Community reminded there’s still time to have say on flood study

Community members are being reminded to have their say on the Narrabri Floodplain Risk Management Study which is on extended public display.

Narrabri Shire Council recently held information sessions, with more than 160 people attending.

Mayor Ron Campbell extended his thanks to the people who attended the sessions and is encouraging those who haven’t already done so to provide their feedback prior to the closing date.

“The draft Narrabri Floodplain Risk Management Study recommendations include further analysis of channel widening and levee schemes for Horsearm and Mulgate Creeks, voluntary house purchasing and house raising options to be made available to eligible residents, investigation of suitable sites for new evacuation centres, and new zoning and building considerations for future developments,” Cr Campbell said.

“I want to emphasise that at this stage of the process, everything is on the table for comment, and nothing has been adopted at this stage, and won’t be until the public exhibition period closes, all submissions are considered, and it goes before council for final determination.

“It is important that all residents clearly understand what has been recommended so you can make an informed decision prior to sharing your thoughts on the proposals by way of submission.

“Council wants to know whether you agree or disagree with what has been recommended, as this will allow council to make the decisions for the community.

“Making a submission is easy. It can be a few lines expressing your opinion or a more detailed document.”

Cr Campbell said as major recommendations concern new zoning and building considerations, it is vital that all residents fully understand these proposals.

“This is an extremely important project designed to safeguard lives, protect property and to minimise the cost of serious flooding on the Narrabri economy,” he said.

“The study warns that Narrabri is amongst the most at risk, three or four towns in the state for major flooding. Council is endeavouring to make it as easy as possible for all residents to understand the implications, check out the website, including the Q&A, and please contribute your thoughts to assist our community to get the best outcomes.”

He said anyone with an opinion they wish to express should do so before the final decisions are made. He said the following are outlines of the proposals on the table.

High risk flood zones:

The high-risk zones generally cover the flood ways in Narrabri. Your property would be frequently flooded and would not be safe during moderate flood events. Significant changes have been proposed for this zone.

No filling or residential/commercial development of any kind would be allowed in the high-risk zone.

All future development would be prohibited. Undeveloped land within the floodway – mostly along Mulgate Creek adjacent to industrial land – would be rezoned.

Participation in the Voluntary Purchasing Scheme for existing residential properties which meet the NSW Department of Planning and Environment criteria would be possible.

Medium flood risk zone:

The medium flood risk zone covers much of Narrabri. It generally means that your property may be inundated during successive floods or there is a safety risk during larger floods.

Significant changes are proposed in this zone, including prohibiting land use intensification (i.e. subdivision, construction of additional habitable residential structures on already developed lots).

Prohibiting development for which assisted evacuation would be required (aged care and some medical facilities) is also proposed.

All new habitable residential buildings and extensions of existing habitable residential buildings would be required to prepare a flood evacuation plan.

New habitable buildings would need to have access to an emergency evacuation centre.

Commercial buildings will require a flood management plan.

Participation in the Voluntary Purchasing Scheme for existing residential properties which meet the NSW Department of Planning and Environment criteria would be possible.

Low flood risk zone:

A property in a low flood risk zone generally means that it would not be inundated by the one-in-100-year (one per cent annual exceedance probability) flood or potentially may not have access during a flood. If you are a residential property owner, there will be virtually no change to how you may develop your property. However, there are some new proposed controls.

Floor levels for new commercial properties would need to be one per cent annual exceedance probability (one-in-100-year flood).

Flood impact assessment would be required for excessive fill (over and above current Development Control Plan requirements).

Residential foundation controls below flood level would also be required. Minor extension floor levels would need to be not less than the existing habitable floor height (level).

Hazardous materials would be prohibited at levels below the flood planning level in all circumstances unless suitably bunded – for example, service station.

Submissions close at 5pm on November 28.