Submissions have concluded for the Somersby & Kariong Catchment Overland Flood Study, undertaken by specialist flood consultants, Kellogg Brown & Root. The community questionnaire aimed to help us get a better understanding on the nature of flooding in the area to help inform future planning and management activities. The study area consists of the Kariong residential area, the Somersby industrial area, and the rural residential area immediately to its north (as mapped below). The NSW Government's Department of Planning and Environment are providing financial and technical assistance to help facilitate this project.

The aim of this study was to:

• Develop a baseline understanding of the nature of flooding using the most current information and technologies
• Help better understand local flooding problems
• Build community resilience by informing better planning of development, emergency management and community awareness
• Develop information to assist in future floodplain management activities to reduce flood impacts on the community and risk to life

Community involvement is essential to the success of the floodplain risk management process as it enables the community to:

• Contribute local knowledge of flood behaviour
• Directly influence strategic planning for development in flood prone areas

As a result, we received your feedback for this Flood Study between Monday 21 August and Friday 22 September 2023 via online submission form and email.

During the development of the Floodplain Risk Management Plan, residents will have further opportunities to help decide which flood mitigation measures they think are best for their local community. All survey information will remain confidential and will only be used for floodplain risk management purposes.

When providing feedback to Council your attention is drawn to the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 which allows for possible access to certain public and personal documentation. View our privacy statement.

Council is reviewing the community feedback received and will place the Flood Study on public exhibition for final feedback. Council will then prepare and finalise the Flood Study, and present back to Council for adoption. Those who make submissions will be notified prior to the Council Report being considered.

We will continue to keep the community informed as the project progresses.