Plans to reduce flood risk
Published on 20 March 2024
Ways to mitigate the risk of flooding to people and properties in 19 Shoalhaven towns and village areas are now being investigated to develop Floodplain Risk Management Studies and Plans (FRMS&P).
This is the next phase of the flood risk management process following the adoption of the Lower Shoalhaven River Flood Study and the St Georges Basin Flood Study in early 2023. Communities were consulted during the development of these flood studies, providing suggestions on important mitigation measures that will be investigated in this next stage.
James Ruprai, Director City Development, said this is an important action for our community.
“While flooding is a natural process, it’s also a serious problem for our communities on flood-prone land, so it’s critical we have strategies in place to manage risks,” Mr Ruprai said.
“The study will give our community and emergency services vital information to reduce the impacts of flooding, while improving their preparedness and response to flood events,” he said.
Flood investigation areas include Nowra, Bomaderry, Berry, Terara, Greenwell Point, Culburra Beach, Orient Point and Shoalhaven Heads (Lower Shoalhaven River Catchment), and St Georges Basin, Sussex Inlet, Sanctuary Point, Basin View, Badgee, Old Erowal Bay, Bream Beach, Wrights Beach, Erowal Bay, Wandandian and Tomerong (St Georges Basin catchment).
It is anticipated these investigations will take around 18 months and will include modelling the different options with a cost and benefit assessment of their social, environmental, cultural and financial outcomes.
The plans are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025, with a public exhibition and community consultation expected to be available around the middle of next year, prior to their finalisation. However, additional feedback can be provided at any time via email to floodplain.management@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au
This work is a part of a broad floodplain management program currently underway within the Shoalhaven, with another six flood investigations also in progress, each at varying stages of completion. Lean more about them at Get Involved Shoalhaven (nsw.gov.au).
Council received financial support from the NSW Floodplain Management Program, managed by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to undertake the Lower Shoalhaven River FRMS&P and St Georges Basin FRMS&P.
For more information on Council’s flood risk management process and how the community can get involved in these projects head to Get Involved – Lower Shoalhaven River FRMS&P and St Georges Basin FRMS&P.