Collins Creek and adjacent catchments

Wollongong City Council has engaged Lyall & Associates Consulting Water Engineers to prepare a Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan for the combined catchments of Whartons, Collins and Farrahars creeks, Bellambi Gully, and Bellambi Lake. Wollongong City Council and the Department of Natural Resources are jointly funding the study.

The primary objectives of the study will be to firstly assess the nature of the flood risk in the study area, followed by the assessment of options for reducing the impacts of flooding on existing development and to prepare a framework within which future development can take place in accordance with current best floodplain management principles. The plan has the objective of reducing the flood risk and minimising the long term impact of flooding on the community, through the assessment and recommendation of flood measures. These measures could involve a mix of structural works such as levees, flood proofing properties, or stream clearing, in combination with planning options or improvements to flood response.

The first phase of the Study, in which the nature of flooding in the Study Area was assessed, is nearing completion. The resulting draft Flood Study report will be placed on exhibition from Thursday 27 August 2009 until Wednesday 30 September 2009 at the Thirroul, Corrimal and Wollongong Central libraries. Public information sessions will be held on Thursday 3 September 2009 and Thursday 10 September 2009. More details on the public exhibition and the study can be obtained from the attached Community Newsletter.

Have Your Say

The community is invited to provide comment on the findings of draft flood study and on the floodplain management issues by completing the Questionnaire on the right. Please return the completed questionnaire by Friday 9 October 2009.