Flood information

An aerial view of the Lismore CBD under flood water after the February 2022 natural disaster.

Overview

The NSW SES provides information on how to prepare for and respond to floods in the Lismore LGA.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issues flood forecasts and warnings, including Flood Watches for expected flooding and Flood Warnings for ongoing or imminent flooding.

Severe Weather Warnings may be issued for flash flooding. The BoM may also provide local flood advisories with details on the expected impact of the flood and recommended actions. 

Lismore Floodplain Risk Management Plan(PDF, 2MB)

Floodplain Risk Management Plan appendices(PDF, 893KB)

Lismore flood heights

The highest flood on record in Lismore was on 28 February, 2022, where the flood level reached 14.4m

Before this flood, the record was held at 12.15m with floods in February 1954 and March 1974 both reaching this height.

A flood in March 2017 the water reached 11.6m.

Floor & Flood Levels - Lismore(PDF, 2MB)

Floor & Flood Levels - East Lismore & Girards Hill(PDF, 1MB)

Floor & Flood Levels - South Lismore(PDF, 544KB)

Floor & Flood Levels - North Lismore(PDF, 946KB)

A graph showing the history of Lismore flood events from 1876 to 2022.

Download the above image(PDF, 118KB)

Flooding Impacts & Recovery Statement

The Lismore Flooding Impacts & Recovery Statement evaluates the effects of the February and March 2022 floods on the local economy and identifies the recovery needs of Lismore's communities.

Please note that this report was developed early in the recovery process and some considerations may be preliminary or unresolved.

Contact the council's Economic Development Team for more information on (02) 6625 0500 or business@lismore.nsw.gov.au.

Flood Response Report

Lismore City Council's Flood Response Report(PDF, 18MB) estimates that the natural disaster and flood of February and March caused more than $350 million in damage to Council assets, including $200 million in road and bridge damage, $108 million in water and wastewater infrastructure damage, up to $20 million in waste and resource recovery damage, and $20 million in damage to Council facilities and depots.

The report estimates that the total cost of rebuilding the community will be close to $1 billion.

Richmond River Flood Mapping

The Richmond River Flood Mapping Study was funded by the Richmond River County Council, Richmond Valley Council, and the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water in 2008 as part of the Flood Prone Land Policy of the New South Wales government.

It is the first of three studies on flood management in the Richmond Valley between Casino, Lismore, and Broadwater.

The study area includes the Richmond River, Bungawalbin Creek, Wilsons River, and major tributaries such as Shannon Brook and Sandy Creek.

The study resulted in a calibrated hydrologic model, a calibrated 1D/2D hydraulic model, and flood mapping for historical and design flood events.

Richmond River Flood Mapping Study Volume 1(PDF, 2MB)

Richmond River Flood Mapping Study Volume 2(PDF, 22MB)