Lake Illawarra Floodplain Risk Management Study

The Lake Illawarra Authority in conjunction with Wollongong City Council and Shellharbour City Council has engaged Cardno Lawson & Treloar Pty Ltd to prepare a Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan for the Lake Illawarra catchment. The three organisations 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 the 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 mitigation measures. These measures could involve a mixture of structural works such as levees, flood proofing properties in combination with planning options or improvements to flood response.

The Lake Illawarra Flood Study, defining existing flood behaviour and risk in the study area was completed and adopted by Council in 2001. It provides information on flood extents as well as flood levels at various locations around the lake. Copies may be viewed at the Wollongong Library, Reference Section.

The Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan is in the final phase of preparation, the only final area to be investigated is the impact of climate change. The determination of climate change  impacts and the corresponding development of appropriate planning solutions is ongoing and every effort is being made to have this completed as soon as possible.

Status: Flood study completed and adopted. Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan in preparation.