Infrastructure NSW has produced the first regional flood study for the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley area in more than 20 years.
The Agency said the new Resilient Valley, Resilient Communities – Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley Flood Risk Management Strategy was the result of years of investigation into the best ways to reduce risk as floods in the valley posed a significant danger to people’s lives, livelihoods and homes due to its unique landscape and the size of its population.
“While there hasn’t been a major flood in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley for over 25 years, floods can and will happen again,” Infrastructure NSW said.
Minister for Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres said the regional flood study had used the latest data available and a sound scientific approach.
Mr Ayres said the study had been reviewed by independent flood experts and was completed in liaison with Councils in the valley.
“The purpose of this Study is to ensure the people of the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley are as prepared as possible for flood risks and know what to do in the event of flooding,” Mr Ayres said.
“The Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley has the highest flood exposure in NSW, if not Australia.”
He said the new regional flood study had been provided to floodplain Councils, the Insurance Council of Australia and utilities to ensure they have the most up to date information.
Mr Ayres said the study would be used for master planning of evacuation roads and would underpin regional land use planning in the future.
The 18-page regional flood study for the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley can be accessed at this PS News link.
