further complicated by tidal conditions, with higher flood levels occurring if the peak coincides with high tide. In floods larger than the 1% AEP (Annual Exceedance Probability), much of central Ballina would be inundated. While the Richmond River contributes to flooding in lower-lying areas of Ballina, the greater risk comes from the river's tributaries, North Creek and Emigrant Creek.
Ballina communities
To find Community Resilience Networks in Ballina, and learn more about how these communities are responding to floods, email Ballina Shire Council at council@ballina.nsw.gov.au.
Ballina CBD
Ballina CBD is affected by tidal flooding from the Richmond River on extreme high tides of 1.8m or more. Salt water is likely to affect some streets in the Ballina CBD, particularly Tamar Street.
Ballina North and Cumbalum
Low lying areas, including local roads, can be affected by flash flooding. Floodwater can cover Tamarind Drive from north of Ballina and Cumbalum, including the interchange roundabout under the M1 Motorway.
Roads that may be affected include North Creek Road, Tamarind Drive, Southern Cross Drive, Roseville Lane and the Cumbalum Interchange.
Teven and Tintenbar
Flash flooding affects the Teven Road, from the Bruxner Highway at West Ballina through to Teven.
Roads that are commonly affected by flooding include:
- Maguire’s Creek causeway (near Teven Golf Course) can be covered with fast flowing water very quickly
- Friday Hut Road at Kirklands Crossing Causeway and Friday Hut Road at Emigrant Crossing
- Houghlahans Creek Road CausewayOld Bangalow Road to George Street, Tintenbar
- Pearces Creek Hall Road at Pearces Creek
- Old Bangalow Road downstream from Tintenbar Road to Tamarind Drive
- Watsons Lane at Emigrant Creek
- Nashua Road at Skinners Creek
- Fernleigh Road near Tintenbar Road junction
- Old Bangalow Road is often cut even with extreme tides alongside the creek
West Ballina
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 River Street, Riverside Drive, Burns Point Road, and Uralba Road.