When heavy rain arrives, most of us are more interested in where the water is going than in the name of the report explaining it.

But a new round of local flood studies is worth a look, particularly if you live in Alstonville, Wardell or Lennox Head.

Ballina Shire Council has put draft overland flood studies for those three areas on public exhibition.

Residents can review them and provide feedback until Friday 27 November 2026.

If you’ve been meaning to understand more about stormwater in your neighbourhood, this is a practical opportunity to ask questions.

What does “overland flooding” mean?

In everyday terms, it’s what happens when heavy rain overwhelms drainage and water travels across the ground.

That might involve roads, yards and other low spots as water makes its way towards waterways or the coast.

The focus is on that movement of rainfall across local areas, alongside the separate work already done on flooding from rivers and creeks.

Understanding the distinction can help when you’re trying to work out which study covers the issue you’ve noticed.

If you’re unsure, ask council staff to point you towards the relevant material rather than trying to interpret everything on your own.

A chance to compare the studies with local experience

The draft work draws on technical modelling as well as information previously supplied by residents, including observations and photographs from significant rainfall events.

Council says the studies will help inform planning, development and emergency responses.

The useful question for residents is whether the information makes sense alongside what they have seen.

You don’t need to write an engineering report to raise a clear question.

As a practical starting point, note the place you’re concerned about, the approximate date of the rainfall event and what you observed.

If you have photographs, ask how best to submit them with your feedback.

Be clear about what you know firsthand and what you’re asking council to explain.

Speak with council staff

Three drop-in sessions are listed, each running from 5pm to 7pm.

Wardell’s session is at Wardell War Memorial Hall on Monday 9 November.

The next is at Wollongbar Hall on Wednesday 11 November.

The Lennox Head session is at Lennox Head Community Hall at Epiq on Wednesday 18 November.

Check the session relevant to your area and take along the questions you want answered.

Writing them down beforehand can help you leave with the information you actually came for.

There’s an online option too

The draft documents and feedback form are available through council’s Your Say consultation page.

If attending a session doesn’t suit, that gives you another way to read the material and respond before the deadline.

Keep a copy of anything you submit so you can refer back to your questions.

What about Ballina Island and West Ballina?

Council is preparing a separate stormwater drainage management study and masterplan for those areas.

Its public exhibition is expected between December 2026 and early 2027.

That is an expected timeframe, so watch for a further announcement rather than assuming feedback on that work is open now.

For the current consultation, the date to remember is 27 November.

Details were checked on 4 November 2026.

A little time spent reading or asking questions now could help you understand the work being done around your own neighbourhood.

Details and useful links

Council announcement and session details

View the draft studies and provide feedback

Further local coverage