SUMMARY
The "Final Flood Risk Management Study and Plan" for the Prospect Creek Sub-Catchments was developed to address significant flood risks in the Canterbury-Bankstown area, where over 35% of properties are affected during extreme flood events. The study identified flooding as a major economic and social issue, with annual damages estimated at $93.7 million. Its purpose was to assess flood behaviour, economic impacts, and the needs of the community to create a balanced and effective strategy for long-term risk mitigation. Community engagement was central to the process, collecting feedback through surveys, workshops, and public exhibitions to ensure the plan addressed local concerns like rising insurance costs, property devaluation, and urban runoff from increased development.
The primary outcome is a $27.5 million flood risk management strategy that combines structural, property-focused, and emergency response measures. Key structural interventions include detention basins, drainage upgrades, and stormwater channel expansions, while property-focused measures involve voluntary house raising and purchase programs. Emergency response measures, such as improved flood forecasting, education programs, and evacuation planning, were highly rated for their cost-effectiveness and ability to enhance community resilience. Villawood, with its low-lying industrial areas and high concentration of flood-affected properties, was identified as a priority area.
A multi-criteria assessment (MCA) ranked options based on economic, social, and environmental factors, emphasizing cost-effective and impactful measures. High-priority actions, totalling $5.5 million, include the Harden Reserve Basin retrofit and Tucker Reserve detention basin. The plan highlights flexibility, as implementation will depend on funding availability and opportunities. By integrating technical assessments, community input, and economic considerations, the study provides a comprehensive roadmap to reduce flood impacts, safeguard properties, and improve overall preparedness for future events in the Prospect Creek Sub-Catchments.
