During their Tuesday, October 21 meeting, Council decided whether or not to endorse the establishment of a Flood Risk Management Committee. It was also recommended that Council endorse the issue of an expression of interest to the Bethungra and Wantabadgery Villages for one representative from each village, along with two Councillors.
The Flood Risk Management Committee, which will oversee the Bethungra and Wantabadgery Flood Study in Junee, is said to guide the flood study process, ensure community input and facilitate the development of effective flood risk management strategies. Council said the Committee’s work ensures flood risk management is integrated with broader community goals.
The report says :”Flooding poses risks to communities in the Junee local government area, including Bethungra and Wantabadgery and the ability for development within these villages. Flood events can result in damage to property and infrastructure, and long-term social and economic impacts.
The NSW Government’s Flood Prone Land Policy and Flood Risk Management Manual provide a framework for councils to manage flood risk through a structured process involving flood studies, risk management studies, and the development of management plans. This work intends to ensure current risks are mitigated and development in the villages can go ahead, where possible, with appropriate controls.
“Council has received funding through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to undertake a flood study. A key element of this process and our funding commitment is the establishment of a Flood Risk Management Committee.
The Committee brings together council staff, elected representatives, community members and state agency officers to ensure local knowledge and concerns are incorporated into flood risk management decisions.
“The report says the flood panel should comprise:- Council Staff: Director of Engineering Services or their delegate, and Director Corporate and Community Development or their delegate.
– Councillors: Two JSC Councillors.
– DCCEEW Representative: One representative, Senior Natural Resource Officer (Floodplain Management).
– NSW State Emergency Services (SES) Representative: NSW SES Southern Zone Coordinator.
– One local community member per village.
The report goes on to say, “Local government is primarily responsible for managing flood risk, with support from state and federal agencies. The Committee will operate as a partnership between council, community and state agencies, ensuring decisions reflect local needs and comply with legislative requirements.
“The idea behind the committee is to reduce the enterprise risk for Council in relation to flooding in the villages. The Committee will oversee the flood risk assessment, which will consider existing, future, continuing, and residual flood risks, including the impacts of climate change. The Committee is said to ensure that risk assessments are robust, incorporate community input and inform emergency management and land use planning. Establishing a Flood Risk Management Committee for the Bethungra and Wantabadgery Flood Study is essential for effective flood risk management in Junee, according to Council.
– Jack Murray
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