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Floodplain management grants awarded and project summaries

Floodplain management grants are awarded each year.

 

Floodplain management grants are awarded each year.

2024–25

Funding for these projects came from the NSW Government Floodplain Management Program.

The Floodplain Management Program funded 41 projects totalling $8,085,629.

Overview

Grant recipient/local government areaProject nameFunding approved
Albury City CouncilBungambrawatha Creek, Lavington, South Albury and West Albury flood study review$133,334
Balranald Shire CouncilBalranald flood study$150,858
Balranald Shire CouncilEuston flood study$150,858
Blacktown City CouncilBlacktown future flood strategy$83,333
Blacktown City CouncilBlacktown overland flow flood risk management study and plan – northern area$134,001
Cessnock City CouncilSawyers Gully flood study$63,333
Cessnock City CouncilBlack Creek (Cessnock commercial precinct) flood risk management study and plan$178,666
Cessnock City CouncilUpdate of the Cessnock flood planning framework, policies and planning$47,000
City of Canada Bay CouncilYaralla Bay and Rhodes flood study$126,633
City of Parramatta CouncilFloodSmart enhancement$57,166
City of Parramatta CouncilParramatta River flood risk study and plan$414,999
City of SydneyAlexandria Canal and Centennial Park flood risk management study and plan update$176,200
Cootamundra Gundagai Regional CouncilCootamundra flood warning system review$70,400
Cootamundra Gundagai Regional CouncilCootamundra Turf Club detention basin and McGowan Street levee feasibility study$114,400
Cumberland CouncilReview and update of Haslams Creek overland flow study$49,978
Cumberland CouncilUpdate Cumberland local government area (western catchment) overland flood studies$131,667
Edward River CouncilDeniliquin major overland flow flood study$150,858
Edward River CouncilNorth Deniliquin levee upgrade – construction$1,782,000
Eurobodalla Shire CouncilBroulee, Mossy Point, Mogo, Tomakin flood risk management study and plan$139,998
Fairfield City CouncilCabramatta Creek flood risk management study and plan$152,000
Georges River CouncilReview of the floodplain risk management study and plan for Hurstville, Mortdale and Peakhurst wards$133,334
Inner West CouncilSouth Marrickville flood study$114,000
Junee Shire CouncilBethungra and Wantabadgery flood study$136,000
Lockhart Shire CouncilLockhart flood study review$94,285
Lockhart Shire CouncilYerong Creek flood study$120,000
MidCoast CouncilReview of the Wallis Lake-Wallamba River flood risk management study and plans$100,000
Murray River CouncilBarham flood study review$137,142
Murray River CouncilMathoura and Picnic Point flood study$137,142
Narrabri Shire CouncilGwabegar flood study$103,529
Narrandera Shire CouncilNarrandera Airport and Nallabooma Estate levee feasibility study$137,143
Narromine Shire CouncilNarromine flood risk management study and plan review$239,160
North Sydney CouncilSt Leonards Park basin investigation and design$100,001
Shoalhaven City CouncilShoalhaven risk-based flood mapping $133,334
Snowy Valleys CouncilAdelong flood study review$112,000
The Council of CamdenUpdate Upper South Creek flood study$202,000
Tamworth Regional CouncilSouth Street Manilla drainage upgrade$1,142,754
Uralla Shire CouncilUralla flood study$128,000
Warren Shire CouncilWarren town flood study$193,980
Wentworth Shire CouncilWentworth major overland flow flood study$164,143
Willoughby City CouncilBlue Gum Creek flood risk management study and plan$50,000
Woollahra Municipal CouncilVaucluse flood study$100,000

Albury City Council

Bungambrawatha Creek, Lavington, South Albury and West Albury flood study review

The Bungambrawatha Creek, Lavington, South Albury and West Albury flood study review will redefine the flood risks associated with mainstream and major overland flooding for much of the urban area of Albury and its suburbs.

The review of the flood study will guide appropriate urban development practices and inform the strategic management of stormwater, enhancing community resilience to flooding and minimising future flood risk to the Albury community.

