The study area for the draft FMP incorporates the floodplain area covered by the 1979 Guidelines. It extends from Gooloogong in the east to Jemalong Gap in the Jemalong Range in the west. The floodplain supports sheep and cattle grazing, dryland farming and irrigated cropping. Wyangala Dam is the main regulatory structure in the Lachlan Valley, supplying water for irrigation, town, stock and domestic use. The dam operates a ‘variable space’ flood mitigation provision which can be operated for flood mitigation purposes. The dam also provides an environmental water allocation for seasonal watering downstream areas. The climate of the lower Lachlan catchment is classified as semi–arid.
The overall goal of the project is to coordinate floodplain development to minimise flood risk to occupiers and users of the floodplain whilst addressing the environmental, social and economic interests of the Lachlan River Valley. Within this goal, there are a number of objectives:
- provide assistance to the Committee to facilitate development of a Rural Floodplain Management Plan for the study area and any additional area deemed appropriate;
- embrace the Rural Floodplain Management Principles (the Principles) adopted by the Committee;
- investigate development control and strategic planning measures to restore the natural functions of the floodplain whilst minimising flood risk to private assets and public infrastructure;
- recommend specific hydraulic/environmental criteria for development control;
- recommend appropriate management measures to sustainably manage the floodplain;
- ensure that the community consultation process facilitates community ownership of the completed Plan;
- ensure that development proposals in rural areas do not adversely impact on Forbes township; and
- ensure compliance with State policies such as the Flood Prone Land Policy and State Rivers and Estuaries Policy, environmental legislation, relevant planning instruments and relevant resource management plans.
