Community's chance to review flood studies

Published: 26 Mar 2021 2:37pm

Community members are being encouraged to give feedback on two comprehensive reports which focus on flood mitigation and risk management in Wagga Wagga and the villages of Uranquinty, Tarcutta and Ladysmith.

The 40-day public exhibition period for the Wagga Wagga Major Overland Flow Floodplain Study (MOFFS) and the Village Overland Flow Floodplain Study (VOFFS) opened on Friday 26 March.

The documents give details on several years of flood modelling and community consultation to source local knowledge of flash flooding after heavy localised rainfall.

The MOFFS and VOFFS do not relate to riverine flooding which was the subject of a separate peer review.

Council Director Projects and Strategy Darren Raeck said it was important for the community to have its say about the issues and recommendations raised in the two reports.

“These are two very comprehensive documents which consultants have compiled over a number of years dating back to 2011 … essentially we need to make sure we’ve covered off on every aspect of overland flooding in these areas,” Mr Raeck said.

“We value the knowledge of people living in these areas and will work with them to cross-check that what we have in the reports is consistent with the thoughts, first-hand knowledge and expectations of people who live there.

“The MOFFS report includes key recommendations for specific areas across Wagga Wagga city and the villages.

“Making a submission to the Council during this public exhibition period will help shape the final documents.”

Mr Raeck said residents could also contact Council with their feedback or any questions around the MOFFS and VOFFS. Council will also have consultants available for one-on-one engagement with residents as part of the review process.

He said consultations may be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, however, every effort will be made to ensure community comments are considered.

“We understand there is a lot of information to digest,” Mr Raeck said.

“We have uploaded an overall snapshot of the documents to Council’s website and this summarises the key points of MOFFS and VOFFS.

“We would then encourage residents to view the reports and find the sections relevant to them or the areas which prompt the most interest.

“The final part of the process is to make a submission. Tell us what you think about the reviews and the recommendations.

“These studies, when adopted by Council, will determine our funding priorities for works across the next decade.”

To make a submission and to review the MOFFS and VOFFS documents, go to wagga.nsw.gov.au/floodstudies

The public exhibition period will end on 5 May 2021 and a further report prepared to go back to Council for proposed adoption.