Wardell is located on the banks of the Richmond River about 15 kilometres upstream from the coastal town of Ballina. The Richmond River is a relatively large coastal river that drains a catchment of about 6900 square kilometres. It rises in the McPherson Ranges near the Queensland-NSW border and discharges to the South Pacific Ocean at Ballina. The lower reaches of the river follow the coastline between Woodburn and Ballina. Wardell is located along this reach of the Richmond River.

This document involves the development of a plan of action for reducing existing flood damages, minimising the potential for further problems in the future and providing mechanisms for flood emergency response management. The FRMP concluded three recommendations:

1. Further revision of Policy Statement No.11 (Flood Levels) within Council’s Combined Development Control Plan Chapter 1 – Urban Land
2. State Emergency Services to update the Ballina Local Flood Plan 2000 to incorporate flood warning protocols for Wardell and alternative options for flood evacuation and refuge.
3. Consider voluntary house raising for existing dwellings at East Wardell (upstream from the Pacific Highway Bridge) that are expected to experience over floor flooding during the 100 year recurrence flood, and for existing dwellings at Wardell Village (near the intersection of Richmond and Wilson Streets) that are affected by over floor flooding during the 20 year recurrence event.