Improving the region’s waterways

Central Coast Council is working to improve the management of the region’s diverse waterways and advancing flood mitigation efforts in vulnerable locations, with several current and upcoming projects open for community feedback.

Director Environment and Planning Luke Nicholls said that through collaboration, Council and the community were improving the waterways and reducing flood risks together.

“Flood management, water quality and coastal erosion are major priorities for both Council and the community,” he said.

“The geographical nature of our region presents an array of challenges and we’re working proactively to ensure the Central Coast remains a place we can all enjoy.

“We have several projects open, or soon to be open, for public comment, and encourage the community to provide feedback.

The Draft Flood Policy is on exhibition until September 23.

This policy outlines Council’s legislative requirements in setting a consistent approach to planning for climate change and sea level rise.

The Porters Creek Flood Study is on exhibition until September 22.

It is a review and update to the 2009 Porters Creek Flood Study to better understand flood risks in the Warnervale catchment area.

Tuggerah Lakes Flood Study will also soon be made available for public comment.

These studies will help to inform Council’s flood mapping tool which details flood impacts and influences future decision-making for flood mitigation strategies.

The Coastal Lagoons Coastal Management Program will open for comment soon.

A suite of draft actions will be presented to the community to comment on which actions they feel are best suited for the region’s five lagoons.

Additional projects and initiatives include: the Draft Open Coast Coastal Management Program which was recently on exhibition; works as part of the $4M Tuggerah Lakes – Urban Rivers and Catchment Program Grant; and recently installed flood warning signage at Burns Rd, Ourimbah.

Visit yourvoiceourcoast.com to comment on projects currently open for exhibition and sign up to eNews by searching ‘eNews’ at centralcoast.com.au to receive updates and be notified when an exhibition is open for consultation.