Flood
Lismore is one of the most flood-prone urban centres in Australia and, because of its location, has a long history of severe flooding.
Understanding flood risk is crucial for effective planning, preparedness, response, and recovery. Knowing how floods may affect your property and community helps you make informed decisions before, during and after an event.
Even if your property is located outside the designated flood planning area, you may still experience indirect impacts such as temporary isolation, road closures, or loss of essential services like electricity, water and communications.
Learn more about Lismore’s flood history.
Know your river
Flooding across the Richmond River catchment is shaped by its unique geography and weather patterns. By understanding the different flood risks across the Northern Rivers, we can plan and prepare for future floods.
For those visiting or living in Lismore and the surrounding area, the NSW State Emergency Service's location information for the Lismore Local Government Area is an essential resource. Here, you can find critical information about the Richmond River catchment, access flood plans and guides and connect with the local SES unit for support and updates.
Know your property's flood risk
The certificates use modelling from the 2021 Lismore Flood Risk Management Study(PDF, 98MB) and include data from 2022 flood event. Each certificate provides details, including natural ground level, building floor level and key planning flood levels, along with definitions for commonly used flood terms.
Certificates are currently available for the urban and southern areas of the Lismore LGA, with availability for the rest of regions coming soon.
For assistance navigating the Lismore Flood Study or downloading a Property Flood Certificate, view our step-by-step guide(PDF, 9MB).
Understand flood classifications
Emergency services and flood management authorities classify flooding as minor, moderate or major at key river height gauging stations. These classifications are defined by the impacts of water level and are measured relative to an elevation reference known as Australian Height Datum (AHD).
At Station 058176 Wilsons River at Lismore, the Bureau of Meteorology defines the following flood levels:
| Minor |
Moderate |
Major |
| 4.30m AHD |
7.20m AHD |
9.70m AHD |
Low-lying areas near watercourses are inundated. Minor roads may be closed and low-level bridges submerged.
In urban areas, flooding may affect some backyards, buildings below floor level, and bicycle and pedestrian paths. In rural areas, livestock and equipment may need to be removed.
|
A bigger area is underwater.
Main traffic routes may be affected. Some buildings may be impacted above floor level.
Evacuation may be required. In rural areas, removal of livestock is necessary
|
Large areas are underwater.
Many buildings may be affected above floor level. Properties and towns are likely to be isolated and major rail and traffic routes closed.
Evacuation may be required. Utility services such as power may be affected.
|
View the Latest River Heights for the NSW Northern Rivers or learn more about flood classifications and river heights used in Australian flood warnings on the BoM website.
Highest Roads Out
Council has collaborated with the SES to develop a map to indicate the high-ground routes you can take to leave Lismore’s urban area in the event of a flood. The highest roads out map has been designed to help you support pre-event planning as part of your flood preparedness activities.
The NSW SES determines evacuation routes and warnings. Always follow official directions and never drive, ride, or walk through floodwater.
Flood risk management
Managing flood risk in the Lismore region is a shared responsibility. Rous County Council is the designated flood mitigation authority, while Lismore City Council is responsible for land-use planning and flood risk management.
Flood risk management across NSW is guided by the Flood Prone Lands Policy, supported by the Flood Risk Management Manual. This framework helps councils work with communities to better understand and reduce flood risks – protecting people, homes and infrastructure.
Learn more about the NSW Government’s flood risk management framework: Managing Floodplains.
Community input is central to this process. Lismore City Council convenes a Flood Risk Management Committee comprising Councillors, Council staff, community representatives from each risk precinct, technical experts and key agencies including the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Rous County Council and the NSW SES, to ensure that local knowledge and community perspectives are embedded in flood planning and decision-making.
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View warnings and alerts online at the Bureau of Meteorology website.