Wollongong City Council Administrators tonight received a report outlining the progress that has been further made on reducing the impact of flooding across the city, and authorising the purchase of two properties in flood prone areas as part of its flood management strategy.
Following the 1998 floods, Council embarked on a range of strategies to mitigate damage from floods. These strategies included developing floodplain risk management plans, carrying out flood mitigation works, dam safety programs, maintenance of stormwater and flood infrastructure such as culverts, bridges, stormwater pipes and pits, and voluntary purchase schemes of identified flood prone lands.
Administrator, Col Gellatly said that considerable progress has been made in mitigating the impacts of flooding throughout the city.
“Some of the works include debris control structures in Towradgi Creek catchment, overflow paths in Hewitts Creek catchment, culvert improvements and the replacement of Colgong Crescent footbridge in Towradgi.”
“The restored channel capacity in Hewitts Creek catchment immediately behind properties in George Street, Thirroul is an important improvement in this high risk area,” explained Administrator Gellatly.
“Major flood mitigation works have also been undertaken to Wollongong High School Detention Basin, Brokers Road Detention Basin and Fairy Creek Channel Stabilisation.”
“Creek embankment and protection works such as planting shrubs and small trees to stabilise banks, reduce soil erosion, and minimise flooding upstream has been completed at a number of key sites.”
Council also agreed last night to purchase two more properties in high risk flood prone areas as part of the Voluntary Purchase Schemes. The buildings on the properties will be demolished to allow a path for flood waters to go, creating less impact on surrounding properties and buildings.
Over the last five years with the support of the State and Federal Governments, Council has purchased 45 properties in flood prone areas with a combined value of $18 million.
“Council owned dams are also regularly inspected and improvement and repair works carried out if necessary,” Administrator Gellatly said.
“The measures, strategies and policies put in place by Council demonstrate significant progress has been made in preparing the city for floods. Obviously there is still work to do. This kind of work is an ongoing task,” concluded Administrator Gellatly.