The Richmond River is one of New South Wales’ largest coastal rivers. The upper reaches flow in a general north-south direction from its source on the Queensland / New South Wales border in the McPherson Ranges through Casino to its confluence with the Wilsons River at Coraki. The river continues south downstream of Coraki until it meets with Bungawalbyn Creek, which is the second major tributary of the Richmond River. At this point the river winds in an easterly direction to Woodburn. Downstream of Woodburn the river turns to flow in a north easterly direction passing Broadwater, Wardell and finally Ballina before reaching the ocean. There is a natural constriction in the river and floodplain at the township of Broadwater. This constriction acts to hold floodwaters in the extensive floodplain ‘basin’ between Broadwater, Woodburn and Coraki. This floodplain ‘basin’ is known as the Mid-Richmond.

The study focuses on the three urban townships of Coraki, Woodburn and Broadwater. However, it also provides assessments for the surrounding rural areas. The primary objective of the Mid-Richmond Floodplain Risk Management Study is to provide information that will lead to the formulation of a Floodplain Risk Management Plan for the Mid-Richmond area. As stipulated in the Study Brief, the Mid-Richmond Floodplain Risk Management Study “will define the nature and extent of the flood hazard and identify, assess and optimise strategies aimed at reducing the impact of flooding on both the existing and any further developments [in the Mid- Richmond area].”