Local Knowledge Needed for Flood Study

The experience and knowledge of local flooding events in the Northern Beaches is being sought from residents for a Flood Study of the coastal catchments of Corindi River, Arrawarra Creek, Darkum Creek, Willis Creek, Double Crossing Creek (Hearnes Lake) and Fiddamans Creek.

The information gained will be used to help ensure the flood models reproduce locally observed flood behaviour as closely as possible.

“Locals are our best source of historical data as they’ve lived through past floods and may have photographs, flood depth markers or even written accounts. So we’d very much like to hear from them so we can develop the clearest possible picture of how flooding affects the area,” said Sharon Smith, Council’s Section Leader Local Planning.

Local property-owners, residents and businesses are being invited to participate in the Coffs Harbour Northern LGA Flood Study by completing a short questionnaire. The questionnaire seeks information on flood damage, behaviour, location and length experienced by property-owners or tenants in the Northern Beaches.

Photographs, recordings of flood depths or other relevant material that residents may have and would like to share would also be welcomed for the study.

The questionnaire, and more information on the project, is available on Council’s Have Your Say website – haveyoursay.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/north-lga-flood-study Questionnaires will be collected until 18 December 2020.

Hard copies of the questionnaire can be obtained from –

The Flood Study is the first stage of the floodplain management process. Its goal is to provide detailed mapping so that Council will have an even better understanding of potential flood risks to assist with future development, planning, community education and mitigation works.

The project is being conducted with specialist flood consultants WMAwater.