Voluntary house raising, improved warning systems and greater emphasis on flood education are being touted within a revised floodplain risk management study released by council on Monday, October 23.
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The draft revised study and plan placed on public exhibition today investigates potential mitigation options for flooding from the Murrumbidgee River and makes recommendations for future preventative measures.
The study was compiled by flood and water management specialists who made recommendations to a council advisory committee.
Mayor Greg Conkey said it was important to recognise Wagga’s status as an at-risk regional centre.
“Wagga Wagga is a community that lives and works on a floodplain, so it’s vitally important we are managing flood risks now and into the future,” he said.
Cr Conkey pointed to two major flood events in the Wagga region since 2010 and last year’s minor event as being the catalyst for further action and said council had learned from those experiences.
“As well as gaining vital information from these events, there has also been major advancements in flood modelling technology, allowing a much larger area to be modeled to a greater degree of accuracy.”
One measure being considered in the draft plan is planting a DipStik – a flood measuring device that automatically sends alerts to council and SES services – in Oura to measure rising floodwaters.
An increased focus on youth awareness was welcomed by Mater Dei Primary vice-principal Margie Halicki who said flood risk education was an essential component for Wagga schools to consider.
“We go through lots of emergency procedural teaching around flood risks and other activities,” Mrs Halicki said.
“Our grade three and five students have been learning about sustainable ways of assisting people in floods.
“We also try and get experts from council and outside in to speak about the changing course of the landscape as it’s important for students be aware of their surroundings.”
