City of Coffs Harbour Council has adopted a comprehensive report on flood-prone areas at Moonee, combining expert analysis and real-world observations of local residents.
The Moonee Creek Flood Study was adopted by the Council at its September meeting, following a period of public exhibition.
The report incorporates changes to the floodplain since the last study (1998) and extends the researched area to capture all of the tributaries and developed parts of the catchment. It also considers the risks of climate change in relation to flooding.
“Flood studies improve our understanding of what’s likely to happen in a given area, and informs management of that risk,” said Mayor, Nikki Williams.
“There has been considerable development at Moonee so this new study has been able to include that urban growth into the considerations.”
Planning and Communities Acting Director, Ian Fitzgibbon said development applications on flood-prone land need to be accompanied by a flood impact assessment to show the construction will not adversely affect flood behaviour in a way that negatively impacts the flood risk to other development or properties.
“The Moonee catchment at 43 square kilometres is relatively small and because of this any flood water will rise and drop quickly,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“There is little recorded evidence of Moonee Creek flooding, aside from notable events in November 1996, January 2012 and June 2016.
“Broadly speaking, the flooding in the catchment is flashy in nature and to the west of the highway.”
Modelling undertaken for the flood study indicates much of the catchment is at no or minimal significant risk of flood. Known areas of concern – Heritage Park and Tiki Road – were identified in the modelling.
Flood studies help the Council and other agencies to understand how floods behave, the hazards they pose, and the risks involved.
Mr Fitzgibbon said flooding issues and concerns identified by the study matched the recollections of the community.
“Most of the issues raised by residents related to stormwater, while creek flooding concerns were relatively rare,” he said.