The project will allow the council to determine mitigation measures and address the newly defined flood risks, ensuring the council appropriately identifies the flood risk to the community per the NSW flood risk management manual.

Balranald Shire Council

Balranald Shire Council received funding to undertake 2 flood studies.

Both studies will provide the community, stakeholders and decision-makers with a comprehensive understanding of flood risks, informing future planning and development, infrastructure investment and emergency preparedness.

Balranald flood study

The Balranald flood study will define flood behaviour to support the understanding and management of flood risk for the township of Balranald and its environs.

Euston flood study

The Euston flood study will define flood behaviour to support the understanding and management of flood risk for the township of Euston and its environs.

Blacktown City Council

Blacktown City Council received funding for 2 projects.

Blacktown future flood strategy

A flood risk management strategy is required to inform the council's integrated planning and reporting framework and land-use planning to support the NSW State Emergency Service emergency management planning and to set future directions for effective flood risk management in the Blacktown local government area.

The project will be delivered in line with the flood risk management framework and the NSW flood risk management manual.

Blacktown overland flow flood risk management study and plan – northern area

The Blacktown overland flow flood study was adopted by the council in May 2024. The flood risk management study and plan are the next stage of the flood risk management process, as specified in the NSW flood risk management manual.

Due to its large size (108 square kilometres), the study area has been divided into several smaller sub-catchments/model areas. This flood risk management study and plan will focus on the northern (Eastern Creek and Second Ponds Creek sub-catchments) study area.

The project will investigate a suite of flood management measures and evaluate options that could be potentially implemented to manage the existing, future and continuing overland flow flood risk to the northern study area.

Cessnock City Council

Cessnock Council received funding for 3 projects.

Black Creek (Cessnock commercial precinct) flood risk management study and plan

Cessnock Council will develop a flood risk management study and plan specifically tailored for the Cessnock commercial precinct, within the Black Creek one study area catchment. The purpose of the study is to:

  • Update flood modelling for the entire Black Creek one study area catchment that includes existing survey data of stormwater assets, roadside drains and pipe network, and recent LiDAR data.
  • Refine flood modelling for Cessnock commercial precinct requiring further detailed survey of existing stormwater assets, roadside drains and pipe network, as well as building floor levels. This modelling will enable a comprehensive assessment of flood risks, potential mitigation measures, and setup freeboards for floor height.
  • Undertake stakeholder consultation, including with emergency services agencies.

This project will provide localised insights into flood risk, cumulative impacts, to guide the council's strategic decisions regarding land use, public domain, and infrastructure planning for the Cessnock commercial precinct, aligned with NSW flood risk management manual.

Sawyers Gully flood study

This project will deliver a flood study for the Sawyers Gully urban investigation area (SGUIA). The Sawyers Gully urban investigation area is an identified precinct in the council's local strategic planning framework for investigation of predominantly residential development.

The Sawyers Gully flood study will look at the existing flooding conditions to inform areas that may be suitable for future development by applying a risk-based approach to decision making.

Update of the Cessnock flood planning framework, policies and planning

The project will update the council's planning framework related to flood risk management, develop a gap analysis and a flood risk management plan. The planning framework that will be updated includes flood risk management policy, voluntary house raising policy and draft natural watercourses in subdivisions policy.

The review will ensure that the council's planning framework meets best practice and will assist in the continual improvement of flood risk management. Policies and controls will be consistent with state policies, the NSW flood risk management manual and planning circulars. A gap analysis report will identify any gaps in the council's flood related planning document and makes recommendations to address these gaps.

The flood risk management plan (activity schedule) will recommend future actions the council should take to address flooding in the local government area, for example, updating the local strategic planning statement and the local environment plan.

City of Canada Bay Council

Yaralla Bay and Rhodes flood study

The council will deliver a flood study for the Yaralla Bay and Rhodes catchment area, within the City of Canada Bay local government area.

The study will identify the extent and depth of flood waters, understand flood risk, reduce the danger of flood hazards and damage to property and to personal safety, and ensure that future development is compatible with the identified flood risk.

