Understanding the impacts of overland flooding and stormwater in Ballina Shire

By Robert Heyward

To enhance community resilience, Ballina Shire Council is committed to better preparing the community to withstand the challenges and impacts of future flood events.

“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 Ballina Shire Council.

“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 public consultations are underway for several key studies in Ballina Shire, including the Ballina Island and West Ballina Local Stormwater Drainage Management Study and Stormwater Masterplan (SWMP), as well as the Alstonville, Wardell, and Lennox Head Overland Flood Studies.

These studies focus on overland flooding, which occurs when heavy rainfall exceeds the capacity of the drainage system, causing water to flow over land. This type of flooding commonly affects streets, yards, and low-lying areas where water accumulates and cannot drain quickly enough.

The SWMP and flood studies aim to:

• Assess the current capacity of the stormwater drainage system.
• Model and map overland flooding during various storm scenarios, including the significant March 2022 storm.
• Pinpoint areas prone to flooding due to stormwater limitations.
• Propose potential stormwater system upgrades to reduce future flooding risks.

Community members are invited to participate in an online survey from 20 November to 20 December 2024.

Details about the studies, along with the survey link, are available on the Council’s YourSay page.

Findings from the studies will be showcased in a public exhibition in 2025. The insights gathered will play a vital role in enhancing town planning, guiding future development, and improving emergency responses to future storm events.

These initiatives 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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New Koala Zones Aim to Protect Byron Shire’s Iconic Wildlife

By Robert Heyward

Byron Shire Council has introduced new Koala Zones on Broken Head Road, Coolamon Scenic Drive, and Coorabell Road near Federal, in an effort to reduce road strikes and protect local wildlife. These zones include vehicle-activated signs and painted road markings, encouraging drivers to slow down and stay alert for koalas and other native animals.

Why Koala Zones?

The selected roads are known hotspots for koalas, with multiple road strikes reported in these areas. Tragically, five koalas have been hit on Broken Head Road alone this year, including two beloved local males, “Moji” and “Braveheart.” The initiative aims to reduce these incidents and raise awareness among drivers.

“These areas are regularly used by koalas, and unfortunately, many have been killed by cars,” said Liz Caddick, Byron Shire Council’s Biodiversity Team Leader. “The new signs and road paint will remind drivers to slow down and look out for wildlife.”

How the Signs Work

The vehicle-activated signs are not speed cameras but serve as visual reminders:

• Green happy face: Drivers traveling under 70 km/h.
• Red sad face: Drivers exceeding the speed limit.
• Speed display: Drivers approaching 80 km/h receive a speed reminder.

The signs, funded through the NSW Koala Strategy, are part of a four-year program to monitor the effects of these measures on driver behaviour and koala safety.

Community Collaboration

The project was developed in consultation with local wildlife carers from Bangalow Koalas and Friends of the Koala, ensuring the zones target areas with frequent koala activity.

Bangalow Koalas President, Linda Sparrow, praised the initiative:
“It’s heartbreaking to see koalas being hit. Slowing down on our roads, especially at dawn and dusk, can make a huge difference. These zones are a big step toward protecting our precious wildlife.”

Year-Round Vigilance Needed

While wildlife can appear at any time, koalas are especially active from June to December, during breeding season. Drivers are encouraged to stay vigilant and reduce speeds, even in built-up areas, as koalas often cannot escape oncoming vehicles in time.

Existing and Expanded Koala Zones

The new zones join existing ones on Mafeking Road and Bangalow Road, further extending efforts to create safer habitats for Byron Shire’s koala population.

If you see a sick or injured koala, contact Friends of the Koala at 6622 1233. The hotline operates 24/7 to provide urgent care.

By slowing down and staying alert, residents and visitors can help protect one of Australia’s most iconic species.

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Growth Spurt for Lismore’s Community Gardens

By Ian Rogers

Lismore’s beloved Community Garden, a hub of hope and healing in the wake of the 2022 floods, has received a much-needed boost through Greater Bank’s Northern Rivers Community Funding Program. The volunteer-led initiative, known for its lush produce and welcoming atmosphere, won the latest round of funding, aiding its mission to rejuvenate the gardens and nourish the community.

Rebuilding After the Floods

The floods devastated much of the garden’s infrastructure, including water tanks and solar panels. However, thanks to a dedicated group of 20 volunteers, the garden has slowly come back to life.

“Progress is slow, but our aim remains to nourish the community with food, socialising, and support,” said volunteer Rhonda. “The gardens also serve as a venue for community activities and gatherings.”

The volunteers also stock a ‘sharing table’ with fresh fruits, vegetables, and seedlings for locals to enjoy and grow in their own backyards.

A Community Effort

Greater Bank’s Regional Manager, Steph Smith, praised the volunteers for their dedication and highlighted the bank’s commitment to the region.

“Over the last three years, we’ve donated over $100,000 to groups in the Northern Rivers region, all working to improve our communities,” she said. “The volunteers at Lismore Community Garden are incredibly generous with their time and produce, and we’re thrilled to support their efforts.”

Rhonda also expressed her gratitude for the program’s impact.
“We rely on donations to keep the gardens sustainable, and we’re so grateful for this support,” she said. “It’s a wonderful program that lets our community have a say in where the funds go.”

Call for New Volunteers

With plenty of work still to do, the Community Garden welcomes new members to join their team of volunteers. The group tends to the garden on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, though the space is always open for the public to enjoy.

Next Funding Round

The November round of the #GreaterNorthernRivers Community Funding Program offers another $3,000 in funding, with entrants including Lismore Preschool Incorporated, CFD Foundation Henry James Fund, and Ballina Little Athletics Inc.

For more information or to support the Lismore Community Garden, stop by on a volunteer day or connect through the garden’s community events.

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