Managing Flood Risk in the Allans Creek Catchment

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Consultation has concluded

We’ve completed several studies to assess the flood risk within the Allans Creek Catchment. The risks are to people, property, infrastructure (e.g. roads and stormwater pipes) and assets (e.g. public parks and recreation areas). We’re now working on a Floodplain Risk Management Plan to look at ways to manage flood risk.

Measures used for managing flood risk
These measures might include groundworks in the catchment (e.g. drainage improvements and levees) to protect existing development and assets. We also consider using development controls and planning measures to reduce the risk of flooding to future development in the catchment. In addition, evacuation and emergency response planning will also be part of our approach to managing flood risk.

We’re asking the community to be involved in this flood risk management planning. We’d like to know where you think we should be focusing our efforts to protect existing homes, businesses, roads and other assets from flooding. We’d like you to be part of planning for flood-safe development into the future. We’ll work alongside the community and the State Emergency Service (NSW SES) so we can all respond to flooding in a coordinated, efficient and practical way.

Previous Community Input

The community has provided valuable input to previous flood investigations within the Allans Creek catchment. In 2006, they shared feedback with us as part of the previous Allans Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study. They provided accounts of their observations of previous flooding and shared feedback on the flood mapping through an online survey and community drop-in session. This input helped us to assess the suitability of a range of flood management measures for the catchment.

Flood risk management measures for the Allans Creek catchment
Using the previous flood investigations and input from the community, we’ve assessed a range of flood management measures for their suitability in reducing flood risk in the Allans Creek catchment. These include engineering works, vegetation management, development controls, planning measures and emergency response arrangements. These are some examples of each of these measures:

Engineering structures

Debris control structuresImproving drainage

Property modifications (existing development)

Voluntary house purchase

House raising

Development controls (future development)

Minimum floor levels


Emergency response and community awareness

Flood warning signsFlood plan


Learn more and help with our planning
To find out more about the process for managing flood risk and how you can be involved in our planning:

Drop-in information session
At this session, we’ll have maps showing the location of the recommended measures for managing flood risk. The flood engineers who are working on the Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan for this catchment will be there to answer your questions, explain what is being planned and how the proposed measures will help manage flood risks.

Date: Wednesday13 September 2023
Time: Anytime between 3:30-6:30pm - there's no presentation at this session, so you can drop in throughout the timeslot.
Where: Figtree Community Hall (West), 11 Princes Highway, Figtree

Accessibility, mobility or language assistance
If you’re d/Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech or language difficulty, you can contact us through the National Relay Service. If you need an interpreter, you can contact us through the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450. You’ll need to provide our phone number 02 4227 7111 for either service. If you would like to attend the information sessions and have accessibility or mobility requirements, please let us know how we can support your attendance. We can also arrange for an interpreter to come along to help residents who have difficulty communicating in English. To arrange support, please contact engagement@wollongong.nsw.gov.au

Join the conversation
Share your feedback with the project team by 9 October 2023. Submissions become public documents and may be viewed by other persons on request. Please read Council's Privacy Policy before submitting your feedback.

We’ve completed several studies to assess the flood risk within the Allans Creek Catchment. The risks are to people, property, infrastructure (e.g. roads and stormwater pipes) and assets (e.g. public parks and recreation areas). We’re now working on a Floodplain Risk Management Plan to look at ways to manage flood risk.

Measures used for managing flood risk
These measures might include groundworks in the catchment (e.g. drainage improvements and levees) to protect existing development and assets. We also consider using development controls and planning measures to reduce the risk of flooding to future development in the catchment. In addition, evacuation and emergency response planning will also be part of our approach to managing flood risk.

We’re asking the community to be involved in this flood risk management planning. We’d like to know where you think we should be focusing our efforts to protect existing homes, businesses, roads and other assets from flooding. We’d like you to be part of planning for flood-safe development into the future. We’ll work alongside the community and the State Emergency Service (NSW SES) so we can all respond to flooding in a coordinated, efficient and practical way.

Previous Community Input

The community has provided valuable input to previous flood investigations within the Allans Creek catchment. In 2006, they shared feedback with us as part of the previous Allans Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study. They provided accounts of their observations of previous flooding and shared feedback on the flood mapping through an online survey and community drop-in session. This input helped us to assess the suitability of a range of flood management measures for the catchment.

Flood risk management measures for the Allans Creek catchment
Using the previous flood investigations and input from the community, we’ve assessed a range of flood management measures for their suitability in reducing flood risk in the Allans Creek catchment. These include engineering works, vegetation management, development controls, planning measures and emergency response arrangements. These are some examples of each of these measures:

Engineering structures

Debris control structuresImproving drainage

Property modifications (existing development)

Voluntary house purchase

House raising

Development controls (future development)

Minimum floor levels


Emergency response and community awareness

Flood warning signsFlood plan


Learn more and help with our planning
To find out more about the process for managing flood risk and how you can be involved in our planning:

Drop-in information session
At this session, we’ll have maps showing the location of the recommended measures for managing flood risk. The flood engineers who are working on the Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan for this catchment will be there to answer your questions, explain what is being planned and how the proposed measures will help manage flood risks.

