NSW SES has directed people living in low lying areas in Ballina and the surrounding areas to evacuate to a safe location.
The Richmond River at Woodburn may reach around 5.30 metres during Tuesday with major flooding, which is above the March 1974 peak (4.92 m).
NSW SES expects some properties in the following areas may become flood affected:
- Low lying areas of Ballina
- North Ballina
- West Ballina
- Areas south of Ballina towards Wardell
The current forecast will see the peak river rise coincide with tomorrow morning's high tide. The community should expect higher levels of inundation than experienced today. It is essential for impacted residents to follow the evacuation orders.
Council is urging all residents to follow Northern Rivers NSW SES on Facebook to receive important updates in regards to this flooding event.
For emergency help in floods and storms or for sandbag requests call the SES on 132 500 or call Ballina SES direct on 02 4247 8278 for any local enquiries.
For road cautions and closures visit livetraffic.com.au
Not all roads can be signposted but may have water over the road, so be aware of changing conditions and do not drive in flood waters.
Ballina Buslines
No services Tuesday 1 March 2022. No services will be running due to the current flooding and road closures.
School closures
Please contact your school for school closure information or check the NSW Government website here: education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/school-safety
COUNCIL SERVICES
Council is experiencing a very high volume of calls at our Customer Service Centre, the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, and other Council facilities across the Shire.
Council asks for the community's patience and understanding as staff are responding to calls as quickly as possible.
Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is open however access is limited. It is likely that many flights will be cancelled today, so please check with the airlines before travelling to the airport.
Tidal floodwaters are also impacting North Creek Road near Aldi, as well as Southern Cross Drive near the BP.
Council advises residents and visitors to the area to follow all advice issued by the Northern Rivers NSW SES regarding the current flooding impacts in Ballina.
Burns Point Ferry is NOT operating. The Burns Point Ferry has ceased operations due to poor river conditions and the current flooding impacts in Ballina.
Minimise water use
Residents are asked to please minimise their water use, through kitchen taps, showers, washing and toilet flushing. The current high rainfall and tidal impacts are putting extreme pressure on our pump stations and wastewater network.
If you hear your toilet gurgling, it is expected during the extreme weather we are currently experiencing.
Council crews are doing all they can to clear the excess backlog - but they're up against it in the current conditions.
Please only call Council if sewage or water is entering your home on 1300 864 444.
Bin services
Due to the current road closures and flooding occurring in low-lying areas of the Ballina CBD, Council's Resource Recovery Team will be unable to complete some rural and residential bin collection services this week.
Not collected yesterday:
- Pacific Heights / Koellner Road Cumbalum
- North Creek Road
Not collected today:
- Ross Lane between Newrybar Swamp Road and Fig Tree Hill Drive
- Old Bangalow Road/Tamarind Drive
- Tintenbar/Cumbulum Rd
Collections will be organised for these areas as soon as waters subside and they can be safely accessed. Please leave your bins out if safe to do so and Council will collect them as soon as possible.
The Ballina Waste Management Centre transfer station is open.
