Pambula Flood Study on exhibition

1 April 2021

Bega Valley Shire Council is seeking input from the local community on its draft flood study findings for the catchment areas of the Pambula River, Pambula Lake and Yowaka River and surrounding areas.

The public exhibition phase of the draft study is the result of significant input by the community through the initial consultation phase in 2019 and detailed site inspections by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) staff and specialist consultants.

Council’s Civil Assets Superintendent, Gary Louie says recent heavy rains and flood events across the shire have highlighted the need for planning to minimise the potential impacts of future flooding.

“Recent rainfall, storms and flooding are a reminder of the potential risk that floodwaters can pose to the community and its impact on private property and infrastructure.

“We’re keen to gather community feedback on the draft flood study findings and recommendations, including whether they align with the community’s experiences during recent events, Mr Louie said.

“Once complete, the flood study will allow Council and the community to confirm what areas of each catchment are prone to inundation and flood risk, where flood risk may be unacceptably high or where various mitigation measures may need to be implemented.

“It will also assist other stakeholders, like the SES, to undertake appropriate planning to minimise the potential impacts of flooding on the community.

“The final information will support improved strategic asset, land-use and emergency response planning the community and other stakeholders will benefit from.”

A key component of the public exhibition period will be three community drop-in sessions planned for Pambula Town Hall in April.

Mr Louie said the sessions will include a project presentation and provide an opportunity for the public to ask questions, provide comments and gain assistance with the preparation of detailed written submissions.

“All community feedback gathered from the public exhibition period will inform the preparation of the final documents.

“In meeting the objectives of the NSW State Government's Flood Prone Land Policy, the study will establish the basis for subsequent floodplain management activities.”

The draft Flood Study can be viewed on Council’s Have Your Say page and hard copies are available from the Council Offices in Zingel Place, Bega and at libraries in Bega, Eden, Tura and Bermagui.

Submissions about the draft report can be made until 2 May, via the Have Your Say, email at [email protected], or by post to PO Box 492, Bega NSW 2550. The Have Your Say page has further information and an online survey.

Photograph: Major culvert scour and damage at Centipede Creek, Nethercote following recent flooding