City of Parramatta Council

City of Parramatta Council received funding for 2 projects.

FloodSmart enhancement

This project will audit the performance of FloodSmart system. The audit will allow the council to evaluate the ongoing performance of the system, ensure that it is using the correct predicted rainfall models and evaluate trigger levels at forecast locations.

Parramatta River flood risk study and plan

The project will reduce flood risks in the Parramatta River catchment in the Parramatta local government area through delivery of a comprehensive flood risk study and plan.

The catchment covers around 58% of the total area of the local government area and includes the Parramatta central business district and the Westmead bio-medical precinct. Hundreds of thousands of people live or work in the catchment, and there are many billions of dollars of public and private infrastructure present, including major roads, heavy rail, light rail, metro rail, industrial and residential areas.

The flood risk study and plan will review all available flood information and modelling for the area and create a plan to identify practical, robust options to reduce the effects of flooding, thus lowering the economic costs and risks to life associated with flooding in this region.

City of Sydney

Alexandria Canal and Centennial Park flood risk management study and plan update

The floodplain risk management studies and plans for Alexandra Canal and Centennial Park catchments were completed 2014 and 2016, respectively. The flood model for Alexandra Canal was updated to use Australian rainfall and runoff (AR&R) 2019 and has been further amended in 2023, considering major redevelopments and drainage works in the area. The flood study for Centennial Park catchment used AR&R 1987.

Alexandra Canal catchment has recently undergone significant changes in developments. Some of the prioritised flood risk management measures from the floodplain risk management studies and plans have been implemented to service major redevelopments. A preliminary review showed that some of the flood risk management measures may not be feasible to proceed further necessitating detailed review and reprioritising actions for implementation. Significant precinct redevelopments are planned in both catchments, so there is consistent pressure to provide updated flood information.

The City of Sydney will update the floodplain risk management studies and plans in accordance with NSW flood risk management manual and accompanying toolkits.

Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council

Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council received funding for 2 projects.

Cootamundra flood warning system review

The Cootamundra flood warning system review will be undertaken in close consultation with the Bureau of Meteorology and the NSW State Emergency Service. The project will review the existing system; maintenance requirements and costs, messaging (alerts and recipients, including identifying vulnerable occupants); and how flood warning information could be displayed and better communicated to the community.

It will also assess; trigger levels (rainfall and water levels) and warning time applicable using the hydrologic and hydraulic modelling that supports this study, the potential benefits of installing additional rain and/or stream level gauges and identification of suitable locations, and recommendation for an alternative system (if any), commensurate with the tangible and intangible benefits it would offer.

Cootamundra Turf Club detention basin and McGowan Street levee feasibility study

A feasibility study is required for 2 flood modification (FM) measures recommended in the Cootamundra floodplain risk management study and plan. When these options are combined, there may be significant benefits.

  • FM01 – Turf Club detention basin – reduce peak flood levels in a 1% annual exceedance probability event in Cootamundra by diverting water into a retarding basin at the Cootamundra Turf Club located upstream of the Town. The option involves construction of an inlet and a 2-metre-high embankment around the Turf Club.
  • FM02a – McGowan Street levee – protect the properties located at McGowan Street and within Cutler Avenue hotspot in a 1% annual exceedance probability event. The option involves construction of a 1,620 metre long and 0 – 2.5-metre-high embankment.

Cumberland Council

Cumberland Council received funding for 2 projects.

Review and update of Haslams Creek overland flow study

The council's current flood study for this area, known as Haslams Creek overland flood study (draft) 2016, is based on Australian rainfall and runoff (AR&R) 1987. The council will update these flood models for consistency with the NSW flood risk management manual and toolkit, particularly the AR&R 2019 data.

Update Cumberland local government area (western catchment) overland flood studies

The council's current flood study for this area, known as Holroyd City local government area overland flood study (2017), is based on Australian rainfall and runoff (AR&R) 1987.

This project will update these flood models to be consistent with the NSW flood risk management manual and associated toolkits, particularly the AR&R 2019 data.

