The study area is defined by the extent of the Richmond River floodplain from Empire Vale in the south to Ross Lane in the north. The major tributaries of North Creek, Maguires Creek and Emigrant Creek are included in the study area, because flooding across Ballina’s urban area is influenced by these creeks as well as the Richmond River itself. This study considers the flooding behaviour of Emigrant Creek, Maguires Creek, North Creek and the lower Richmond River. The catchments are dominated by rolling topography and hills with slopes ranging from 5% to 30%. The flood model also includes three of Emigrant Creek’s tributaries: Sandy Flat Creek, Chilcotts Creek and Duck Creek.

The objective of the study is to derive an appropriate mix of management measures to effectively manage the flood risk for the study area. The study includes:

• Review of Council’s existing policies, strategies and planning instruments;
• Consultation with the CRG to provide and gather information, enable participation in the decision making process and gain community acceptance of the management study findings and the subsequent plan;
• Investigation of flood risk and hazard;
• Investigation of the current evacuation capability of the community;
• Estimation of the cost of flooding to the community;
• Identification and appraisal of flood risk management measures;
• Identification of potential for new development or redevelopment in the floodplain; and
• Identification of modifications required to current policies and planning instruments.