ATTACHMENT 1
CL……ROADS FOOTPATHS ACCESS
& FLOOD MITIGATION
DETAILED SUBMISSION – Local Floodplain Risk Management Policy
1. SUSTAINABILITY
1.1. Economic Implications
The design objectives and standards identified in the Local Floodplain Risk
Management Policy will provide transparent and consistent controls on
future development that match the flood risks to the ongoing use of the
floodplain. This approach will provide future investors and developers with a
clearer understanding of opportunities and constraints to development
leading to greater economic certainty.
1.2. Social Implications
The principal concern of the recommendations of the Policy is the protection
of life. The Policy aims to provide sustainable strategies for allowing
development and human use of the floodplain while managing the risk to life
and property.
1.3. Environmental Implications
The Policy emphasises maintaining the ecology of the river and its tributaries
by utilising sustainable floodplain management measures and balancing
flood mitigation with environmental impact. The suggested amendments to
the Foreshore Building Line sustain the ecology of the River and provide for
reduced risks to life and property.
2. ORGANISATIONAL IMPLICATIONS
2.1. Financial
Council is currently implementing the adopted Floodplain Risk Management
Studies and Plan’s for North Wentworthville and the Lower and Upper
Parramatta River Catchments utilising funds from the Environment
Improvement Program under the Suburban Infrastructure Special Rate.
Special Rate funds have been augmented by state and federal government
grants, loans and general revenue. Similarly, funds will be allocated from the
same funding sources to implement the Local Floodplain Risk Management
Policy should it be adopted by Council.
2.2. Legal
Not Applicable
2.3. Human Resources (HR)
Not Applicable
2.4. Information Technology (IT)
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ATTACHMENT 1
CL……ROADS FOOTPATHS ACCESS
& FLOOD MITIGATION
Not Applicable
2.5. Risk Management
The Local Floodplain Risk Management Policy, once adopted, will provide
Council exemption from liability in accordance with Section 733 of the Local
Government Act 1993.
According to Section 733 of the Act, Council does not incur any liability in
respect of:
(a)
any advice furnished in good faith by the council relating to the
likelihood of any land being flooded or the nature or extent of any such
flooding; or,
(b)
anything done or omitted to be done in good faith by the council in so
far as it relates to the likelihood of land being flooded or the nature or
extent of any such flooding.
2.6. Policy
The draft Local Floodplain Risk Management Policy would replace Council’s
Policy for Development and Building on Flood Prone Land (Policy No. E-5).
3. ALIGNMENT WITH CORPORATE PRIORITIES
The Local Floodplain Risk Management Policy provides a transparent process and
implementation package to manage the floodplain of the LGA in the future. The
Policy accords particularly with Council’s Corporate Strategy building blocks for good
governance, leadership and culture, best value and planning and strategy. The
Policy will ensure that Council works cooperatively with other councils, government
agencies and the community to improve and manage flood risk and to improve the
conditions of the floodplain with best value.
The Policy is an integral aspect of Council’s ongoing Roads, Paths, Access and
Flood Mitigation Program. Flood Risk Management Studies and Plan’s have been
finalised for the Upper and Lower Parramatta River Catchments and North
Wentworthville area and further are planned for Duck River, Duck Creek and the Mid
Parramatta catchments.
4. CONCLUSION
The Local Floodplain Risk Management Policy has been prepared in accordance
with the NSW Government’s Floodplain Development Manual (2005) and affords
exemption to Council from liability once adopted. Hence, it is appropriate that
Council resolves to place the draft Policy on exhibition.
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