About Flood Studies

Line of cars partially submerged in floodwaters on a tree-lined street

What is a flood study?

A flood study, along with data collection, is the first step in understanding the flood risk in a Local Government Area (LGA). It is the first step in the floodplain risk management process.

A flood study is a technical investigation of flood behaviour and allows Council to identify the risks from different sized floods, from small floods up to the largest possible flood. The study models the likely path of floodwaters and the likely depth.

Modelling of the local catchment system, including overland flooding, is the key to improving Council’s existing flood information. 

Overland flooding is flooding caused by water flowing over land caused by local runoff during and after rain, perhaps from drains and stormwater systems, rather than overflowing water from a river, stream or dam.

A flood study provides Council with an understanding of flood risk so it can manage existing development, plan for future development and to help the SES plan how to react to flood emergencies.

Why do we do flood studies?

The NSW Government now requires that local councils manage the risk of flooding within their Local Government Area (LGA).

New technologies mean than flood studies now provide highly accurate information around future flooding, and can identify risks and potential impacts.

Council uses flood studies to: 

  • Identify potential hazards and create appropriate planning controls to help reduce the impact of flooding
  • Develop flood reduction infrastructure to mitigate flood impacts to help keep our community safe
  • Share information around flooding with State Emergency Services (SES) and residents to help with planning and to help our community prepare for flooding.
  • Improve the accuracy of our flood early warning system, FloodSmart. 

 

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