Floodplain Risk Management Committee Kicks Off

Moree Plains Shire Council commenced community consultation on its draft Floodplain Risk Management Plan last night, with the newly elected Floodplain Risk Management Committee holding its first meeting.

The Committee – which includes representatives from Pallamallawa, Mungindi, Boggabilla, Moree and the Gwydirfield, Yarraman, Stonnington and Bendygleet areas – will provide local knowledge on flood behaviour to assist Council in developing and implementing a Plan that will benefit the region.

Council’s Director of Engineering Services, Mr Ian Dinham said Council is legally required, under the NSW Floodplain Development Manual 2005, to update its flood management and mitigation plan.

“As part of this process, WRM Water & Environment has managed the development of the draft Moree and Environs Floodplain Risk Management Plan and provided a number of recommendations,” Mr Dinham said.

“These recommendations include investigating the feasibility of a flood levee for Moree, continuing the house raising scheme, possible stormwater backflow prevention, and raising low-lying sections of road evacuation routes.”

Mr Dinham said Council had not yet made any decisions regarding these recommendations; but was committed to a thorough community consultation process.

“The Floodplain Risk Management Committee will consider all potential mitigation options and facilitate the flow of information between the local community and Council, to ensure that all views are heard, understood and considered.”

Mr Dinham said initial investigations show a flood levee around Moree would significantly reduce the impact of flooding and damage to properties, as well as reduce insurance premiums for property owners. However, a full feasibility study is required to establish whether the project would provide significant benefit to the broader community and involve extensive community consultation.

“The feasibility study would consider a range of factors, such as levee height (level of protection), costs, the likelihood of funding, environmental impacts, alignment, archaeology and social impacts,” he said.

“This study would enable all parties to make informed considerations and would act as a precursor to analysis of alternate options if not deemed viable. However, Council would continue to promote a variety of approaches to flood mitigation and management.”

The Committee is required to give due consideration to all identified mitigation measures in accordance with the NSW Floodplain Development Manual 2005.

For more information on the Floodplain Risk Management Plan and a full list of Committee members.