Liverpool’s flood-free project wins top NSW award

4 December 2018

A $4.7 million flood control project that makes properties and major highways flood-free has won Liverpool City Council the 2018 Water Management Award at the LGNSW Excellence in the Environment Awards.

Periods of heavy rain over the past two years which could have flooded up to 61 homes, the northern Liverpool central business district and cut the Hume Highway, Cumberland Highway and Elizabeth Drive were flood-free because of the work.

In announcing the award to Council, the state’s local government peak body LGNSW said the project is considered, “an exemplar of excellence in stormwater management. It has substantially increased the profile of stormwater and flood risk management by providing multiple community benefits.”

Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said flooding of Brickmakers Creek and its adverse effects on the surrounding area has been a long-term problem.

“Since this project was completed last year there have been major rains in the creek’s catchment, but no major highways or properties were reported to be affected by flooding.

“I must note the resourcefulness of Council’s staff in delivering this important project at a $2.3 million saving to the community. The first estimate of the cost was $7 million in 2010, but the job was finished last year for $4.7 million.

“Council staff simply found better, less expensive ways of doing things. For example, building a detention basin at Amalfi Park at Lurnea, which can hold large amounts of flood waters, eliminated the need for multi-million-dollar culvert works under two major highways. “

The Mayor said the project’s sports field, pathways and viewing platform to the Amalfi Park wetland are being widely used by the community.

The presence of wildlife, including ducks, has increased, while the Georges Riverkeeper has reported the amount of gross pollutants in the river has been substantially reduced.