Batemans Bay flood experiences needed

People with historical information about floods in the Batemans Bay and Long Beach areas are being encouraged to share their experiences in a short online survey or at a community information session this month.

Eurobodalla Council is undertaking a study to better understand flooding from the creeks in and around Batemans Bay, Catalina, Batehaven, Sunshine Bay, Surfside, Long Beach and Maloneys Beach.

The flood study will explore the current and future flood behaviour of creeks and lagoons, and once adopted will give residents clearer parameters on flood risk.

Council’s Flood Planner Norm Lenehan said that as part of the study, consultants would develop a model that estimates flood risk based on landform, historical data and observational evidence.

“Community participation is critical to the study’s success, particularly when it comes to collecting historical flood information,” Mr Lenehan said.

“We’re interested in first-hand observations from people who live in these areas so we can compare their experiences with the modelling to see if there is good correlation.”

Anyone who lives in and around Batemans Bay, Catalina, Batehaven, Sunshine Bay, Surfside, Long Beach and Maloneys Beach, or who has historical information on floods in these areas, can drop in to the Batemans Bay Community Centre on Tuesday 20 November any time between 10am and 2pm, and 3pm and 6pm to share their experiences.

An online survey is also available.

The Batemans Bay floodplain risk management study is one of several studies either in development or already completed that help the community understand the issues of living on flood-prone land.

Council is in the first phase of the Batemans Bay area study, which identifies which areas are flood-prone. The next phase involves finding solutions to reduce the risk.

Information about the project and a survey have been sent to residents and property owners adjacent to creeks within the study area.

The project is supported with technical assistance from the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and funded by the NSW Ministry for Police and Emergency Services.