Community input wanted for review of local flood study
Wingecarribee Shire Council is calling on residents living near the Wingecarribee River to provide information on past flood behaviour as part of a major study designed to better prepare for future flood events.
Council has engaged WMAwater Pty Ltd to undertake a review of the Wingecarribee River Flood Study originally undertaken in 2014.
Council’s Assets Manager, Mr Stace Lewer, explained the purpose of the review.
“We’re using updated rainfall data and the latest planning guidelines to review the impact of flooding between the Wingecarribee Dam and Wallaby Rocks near Berrima,” he said.
“The study will inform future decisions in relation to drainage provisions, development assessments, emergency planning and response and any updates to our Shire’s strategic planning documents.”
Information will also be used in the preparation or amendment of future Local Environmental Plans (LEP) and Development Control Plans (DCP).
To assist in gathering meaningful data, a questionnaire will be posted to residents in identified localities. Residents contacted are encouraged to complete the questionnaire online at wrfs.wmawater.com.au or return it via the reply-paid envelope.
In addition to the questionnaire residents can also provide historical images, footage or localised rainfall data by email to wrfs@wmawater.com.au.
“We had a great response with the initial study and I’d encourage anyone who participated previously to do so again,” added Mr Lewer.
“Ultimately this data will help us better understand local flood conditions and better prepare for future events.
“This in turn will help to minimise future risk to life and property.”
This project is partially funded through the NSW Government’s Floodplain Management Grants Program and technical assistance is being provided by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
For more information on the project visit wrfs.wmawater.com.au or contact Council’s Floodplain and Stormwater Engineer on phone 4868 0888 or WMAwater’s Technical Director, Mr Rhys Hardwick-Jones, on phone 9299 2855.