Ballina Shire Council is urging all shire residents to stay at home and only leave their properties for essential reasons.
There is an extreme volume of water across roadways throughout Ballina shire and surrounding areas. Many of these sections of water are difficult to identify over the road. SES are currently attending to a high volume of requests for assistance along with flood rescues.
Several local roads remain closed. Please note that not all roads can be sign posted but many have water over the road, so be aware of changing conditions and do not drive in flood waters.
Ballina CBD experienced flooding this morning due to today's high tide. Residents should expect some tidal flooding in the CBD during tomorrow morning's high tide at around 8.30am. Road users should avoid affected roadways and are reminded that salt water may affect vehicle maintenance and bodywork.
Roads and Maritime Service have instated temporary access in and out of Ballina Heights and Cumbalum via the Pacific Highway off ramp. This temporary diversion is for Ballina Heights and Cumbalum residents only who are travelling for essential reasons.
Please take care while travelling through this diversion, as water levels at the Cumbalum Interchange are still high.
Deadmans Creek Road and Tamarind Drive (from Gallans Road) remain closed.
Ballina Buslines - No services Tuesday 29 February 2022. Ballina Buslines has informed Council that no services will be running tomorrow due to the current weather event. This will impact scheduled school runs.
Please contact your school for school closure information or check the NSW Government website here: education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/school-safety
For the latest road cautions and closures visit livetraffic.com.au
For emergency help in floods and storms or for sandbag request call the SES on 132 500 or call Ballina SES direct on 02 4247 8278 for any local enquiries.
COUNCIL SERVICES
The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is open, however many of today's flights have been cancelled. Please contact airlines for flight information.
Burns Point Ferry is NOT operating. The Burns Point Ferry ceased operations today at 8am 28 February 2022 due to poor river conditions.
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
Waste services were unable to be collected on the following roads today due to flooding:
- Pacific Heights / Koellner Road Cumbalum
- North Creek Road
It is anticipated that tomorrow the following roads will have services impacted:
- Ross Lane between Newrybar Swamp Road and Fig Tree Hill Drive
- Old Bangalow Road/Tamarind Drive Tintenbar
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 for EMERGENCY WASTE DROP OFFS ONLY. Please stay home and only travel to the Waste Centre if it is absolutely necessary.
