Wolumla Flood Study

This study will improve Council’s understanding of flood behaviour and it’s impacts on the community, and better inform management of flood risk in the study area.

Road with flood water over it.

Project background

Bega Valley Shire Council has engaged with Rhelm Consultants to assist with the preparation of the Wolumla Flood Study and Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan. This study will improve Council’s understanding of flood behaviour and impacts on the community, and better inform management of flood risk, future strategic land-use planning, infrastructure planning and emergency response planning in the area.

Why we need this study

The study area encompasses the Wolumla Creek catchment focusing on the localities of Wolumla, South Wolumla and Frog's Hollow and four areas that were part of a 2018 Wolumla Planning Proposal to resolve deferred matters.

Wolumla Creek is a tributary of the Bega River, andthe floodplain and portions of the Wolumla Creek catchment can be subject to both mainstream and overland flow flooding.

There is currently no flood study or associated mapping for this area to assist Council and emergency services to plan for and manage this flood risk.

With two regional roads transiting the Wolumla Creek catchment, detailed flood information is needed for emergency response and infrastructure planning. Additionally, development pressures in and around the township of Wolumla highlight the need to understand flood risks associated with overland flow.

The floodplain risk management plan will provide Council with definitive actions to manage the existing and future flood risk within the catchment and deliver information to inform Council's future land-use, strategic asset and emergency response planning.

This project will be undertaken in accordance with the NSW Flood Prone Land Policy, the NSW Flood Risk Management Manual (2023) and in close collaboration with the NSW State Emergency Services (SES), the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE), and other agencies and stakeholders as required.

Funding

Council received partial funding from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment under the NSW Government Floodplain Management Program to assist with the completion of the study.

Total - $180,000
NSW Government - $120,000
Council contribution $60,000

Connection to Council's Community Strategic Plan

This project aligns with Bega Valley Shire Council Community Strategic Plan through:

Our Environment
Strategy C.5: Lead climate change mitigation and adaptation through implementation of our Climate Resilience Strategy focusing on natural systems, preparing for natural hazards, liveable and connected places, safe, healthy and inclusive community, diverse and thriving economy, energy security and food security.

Who to talk to

Gemma Gill
Civil Assets Superintendent
Bega Valley Shire Council
Email: ggill@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
Phone: (02) 6499 2222

Timeline of works

Frequently Asked Questions

[FAQ]