Flooding in Captains Flat can pose a hazard to some residents and properties near creeks and overland flowpaths. The purpose of this study is to identify and examine options for the management of flooding within the study area. The Molonglo River catchment covers an area of approximately 2,000 square kilometres, extending from the Murrumbidgee River to the headwaters of the Molonglo and Queanbeyan Rivers. The land use of the catchment varies considerably, ranging from highly developed areas within Canberra and Queanbeyan, to wetlands, pine forests and rural land.

The overall objective of this study is to develop a Floodplain Risk Management Study where management issues are assessed, management options are investigated, and recommendations are made, and a Floodplain Flood Risk Management Plan detailing how flood prone land within the study area is to be managed. The specific objectives of the Floodplain Risk Management Study are:

• Review the current Captains Flat Flood Study (Cardno, August 2013) and update the model to reflect current catchment conditions;
• Review Council’s existing environmental planning policies and instruments including Council’s long term planning strategies for the study area, particularly in the light of the potential impact of climate change & in terms of consistency with the principles of the Floodplain Development Manual (2005).
• Identify residential flood planning levels and flood planning area
• Identify works, measures and restrictions aimed at reducing the social, environmental and economic impacts of flooding and the losses caused by flooding on development and the community, both existing and future, over the full range of potential flood events and taking into account the potential impacts of climate change.
• To assess the effectiveness of these works and measures for reducing the effects of flooding on the community and development, both existing and future and taking into account the potential impacts of climate change;
• To consider whether the proposed works and measures might produce adverse effects (environmental, social, economic, or flooding) in the floodplain and whether they can be minimised;
• In terms of the Department of Planning Circular PS 07-003 and “Guideline on Development Controls on Low Flood Risk Areas – Floodplain Development Manual”, determine if and where exceptional circumstance are appropriate for flood related development controls on residential development on land outside the residential flood planning area.
• In consultation with the NSW SES, review the local flood plan, identify deficiencies in information and address the issues identified in the DECCW Guideline “NSW SES Requirements from the FRM Process.”
• Examination of the present flood warning system, community flood awareness and emergency response measures in the context of the NSW State Emergency Service's developments and disaster planning requirements.
• Examine ways in which the river and floodplain environment may be enhanced without having a detrimental effect on flooding; and,
• Identification of modifications required to current policies in the light of investigations.