Annual Reports

2002-2003 Hawkesbury-Nepean Floodplain Management Strategy Annual Report

The fifth year of the Strategy has seen the Project Team roll out a number of large scale evacuation projects in the Hawkesbury-Nepean valley.

The completion of the Old Stock Road evacuation route, together with refinement of evacuation timing by the SES, has enabled rezoning proposals for 700 lots in Pitt Town to proceed.

Within Penrith Lakes Scheme urban development has presented a most challenging task due to the high hazards in severe flooding. The key issues are how to achieve a development form to facilitate a safe evacuation and how to minimise residential flood damage through flood smart building methods.

The Project Team provided training for council staff and others in the use of the Flood Hazard Definition Tool. This computer software package provides flood information up to the probable maximum flood.

The Windsor Flood Evacuation Route across South Creek EIS has been assessed by DIPNR and as no major issues were raised, a final conditional approval is anticipated later in 2003. The high-level bridge would provide the residents of Windsor with more time to evacuate than is the case today given that the low-lying flood liable roads are the only means of exit. Built to arterial road standards, the new bridge would form part of the RTA upgrades to Windsor Road and provide much-need improvements to daily traffic conditions.

The final step in the Strategy is to complete work with the six councils in study area in the preparation of local floodplain risk management plans using the Strategy flood hazard information and the best practice guidelines to provide a proper risk management basis for flood prone land and informed decision-making to protect future development and new residents.

This work will be completed by June 2004 at which time a final summary report of the works program will be provided to Government and the Committee will terminate having completed its Terms of Reference.

To find out more about the activities of the Hawkesbury-Nepean Floodplain Management Strategy during 2002-2003 download the attached sections of the report