Date: Wednesday13 September 2023
Time: Anytime between 3:30-6:30pm - there's no presentation at this session, so you can drop in throughout the timeslot.
Where: Figtree Community Hall (West), 11 Princes Highway, Figtree

Accessibility, mobility or language assistance
If you’re d/Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech or language difficulty, you can contact us through the National Relay Service. If you need an interpreter, you can contact us through the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450. You’ll need to provide our phone number 02 4227 7111 for either service. If you would like to attend the information sessions and have accessibility or mobility requirements, please let us know how we can support your attendance. We can also arrange for an interpreter to come along to help residents who have difficulty communicating in English. To arrange support, please contact engagement@wollongong.nsw.gov.au

Join the conversation
Share your feedback with the project team by 9 October 2023. Submissions become public documents and may be viewed by other persons on request. Please read Council's Privacy Policy before submitting your feedback.

Consultation has concluded

If you have a question about this project, ask it here and we'll respond. Please sign in or register and read Council’s Privacy Notification before submitting your questions.

  • Share So what about higher up stream at branch creek a section of it runs through my property which in heavy rain a lot of water and debris was down from the escarpment which has caused damaged and erosion and banks fallen into the creek which then gets washed down to Allen’s creek on Facebook Share So what about higher up stream at branch creek a section of it runs through my property which in heavy rain a lot of water and debris was down from the escarpment which has caused damaged and erosion and banks fallen into the creek which then gets washed down to Allen’s creek on Twitter Share So what about higher up stream at branch creek a section of it runs through my property which in heavy rain a lot of water and debris was down from the escarpment which has caused damaged and erosion and banks fallen into the creek which then gets washed down to Allen’s creek on Linkedin Email So what about higher up stream at branch creek a section of it runs through my property which in heavy rain a lot of water and debris was down from the escarpment which has caused damaged and erosion and banks fallen into the creek which then gets washed down to Allen’s creek link

    So what about higher up stream at branch creek a section of it runs through my property which in heavy rain a lot of water and debris was down from the escarpment which has caused damaged and erosion and banks fallen into the creek which then gets washed down to Allen’s creek

    Dan2883 asked 9 months ago

    The upper reach of the Allans Creek catchment, which lies within the Escarpment, is characterised by steep slopes and dense vegetation. The lower portion of the catchment is relatively flat. The close proximity of the Escarpment to the coast leads to intense orographic rainfall conditions within the catchment, resulting in high creek discharges and velocities for rare and extreme events. This natural phenomenon also results in debris/sediment from the Escarpment being transported to the lower part of catchment. Creek erosion is a natural process and landowners need to consider the impact of possible natural creek movement onto their property.

  • Share Why are homes classified as flood prone when they have for the past forty years never had creek water flow onto their properties? on Facebook Share Why are homes classified as flood prone when they have for the past forty years never had creek water flow onto their properties? on Twitter Share Why are homes classified as flood prone when they have for the past forty years never had creek water flow onto their properties? on Linkedin Email Why are homes classified as flood prone when they have for the past forty years never had creek water flow onto their properties? link

    Why are homes classified as flood prone when they have for the past forty years never had creek water flow onto their properties?

    Howesmwc asked 9 months ago

    The study followed the Flood Risk Management Manual to classify properties within flood-prone land based on the likelihood of significant flood events up to the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF), not just past experiences. For example, if a property is within the extent of “one-in-100-year” flood or 1% annual exceeding probability (AEP), it means there is a 1% chance of a flood of that magnitude or greater occurring in any given year. It doesn't guarantee a once in a century event and doesn't rule out multiple large floods in a year. The magnitude of PMF is much larger than the magnitude of “one-in-100-year” flood. Flood risk assessment uses various data sources and computer modelling to map areas susceptible to flooding, even if it hasn't happened in decades. This information is crucial for property planning and flood proofing to prepare for future flood events, which can occur unexpectedly.

    This video explains why a property has been mapped as being in a flood prone area, even if people may not have experienced a flood there in many years, or at all. It also explains why major floods have been occurring frequently when they are called “1-in-100-year” floods in the news.


    This video explains why we have flood studies and how you can get information about flood levels for your property:


  • Share How can a brick veneer home be lifted to a non flood prone level, was once suggested by insurance company representative. Total lack of structural knowledge. on Facebook Share How can a brick veneer home be lifted to a non flood prone level, was once suggested by insurance company representative. Total lack of structural knowledge. on Twitter Share How can a brick veneer home be lifted to a non flood prone level, was once suggested by insurance company representative. Total lack of structural knowledge. on Linkedin Email How can a brick veneer home be lifted to a non flood prone level, was once suggested by insurance company representative. Total lack of structural knowledge. link

    How can a brick veneer home be lifted to a non flood prone level, was once suggested by insurance company representative. Total lack of structural knowledge.

    Howesmwc asked 9 months ago

    To lift a brick veneer home, it's essential to consult a house-raising expert for a tailored solution. Generic advice from an insurance company may not address specific structural needs. An expert can assess your property and provide guidance on the appropriate methods and costs involved in raising your home to mitigate flood risk.