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Glenreagh floodplain risk management study and draft plan underway

Ashby-Hair-Spa-Website-Advert   The knowledge and experience of residents in and around Glenreagh is being sought to help develop a floodplain risk management study and plan for that part of the Orara River Valley. Clarence Valley Council general manager, Scott Greensill, said council had engaged GHD Pty Ltd (GHD) to prepare the floodplain risk management study and draft plan, including community consultation and a number of environmental, property survey and engineering investigations to determine and assess flood management options for Glenreagh. The first phase of the investigations involves reviewing the previous flood study and researching information on the flood levels and flood flows within the catchment. As part of these investigations, GHD will liaise with the local community to get an understanding of the history of flooding in the area, as well as undertaking a number of investigative activities, including a house floor level survey. Mr Greensill said the GHD project team was keen to learn when and where past flooding has occurred, how residents and properties were affected and how people prepare for a flood. “The team is also interested in finding out if local residents have particular views on possible flood management options, such as flood awareness, levees, detention basins, early flood warning systems, evacuation and other management responses that will reduce risk to life and property in flood events,” he said. A survey questionnaire will initially be distributed to households and landowners in the study area and a community information session is to be held in Glenreagh on Tuesday, August 16, 2016. “We’d encourage the community to return the survey questionnaire and attend the community information session at the Glenreagh School of Arts hall so they can meet the study team, find out more about the project and provide historical information about past flooding in the catchment,” Mr Greensill said. The project team will include council staff, representatives of the Office of Environment and Heritage, NSW State Emergency Service, and council’s floodplain risk management committee. The team will meet at different intervals throughout the project to ensure an integrated approach to managing flood risk in and around the village of Glenreagh. The Glenreagh floodplain risk management study and plan project has been funded by the NSW Government’s floodplain risk management program and council. To register your interest in attending the community information session or to find out more about the floodplain risk management study, call the community information line on 6650 5600, email: cfsmail@ghd.com, or visit www.clarence.nsw.gov.au.