The study will consist of 7 catchments which include: Greystanes Creek, Coopers Creek, Finlayson's Creek, Westmead Creek, Domain Creek, Clay Cliff Creek and Prospect Creek. A'Becketts Creek and Duck Creek are being modelled under the Duck River and Duck Creek overland flood study and will be excluded from this project.

Edward River Council

Edward River Council received funding for 2 projects.

Deniliquin major overland flow flood study

The Deniliquin major overland flow flood study will complement the current understanding of riverine flood risks by determining the flood risk associated with major overland flood events. It will analyse the impacts of localised rainfall events, define the current overland flow flood risk for town and subsequently inform a future flood risk management study and plan to evaluate proposed risk mitigation measures. The overland flow flood study will inform the strategic management of stormwater and reduce the risk to future urban development from flooding. The study will ensure the council are appropriately identifying the flood risk to the community in accordance with the NSW flood risk management manual.

North Deniliquin levee upgrade – construction

The North Deniliquin levee upgrade is a recommended measure from the Deniliquin floodplain risk management study and plan.

Previous funding has been sought from the Floodplain Management Program to investigate the feasibility of the upgrade and prepare a detailed design. The detailed design incorporates an upgrade to the 1% annual exceedance probability flood level with a 0.5-metre freeboard. The finalised feasibility assessment determined that the levee upgrade results in a positive cost benefit ratio and will ensure that residences in North Deniliquin will be provided with a similar level of protection as those in South Deniliquin.

Eurobodalla Shire Council

Broulee, Mossy Point, Mogo, Tomakin flood risk management study and plan

Eurobodalla Shire Council adopted the Broulee, Mossy Point, Mogo, Tomakin flood study in 2017. The Broulee, Mossy Point, Mogo, Tomakin flood risk management study and plan will build on the outcomes of the adopted study and identify opportunities with the community to mitigate and manage significant impacts of flooding for current and future generations. There will be an emphasis on reviewing the model and aligning planning advice with the outcomes of the 2022 Eurobodalla open coast coastal management program, which also covers part of the study area.

Fairfield City Council

Cabramatta Creek flood risk management study and plan

Cabramatta Creek is one of the major catchments running through the Fairfield local government area and has a history of flooding. The lower portion of Cabramatta Creek runs through Fairfield's local government area as it makes its way to Georges River. The total catchment is over 74 square kilometres. With the strain on property availability, there will be further development and growth in the coming years. This project will quantify the risk to people and property, now and in the future.

Georges River Council

Review of the floodplain risk management study and plan for Hurstville, Mortdale and Peakhurst wards

Georges River Council completed and adopted a floodplain risk management study and plan in October 2023, with errors in the mapping and some sections of the report since being identified. In addition, while the study was endorsed in 2023, most of the modelling works, topography of the land and building footprint used in the modelling was based on the information from 2019.

This project aims to update the model based on the latest LiDAR and drainage information and remove the instability in the model, fix the errors in the damage assessment and review the flood mitigation options.

Inner West Council

South Marrickville flood study

This project will prepare a modern catchment flood study for the areas of Dulwich Hill and Marrickville draining directly to the Cooks River.

This area is approximately 200 hectares and bounded by the Cooks River in the south and Warren Road/Old Canterbury Road in the north. It is the final catchment area within Inner West local government area that does not have a comprehensive catchment-based modelled flood study.

The flood study will provide updated flood depth modelling and more comprehensive identification of flood-affected lots within this 200 hectare area.

Junee Shire Council

Bethungra and Wantabadgery flood study

This project will develop flood studies for the villages of Bethungra and Wantabadgery within the Junee Shire local government area.

Bethungra is located to the north of the local government area and is subject to flooding from Wandalybingel Creek as well as from major overland flow. While Wantabadgery is largely located on the Murrumbidgee River floodplain in the eastern portion of the local government area. It is also subject to flooding from a tributary called Wantiool Creek as well as from major overland flow.

The flood risks in these localities are currently undefined as no flood study has ever been completed by the council.

Lockhart Shire Council

Lockhart Shire Council received funding for 2 projects.

