Brushgrove is a small rural village situated between the Clarence River and South Arm tributary at the south-western end of Woodford Island, approximately 17km downstream of Grafton. Flooding at Brushgrove is relatively frequent as recognised in the SES Local Flood Plan, informed by a number of flood studies over the years. These studies generally estimate flooding of the village approximately every 4 years on average. Most of the Brushgrove village is flooded in the 5-year event and only the higher ground facing the Clarence River and the South Arm are not inundated. However, this area is overtopped in an approximately 20-year event.

Clarence Valley Council has decided to reassess the preferred flood mitigation measures recommended in the Grafton and Lower Clarence Floodplain Risk Management Plan for Brushgrove, in the current study. The following key tasks have been undertaken:

• Review available studies and assess the latest flood data;
• Gather additional information and update flood damages assessments and costs of mitigation options. Review cost/benefits of flood mitigation measures proposed to date;
• Consult with the community to gather information and views on floodplain management at Brushgrove; and
• Provide a Review Report that assesses the background information and additional investigations, presents revised technical findings and documents the community views.