Ballina Shire Council says it now has three new overland flood studies on public exhibition for community feedback. The studies cover Alstonville, Wardell and Lennox Head.
Engineering consultants have prepared the studies using technical modelling and information provided by the community, including photos and experiences from the March 2022 flood and other significant 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,’ explained Ballina Shire Council’s 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.’
Attend a drop-in session
Take the opportunity to speak with council staff about the draft overland flood study relevant to your area at one of these sessions:
- Wardell War Memorial Hall – Monday 9 November 2026, 5-7pm.
- Wollongbar Hall – Wednesday 11 November 2026, 5-7pm.
- Lennox Head Community Hall (Epiq) – Wednesday 18 November 2026, 5-7pm.
Online feedback
You can view the draft studies and provide feedback here by Friday 27 November 2026.
Ballina Council is also drafting the Ballina Island and West Ballina Local Stormwater Drainage Management Study and Stormwater Masterplan (the SWMP). Public exhibition of the SWMP is expected to take place between December 2026 to early 2027.
Once adopted, the overland flood studies and the SWMP will complement existing studies of riverine flooding across the region’s major creeks and river catchments.
Ballina Council says that together, these studies will provide a more comprehensive understanding of flood risks and help guide future flood risk management planning across Ballina Shire.
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Ballina Shire Council says it now has three new overland flood studies on public exhibition for community feedback. The studies cover Alstonville, Wardell and Lennox Head. Ballina Council's October meeting opened with Mayor Sharon Cadwallader acknowledging the attack on Dr Helen Haynes and calling for respectful public service. She said, 'Democracy depends on people being able to participate freely, respectfully, and without fear'. The agenda for Thursday's meeting includes six notices of motion from four councillors, with issues including missing persons, volunteer recognition, and arts funding. Construction on a $4.35 million flood-resilience upgrade of Ross Lane at Lennox Head is due to begin today, ahead of a nine-week closure of the busy road later this month. With Ballina Shire Council General Manager Paul Hickey deciding to retire after almost twenty years in the role, and even longer as a staff member, the task of finding a replacement has begun. Cr Damien Loone was also returned as Deputy Mayor after Cr Simon Chate withdrew his nomination.
Overland flood studies open for community feedback
Ballina debates regional arts funding, missing people and live music
Big meeting for Ballina Council this week
Ross Lane flood-resilience works begin ahead of nine-week closure
Ballina Council will be getting a new general manager
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