Help us understand flooding in our LGA
Waverley Council started the next step in the NSW Government's Flood Risk Management Framework in early 2024 - a Flood Risk Management Study and Plan (FRMS&P) for the Waverley LGA.
As part of the first flood study project in 2021, Waverley Council asked the community for feedback. We are now seeking further input from you as we refine flood modelling across the LGA and explore flood mitigation options.
As we gather information on actual flooding that occurs and is experienced by the community, we need your help and support to help ensure we get it right.
Use the below map and survey form to submit information, and photos if you have them, of flooding you have experienced. It could be at your home, street or across the Council area.
We will use this information to validate and refine flood modelling and to consider mitigation options. Thank you for your input.
2017
- Waverley Council started work on the Flood Study involving community feedback.
- The study was completed in accordance with the NSW Floodplain Development Manual and NSW Flood Prone Land Policy.
2020
- Study released for public exhibition.
2021
- Waverley Council adopted the Waverley LGA Flood Study.
- Council developed proposed amendments to Waverley Council’s Development Control Plan.
2022
- Proposed changes to Waverley Council’s Development Control Plan (DCP) exhibited.
- Low, medium and high-risk areas were identified.
2024
- Council engaged a consultant to start the Flood Flood Risk Management Study & Plan in February 2024.
- DCP amendment adopted in March 2024
For more information on flood management see the flood management pages on Council's website.
Building on the completion of the Waverley Local Government Area (LGA) Flood Study, which was adopted in 2021, Waverley Council commenced the next step in the NSW Governments Flood Risk Management Framework in early 2024 - a Flood Risk Management Study and Plan (FRMS&P) for the Waverley LGA .
The objective of this project is to refine the model across the LGA and explore and recommend flood mitigation options to reduce or alleviate detrimental impacts of flooding where possible.
This project has two parts.
The Flood Risk Management Study
To incorporate community knowledge of flooding and undertake ground testing onsite to further refine the Waverley LGA flood study, improving its accuracy and the confidence that the community has in the flood planning maps. To develop and assess flood risk mitigation measures to reduce or alleviate existing and future flood risks in our community.
The Flood Risk Management Plan
This part of the project focuses on recommending and prioritising flood risk mitigation measures, including documenting the decisions made to manage flood risks into the future. A list of recommended measures and their priority are detailed in the plan including how they would be implemented and who is responsible.
The study and plan are being prepared by independent flood consultant Kellogg Brown & Root Pty Ltd (KBR) and urban planning consultant GLN Planning Pty Ltd. With joint support and funding from NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) under their Floodplain Management Program.
This project is separate to previous recently completed projects including the Waverley LGA Flood Study 2021 and the amendment to the Waverley Development Control Plan 2022.
Definition of a flood
Flooding results from relatively high stream flow that overtops the natural or artificial banks in any part of a stream, river, estuary, lake or dam, and/or local overland flowpaths associated with major drainage, and/or oceanic inundation resulting from super-elevated ocean levels.
What is mainstream flooding?
Mainstream flooding is water that overtops the natural or artificial banks in any part of a stream, river, estuary, lake or dam..
What is overland flooding?
Local overland flooding is inundation by local run-off on its way to a waterway, rather than overbank flow from a waterway. Overland flooding typically occurs during rainfall events where drainage systems reach capacity and excess water flows over land.
What is stormwater?
When rainwater comes into contact with surfaces such as roofs, paved areas such as roads, gardens, and other open spaces, it becomes stormwater.
Refer to FAQ in Document Library for more information
The Flood Risk Management Study and Plan will have three stages of consultation during the delivery of the project.
Stage 1- June - July 2024: LGA wide consultation, obtaining feedback on historical flooding.
- Dates to be confirmed: Flood mitigation consultation.
- Dates to be scheduled: Public exhibition of the draft Flood Risk Management Study and Plan.
Stage 1 - Consultation
We are seeking feedback from community members on their experiences of flooding in our LGA and invite you to take part in this important community consultation. Your contribution will help us to better understand, plan and respond to flooding in our Council area
Help us develop a wholistic picture of flooding behaviour in our LGA.
We need feedback on your personal experience of flooding in your street, wider neighbourhood or home.
Your contributions will form part of the Flood Risk Management Study and the longer-term Flood Risk Management Plan.
How you can Have Your Say (HYS)
1. Feedback via our website. Complete the below survey and attach any photos or short videos you have of flooding
2. In-person Have Your Say pop-ups. Council will hold drop-in opportunities during the five-week consultation period. These will be informal occasions where you can provide feedback to staff about flooding in the Waverley LGA.
** You can attend any time during the two hour window period. Formal presentations are not part of this consultation phase.
Thursday 4 July - 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Kimberley Community Hall
Military Rd, Vaucluse
Friday, 5 July - 10am to 12pm
Hugh Bamford Reserve Hall
North Bondi
Friday, 5 July - 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Margaret Whitlam Recreation Centre
Waverley Park, Bondi Road
Saturday, 6 July - 10am to 12pm
Waverley Library
Theatrette, Level 1
32-48 Denison St
Bondi Junction
