Were you affected by Cyclone Debbie? If the answer is yes, then Byron Shire Council wants to hear from you. They are currently running a survey to gather information on the impact of the floods in 2017 as part of gathering information to help them draw up the new North Byron Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan.
Byron Shire Council’s Flood Engineer, James Flockton, said the aim of the Flood Risk Management Study and Plan is to give Council solid information to allow for the development of strategies and options to better manage the risk of floods in the future.
The focus will be on the Brunswick River, Marshalls Creek and Simpsons Creek catchments and includes Mullumbimby, Billinudgel, Ocean Shores, New Brighton and South Golden Beach.
‘Some properties in these areas were completely inundated with water in 2017 and it’s these people we want to hear from because their first hand experience about the rise and fall of the flood water will be extremely valuable,’ Mr Flockton said.
‘The study will also review all relevant Council and NSW plans relating to land management, flood risk management, rising sea levels, climate change and emergency management,’ he said.
‘Floods have a terrible impact on the community and the information that we gather as part of this study will help Council try to manage future flood events and minimise the risk to residents and their properties,’ Mr Flockton said.
Council received $130,000 from the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage to do the North Byron Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan.
Council is urging all residents who live in the northern part of the Byron Shire to complete a survey that will provide important local flood information and the community’s thoughts on various mitigation options.
The survey can be found on Council’s website, www.byron.nsw.gov.au, you can pop into the council office to collect a paper copy or email [email protected] for more information.
‘Council will also be holding community information sessions, later in the project, so there will be a range of ways for people to talk to Council about how the final plan looks,’ Mr Flockton said.
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