Lockhart flood study review

The council has implemented all recommended flood mitigation measures from the floodplain risk management plan (2014) for Lockhart.

This project will review and update the Lockhart flood study (2014) to ensure the flood risk identified for the town is current.

The town is under significant development pressure and current flood mapping is prohibiting development in areas that are now flood protected.

Yerong Creek flood study

The council will prepare a flood study for the town of Yerong Creek, within Lockhart Shire Council.

During the recent floods in November 2021 and January 2022, water banked up in Plunkett Street and Moonba drain off Moonba Street as the drain off Moonba Street was unable to release waters. There is currently no flood data collected or flood modelling undertaken for the Yerong Creek township.

The town is affected by overland flow from the surrounding catchment which has impacted residents and the local primary school.

MidCoast Council

Review of the Wallis Lake-Wallamba River flood risk management study and plans

The twin towns of Forster and Tuncurry, situated at the mouth of Wallis Lake, are both major development areas. The Wallamba River is the major catchment flowing into Wallis Lake.

The floodplain risk management studies and plans for both Wallis Lake and the Wallamba River will be reviewed and updated in-line with the NSW flood risk management manual.

Murray River Council

Murray River Shire Council received funding for 2 projects.

Barham flood study review

The project aims to address the limitations of the Barham flood study (2014), which will be achieved by conducting a review of riverine flood behaviour and impacts initially identified in the Barham flood study and by investigating the impact of major overland flow flooding.

The revised flood study will redefine the flood risk for Barham, aiding decision-making for flood risk management, infrastructure planning and emergency preparedness.

The project will address current deficiencies in design flood levels, recently identified in the 2022 Murray River flood event. The project will include a comprehensive review of existing data and previous hydrologic and hydraulic models. The revised models will be calibrated against the 2022 Murray River flood event using observed data, flood intelligence, stakeholder input and local knowledge.

Mathoura and Picnic Point flood study

The Mathoura and Picnic Point flood study is a strategic Council initiative to define the flood risks for the urban areas of Mathoura and Picnic Point. Mathoura and Picnic Point are in the Murray River Council local government area, in the Riverina region of southern New South Wales.

Picnic Point, and to a lesser degree, Mathoura, are at risk of Murray River flood events. Recent localised storm events have indicated that Mathoura is also at risk from major overland flow flood events.

The study will develop a contemporary flood model, to define the flood behaviour and impacts as a result of both flooding mechanisms. The project will provide the community, stakeholders and decision-makers with a comprehensive understanding of flood risks, which will inform future planning and development, infrastructure investment, and emergency preparedness. In turn, this will minimise future flooding impacts and safeguard community wellbeing.

Narrabri Shire Council

Gwabegar flood study

The Narrabri Shire Council will undertake a comprehensive flood study on the village of Gwabegar in response to recent flood events in 2021 that resulted in the inundation of parts of the village.

Council will facilitate the completion of an in-depth flood study, including data collection for the village of Gwabegar and the surrounding area to enhance the understanding of flood behaviour and its consequences.

The flood study will be used to develop a flood risk management study and plan to assist in mitigating identified risks to life, property, and financial resources.

Narrandera Shire Council

Narrandera Airport and Nallabooma Estate levee feasibility study

This project will assess the feasibility of implementing flood mitigation works for the protection of Nallabooma Estate and the Airport in Narrandera for riverine flood events up to and including the 1% annual exceedance probability design flood event. These works form a major part of the ultimate flood protection scheme that was proposed and assessed as part of the Narrandera floodplain risk management study and plan review, completed in 2019.

This project will determine the feasibility of progressing this project to detailed design and implementation.

Narromine Shire Council

Narromine flood risk management study and plan review

This project will undertake a detailed review of flood management plan. This will include recent flood information, collection of as-built house levels in flood areas, update of preventative actions and review of river erosion.

North Sydney Council

St Leonards Park basin investigation and design

Investigation and design of detention basin in St Leonards Park to reduce flood liability on downstream properties.

