Lower Macleay Floodplain Risk Management Plan
Stage 1 Flood Study
In line with the NSW Government’s Flood Policy and compliant with the NSW Government’s Flood Development Manual, Kempsey Shire Council (KSC) is reviewing the existing Lower Macleay Floodplain Management Plan (1999) and undertaking additional flood investigations to prepare a revised Lower Macleay Floodplain Risk Management Plan. The Plan will present detailed evaluations of all factors that affect and are affected by the use of flood prone land and provide input into the strategic and statutory planning roles of council.
KSC with financial and technical support from the NSW Government’s Flood Management Program engaged engineering consultants Jacobs Group (Australia) Pty Ltd to prepare Stage 1 of the flood risk management process, the ‘Lower Macleay Flood Study’. The Flood Study constitutes the first stage of the flood risk management process.
Using current best practice flood modelling techniques and aerial laser ground elevation survey information the study was a comprehensive flood modelling investigation to define flood behaviour and provide the technical foundation to develop a robust Flood Risk Management Plan.
The Study was placed on public exhibition for community and stakeholder comments and inputs during October 2019. Council adopted the final report at the ordinary Council meeting held on 17 December 2019.
For further information contact Jacob Franklin at Council on (02) 6566 3200
Related information
- Background of Macleay River floodplain risk management
- Lower Macleay Valley Flood Study - Final Flood Study Report (November 2019)
| Activity | Due date | Status | Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial site inspection | March 2018 | Completed | Consultants familiarisation of the floodplain & system |
| Data & existing modelling collection & review | April 2018 | Completed | Data review report |
| Model calibration, sensitivity assessments | October 2018 | Completed | Model development and calibration report |
| Prepare draft flood study | September 2019 | Completed | Draft flood study report |
| Public exhibition of draft flood study | October 2019 | Completed | Public comments and submissions |
| Finalise Stage 1 flood study | December 2019 | Completed | Final Stage 1 flood study |
Stage 2 and 3 Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan
Council has received notification from the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) that the grant funding application to undertake the next stages within the overall Lower Macleay Floodplain Risk Management Plan process has been approved.
Stage 2, the Floodplain Risk Management Study, evaluates management options (structural and non-structural) for the floodplain in respect of both existing and proposed development having regard for social, ecological, economic factors which relate to flood risk.
Stage 3, the Floodplain Risk Management Plan, will subsequently prioritise the recommended strategies. This stage will include public exhibition of the plan - a chance for the community who live and work on the floodplain to provide comments. These inputs will be considered for any revision of the draft plan. The stage will conclude with the Plan of Management for the floodplain being formally adopted by Council.
In 2017 Council completed a similar process for the Kempsey CBD and we encourage citizens to view the Kempsey CBD Floodplain Risk Management Plan in order to gain an appreciation for the format of the Risk Management Study and Plan intended for the Lower Macleay downstream of Kempsey.
Related information
| Activity | Due Date (approx.) | Status | Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Develop the project brief | February 2020 | Progressing | Tender documentation |
| Request for Tender, evaluations and award | March 2020 | Consultant contract | |
| Data collection - namely floor level survey | June 2020 | Additional data | |
| Model updates as per flood study recommendations | August 2020 | Updated model files | |
| Mitigation options and measures (structural and non-structural) identification | October 2020 | List of practical options and measures to assess | |
| Preferred options performance assessment | November 2020 | Multi-criteria appraisal of options | |
| Floodplain Risk Management Study | December 2020 | Floodplain Risk Management Study sub-report for committee review and approval | |
| Floodplain planning considerations | December 2020 | Recommended amendments to relevant DCP, LEP, policies and procedures | |
| Draft prioritisation of management actions | Decmber 2020 | Summary of high, medium, and low priority actions | |
| Draft Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan | January 2021 | Draft Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan report | |
| Public exhibition of Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan | February 2021 | Public comments and submissions | |
| Finalise Stage 2 and 3 Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan | April 2021 | Final Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan report |
