A study is currently underway to prepare a Floodplain Management Plan for Numurkah. The nature of flooding in the town has been examined to determine how flooding may be managed in the future.
Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority Floodplain Manager Guy Tierney said the study would include a determination of the nature of flooding under existing conditions, and an understanding of flood extents, depths and velocities for a range of flood magnitudes.
“It will include an assessment of flood damage to the community and examine the number of above floor flooding incidents.” Mr Tierney said.
“The study will also look at options to manage flooding in the future, and will include mitigation measures such as emergency management and flood warning arrangements, land use planning, and possibly structural measures to reduce human suffering and flood damage.”
The final technical report is currently being independently peer reviewed to ensure the document meets best practice.
“The community reference group has raised a number of technical issues that are being addressed through this independent peer review process.” Mr Tierney said. “Community consultation will occur following this independent review and we will invite submissions on the report and the flood mitigation options explored to date, and seek further feedback on any other flood mitigation options not yet considered.”
Feedback from the general community will be assessed to determine the next steps by the community reference group, and the study should be complete by early to mid-2015 to allow for endorsement or otherwise by the Moira Shire Council.
Moira Shire Council has engaged Water Technology to carry out the study, which is one of many flood studies being carried out within the Goulburn Broken Catchment to improve resilience against flooding.