Shoalhaven City Council

Shoalhaven risk-based flood mapping

The council will undertake a comprehensive update to its land use planning scheme, including the local environment plan and development control plan, over the next few years.

Through this project the council will update flood planning procedures in accordance with the latest risk-based flood management procedures documented in the NSW flood risk management manual. It will also allow the council's online flood mapping and flood certificates to be updated following completion of this project to better convey flood hazard and risk to the community.

This project will generate consistent best practice risk-based flood planning constraint category mapping for 10 previously studied catchments in the Shoalhaven local government area.

Snowy Valleys Council

Adelong flood study review

This project will review and update the Adelong flood study that was completed in 2014.

This flood study review will incorporate new flood intelligence collected post the October/November 2022 flood event, which is the flood of record on Adelong Creek. It will also update the flood model to current Australian rainfall and runoff 2019 guidance while ensuring consistency with the NSW flood risk management manual and associated toolkits.

Tamworth Regional Council

South Street Manilla drainage upgrade

The upgrade is of a major drainage system on South Street Manilla to control upslope catchment contributions to the Namoi River.

The Council of Camden

Update Upper South Creek flood study

This is an update of existing Upper South Creek flood study to reflect current flood information in this catchment.

The study area is the Upper South Creek catchment in Camden local government area. This catchment is subject to rapid development as a South-West Growth Area precinct. The area has seen significant development since the current study's adoption, especially in Oran Park, Catherine Field and Leppington, including the roads and infrastructure.

Updating the flood study will ensure the council is acting in accordance with the NSW flood risk management manual by understanding and providing up-to-date information on flood risk. This project will be used as the base case for a flood impact and risk assessment of South-West Growth Area precincts and to control the cumulative impact of development.

Uralla Shire Council

Uralla flood study

This project will update the current flood study which was adopted in June 2014. The council will update this flood study with respect to climate change and associated impacts; the upcoming housing strategy and associated local environmental plan review; and the flood risk of the potential failure of Kentucky Creek Dam.

Warren Shire Council

Warren town flood study

Warren Town is crossed by Macquarie River and Gunningbar Creek. The flood behaviour is also influenced by Ewenmar Creek, which runs east of the town.

The town is often affected by flooding due to excessive rainfall, and releases from the Burrendong Dam. Between 2021 and 2022, the town was flood disaster declared for 5 events.

The flood study and data collection will enable a fuller understanding of flood behaviour and provide the required understanding of adequacy of the levee and enable the next stage, the development of a flood risk management study and plan.

Wentworth Shire Council

Wentworth major overland flow flood study

The Wentworth major overland flow flood study will complement the current Wentworth flood study currently under way, which defines the riverine flood risk for the Wentworth Shire Council.

This major overland flow flood study will analyse the impacts of localised rainfall events, define the current overland flow flood risk for Wentworth, Dareton, Gol Gol and Buronga and subsequently inform a future flood risk management study and plan, which will evaluate and recommend risk mitigation measures. It will also inform the strategic management of stormwater to further reduce the risk to future urban development from flooding.

The Wentworth major overland flow flood study will ensure the council are appropriately identifying the flood risk to the community in accordance with the NSW flood risk management manual.

Willoughby City Council

Blue Gum Creek flood risk management study and plan

A flood study representing the first stage of the management process for the Blue Gum Creek catchment was completed in 2016. This project constitutes the second and third stages of the process.

The project will determine options to reduce the impact of flooding on the community, taking into consideration social, ecological, and economic factors. The preferred management options will be publicly exhibited and the responses from the community will be incorporated in the plan.

Implementation of the plan will allow the council to reduce the impact of flooding on the community through flood, property and response modification measures.

Woollahra Council

Vaucluse flood study

The Vaucluse flood study includes the area between the Rosebay and Watsons Bay catchment, it will be the first flood study covering the area. The location is complex with natural and piped steamways and is prone to flash flooding due to the steep topography.

This study aims to:

  • identify areas needing mitigation to prevent flooding
  • educate the public about flooding issues
  • inform the process of development controls
  • improve the safety of the community

Previous years