Central Coast Council is undertaking a floodplain risk management study within the urban areas of Killarney Vale, Bateau Bay, Long Jetty and The Entrance to reduce the impact of ‘flash’ flooding on the local community.

The study, supported by the NSW Government’s Floodplain Management Program, will identify flash flooding ‘trouble spots’ and assess what measures are required to reduce the risk of flooding during significant storm events.

Mayor Jane Smith said Council was seeking the community’s help to collect information on past flooding experiences and local flood knowledge to help with the selection of flood reduction measures.

“These suburbs have been identified as priority areas and this study will focus on stormwater that overwhelms the drainage network causing flash flooding, as opposed to flooding from elevated lake levels,” Mayor Smith said.   “Local knowledge and experience in times of flash flooding is critical to the success of this study.

“We really want as many residents in these affected areas to contribute to this study by completing the questionnaire, sharing their stories, photos or videos of flood events and how they managed these so we can gain a complete understanding of flooding in this local area.”

Residents in areas covered by the study will receive a letter from Council containing a paper based survey and a reply paid envelope. Residents can either complete and post this survey or complete online at www.yourvoiceourcoast.com.

Director, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling said feedback from the questionnaires will be used to compile a short list of potential flood risk reduction measures that will be evaluated in detail during the subsequent stages of the project.

“The questionnaire is only the start of the consultation process and the community will have further opportunities to contribute to the study during later stages of the project,” Mr Dowling said.

“Council is looking for input through knowledge and experience from residential, commercial and industrial property owners in the study area. Even if you are new to the area, your thoughts and opinions regarding how you would react in the case of a flash flooding event are important to this study, so please take the time to take part.”

The project is estimated to cost $114,000 with the NSW Government’s Floodplain Risk Management Program providing two thirds of the cost, and Central Coast Council contributing one third of the costs for the project.

The study survey is now open and will close on Friday 22 December, 2017.