Flooding is a relatively frequent occurrence in the Upper Nepean valley. Periodically, water from the Nepean River flows across the floodplains and into low lying areas of the Camden township, parts of South Camden and Elderslie and the extensive floodplains associated with the Narellan and Matahil Creeks. Flooding from these particular tributary streams, as well as . Navigation, Sickles, Cobbitty and Bringelly Creeks can also cause flooding in the Camden Local Government Area. Although there have been no recent major flood events, flooding is a random phenomenon that can occur at any time. It is essential that the community as a whole take precautions against future events, be they minor or major. In response to the impact of flooding from these rivers and creeks on the Camden community, the Council of Camden has recognised the need to develop an Integrated Floodplain Management Plan to manage flood hazard in the community. Following engagement by Council in April 1999, SMEC Australia undertook a detailed Floodplain Management Study and the preparation of a draft Floodplain Management Plan, under the direction of the Camden Floodplain Management Committee, which includes members of the community. The Study and Plan have been prepared in accordance with the principles and guidelines in the NSW Flood Prone Land Policy and its attendant Manual.

Methodology The Study process followed five basic stages consisting of: Stage One:

• Meetings with clients and other agencies
• Initial Community Consultation
• Data Collection and Review

Stage Two

• Flood Definition and Mapping
• Flood Damage Assessment
• Assessment of Land Use Zoning
• Assessment of Social and Environmental Issues
• Preliminary Identification of Floodplain Management Options

Stage Three

• Further community consultation
• Modelling Assessment of Selected Management Options
• Dambreak flood hazard assessment
• Assess Urban Release Areas, Flood Forecasting and Warning Requirements, Road design
• Impacts of landfill/ mine subsidence/ extractive industries
• Assessment and Recommendation of Flood Planing Levels and Management

Options

• Draft town planning provisions
• Preparation of Draft Floodplain Management Study Report

The completion of this draft Study and Management Plan marks the completion of Stage Three of the Process. The final Stages involve:

• Stage 4 - Public Display and Comments;
• Stage 5 - Assessment of Comments and Finalisation of Report and Plan.