The Merimbula Lake and Back Lake Floodplain Risk Management Study (FRMS) has been prepared for Bega Valley Shire Council to assess the flood risks identified in the Flood Study (Cardno, 2017). The FRMS will enable Council to become aware of flood prone locations within their LGA, as well as mitigation strategies in the Merimbula Lake and Back Lake catchments, to ensure the safeguarding of residents, properties and other infrastructure.

The overall objective of this study is to improve understanding of flood behaviour and impacts, and better inform management of flood risk in the study area in consideration of the available information, and relevant standards and guidelines. The outcomes of the FRMS Study will be to identify a number of structural and non-structural measures suitable for inclusion in the FRMP. Flood risk management measures identified in this FRMS include an evaluation of preliminary costs to allow for planning of any implementation and integration with Council’s existing long-term financial planning and asset planning processes. All options have been assessed utilising a triple bottom line approach in the form of a multi-criteria assessment.

This FRMS is intended to be used to:

• Identify measures to reduce the risk of flooding impacts on the community
• Reduce the manageable impact and risk of flooding on the community
• Assist in informing the community of flood risks in the study area
• Inform Council planning guidelines for the study area.

The overall objective of this Floodplain Risk Management Plan is to document and convey the decisions on the management of flood risk into the future. Drawing on the investigations undertaken as part of the floodplain risk management study, this plan outlines a range of measures to manage existing, future and residual risk effectively and efficiently. This includes a prioritised implementation strategy, describing what measures are proposed and how they will be implemented.