We are pleased to share the latest progress on the Flood Risk Management Study & Plan project. Following the valuable feedback received during the community consultation, our consultant has been integrating this input into the project, reviewing and updating the model outputs.

Key activities completed in this phase include:

Feedback integration: The consultant has reviewed all community consultation feedback and incorporated relevant insights into the project’s technical work

Model review and outputs: A comprehensive review of the flood model has been completed. We now have updated model outputs and simulations reflecting the latest data.

Updated flood mapping: Using the refined model and the most current and relevant data, the flood maps for the study have been updated. These maps provide a clearer picture of potential flood extents and depts.

Ground truthing inspections: To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the model and mapping the consultant team has conducted on the ground inspections in key areas.

We have now progressed to the next crucial stage of the project. Our focus is currently on:

Reviewing flood risk management and mitigation options: We are thoroughly evaluating a rage of potential strategies to manage and mitigate flood risk in identified hot spot areas.

Reviewing and updating flood planning areas and precinct maps: Based on the updated flood mapping and the assessment of mitigation options, we will review and update the flood planning areas and precinct maps to ensure they accurately reflect the current understanding of flood risk.

Targeted community consultation in hotspot areas: As we delve deeper into specific flood risk management and mitigation options, we will conduct targeted community consultation in identified hotspot areas. Further details regarding these consultations; including dates, times and locations will be shared with relevant communities soon.

Understanding flooding in our LGA

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.