Do you have any photos or descriptions of how flooding impacts Ballina Island, West Ballina, Alstonville, Wardell, and Lennox Head?
Ballina Shire Council (BSC) are currently seeking feedback from the community on overland flooding to enhance community resilience as it is committed to better preparing the community to withstand the challenges and impacts of future flood events.
Overland flooding
Overland flooding happens when heavy rain causes water to flow over the ground, usually because the drainage system can’t cope with the amount of water. This type of flooding can happen in streets, yards, or low-lying areas where water builds up and can’t drain away quickly enough.
‘This work involves conducting detailed flood mapping and modelling projects to better understand flooding, identify ways to minimise its impact, and incorporate effective mitigation strategies into the region’s future plans,’ said Paul Crozier, Manager Engineering Works at BSC.
‘To enhance the accuracy of flood modelling across Ballina Shire, we are inviting the community to share descriptions and photos of observed overland flooding. This includes detailed accounts from the March 2022 flood event to help refine and calibrate the models. Information from other significant rainfall events is also valuable and welcomed.’
Current studies open for public consultation include the Ballina Island and West Ballina Local Stormwater Drainage Management Study and Stormwater Masterplan (the SWMP), along with Alstonville Overland Flood Study, Wardell Overland Flood Study and Lennox Head Overland Flood Study.
Impacts of heavy rain
These studies are focused on overland flooding, which happens when heavy rain causes water to flow over the ground, usually because the drainage system can’t cope with the amount of water. This type of flooding can happen in streets, yards, or low-lying areas where water builds up and can’t drain away quickly enough.
The SWMP and flood studies aim to:
- understand the current capacity of the stormwater network
- model and map overland flooding over a range of storm events, including the March 2022 storm
- identify areas where flooding occurs during high rainfall events due to factors such as stormwater capacity limitations
- identify potential stormwater upgrade projects that could improve this flooding.
An online survey will be open to the public from 20 November to 20 December 2024. Community members can find more information on these projects, complete the survey and share information via the Council YourSay page at www.yoursayballina.com.au/overland-flood-study.
A public exhibition of the findings from the Study will be held in 2025. The Overland Flood Studies will provide up to date information to support town planning, guide future development and assist emergency response in future storms.
These projects are funded by Ballina Shire Council in partnership with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
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