Council to install flood depth markers in Bowral
Wingecarribee Shire Council is set to install a series of flood depth markers and warning signs at flooding hotspots in a bid to provide improved warning during high rainfall incidents.
Council’s Group Manager Infrastructure Services Dominic Lucas said the first of the new signs would be erected in June starting in Bowral.
“Our Shire has a long history of major flooding incidents tracing back over one hundred years,” Mr Lucas said. “Major floods can cause significant damage to property, livestock and public infrastructure.”
“Even worse is when lives are lost in the most extreme of incidents.”
Such was the case during the East Coast Low storm that lashed much of the country’s east coast in early June 2016 and saw parts of the Shire record over 600mm of rain during the two-day event.
“In a bid to avoid a repeat of such a tragedy, Council is rolling out a series of flood depth markers and flood warning signs at locations known to experience excessive over-road stormwater during high rainfall events,” Mr Lucas said.
“This is one part of our broader flood mitigation and flood education program.”
The first of the new flood depth markers and flood warning signs will be erected during the month of June in Victoria and Rose Streets in Bowral. Further signs will be installed across Bowral at known flooding locations over the next 12 months.
“Following the initial roll out it’s anticipated that the program will be expanded across the Shire,” Mr Lucas added.
“It’s hoped that these signs will serve as a reminder to residents and motorists of the dangers of high water and act as a visual prompt to those unfamiliar to the area of the potential of localised floodwaters.”
“And while these signs serve as a warning to everyone of the dangers of flood waters, it’s up to all of us to heed the advice.”
“With this in mind Council continues to remind residents to never enter floodwater,” Mr Lucas said. “If it’s flooded – forget it.”
In life threatening situations always call 000 (triple Zero). For emergency help in floods call the NSW SES on 132 500.
For more information regarding Council’s Flood Marker Program visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/road-closures.