A flood study of Ooaree Creek and Werri Lagoon is being undertaken as part of a floodplain risk management process.
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Kiama council’s general manager Michael Forsyth said council was seeking information from residents around Ooaree Creek and Werri Lagoon, Gerringong as part of the study.
“Any information residents can provide will go into the study and help our understanding of flood behaviour in the area,” Mr Forsyth said.
“We are seeking photos, sketches, videos, newspaper and magazine articles, or other types of records relating to floods in this area.”
Mr Forsyth said flood marks on or around a property that showed the height of water at the peak of a flood were also useful.
“This might be debris marks on your house, fence, shed, power pole or other local landmark,” he said.
“You may also remember the height of the flood peak in relation to something such as your back steps, railings or furniture.
“If you have dates for when the flooding happened, even approximate dates, that is especially helpful.”
Council is distributing a questionnaire to residents to help gather the information required.
The results will then be provided to consulting engineers SMEC Australia, who have been appointed to undertake the study.
According to council, the flood study will provide the information necessary to develop a future flood risk management plan for the catchment.
A flood risk management plan identifies mitigation works and measures to reduce the damage and inconvenience caused by flooding.
This includes solutions to flooding in developed areas and ensuring new developments take into account the risk of flooding.
Further information about the study is available from public exhibition section of council’s website at www.kiama.nsw.gov.au.
In January, residents claimed a deterioration of water quality and “excessive stench” emanating from the catchment area at Werri Lagoon could create environmental and safety hazards.
Gerringong resident Sheridan Mills has lodged complaints with Kiama council, and said there were many people in the area concerned about the matter.
She said the area was dangerous and unpleasant to swim in, and called for greater education and regulation from council, as well as regular water quality analysis.
At the time, Mr Forsyth said council had received complaints regarding odours emanating from Werri Lagoon.
He said the odours were the result of the recent dry weather, warmer temperatures and the closure of the lagoon to the sea.
“As general advice, which would apply to any lagoon, swimming in the lagoon is not advised when closed, during an extended dry period or within 48 hours of rainfall,” he said.