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WOLLONGONG CITY LOCAL FLOOD PLAN

A SUB-PLAN OF THE

WOLLONGONG

LOCAL DISASTER PLAN

Chair, Local Emergency

Management Committee

Wollongong City SES Local

Controller

JUNE 2010 EDITION

TO BE REVIEWED NO LATER THAN JUNE 2015

ii

Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan

CONTENTS

TABLES ...................................................................................................................................................................... iv

DISTRIBUTION LIST ............................................................................................................................................... v

AMENDMENT LIST ................................................................................................................................................ vi

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................................................................... vii

GLOSSARY .............................................................................................................................................................. viii

PART 1 - INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Purpose .......................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Authority ....................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Area Covered by the Plan ............................................................................................................................. 1 1.4 Description of Flooding and its Effects ......................................................................................................... 1

PART 2 - RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................................................................ 2

2.1 Wollongong City Local SES Operations Controller ..................................................................................... 2 2.2 Wollongong City SES Unit Members ........................................................................................................... 3 2.3 Ambulance Service of NSW ......................................................................................................................... 4 2.4 Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) ............................................................................... 4 2.5 Caravan Park Proprietors .............................................................................................................................. 4 2.6 Childcare Centres and Preschools ................................................................................................................. 5 2.7 Community Services ..................................................................................................................................... 5 2.8 Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) ........................................................... 5 2.9 Department of Primary Industries ................................................................................................................. 5 2.10 Integral Energy .............................................................................................................................................. 5 2.11 Wollongong City Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON) ...................................................... 5 2.12 Wollongong City Local Emergency Management Officer (LEMO) ............................................................. 6 2.13 Manly Hydraulics Laboratory (MHL) ........................................................................................................... 6 2.14 NSW Agriculture .......................................................................................................................................... 6 2.15 NSW Fire Brigades ....................................................................................................................................... 6 2.16 NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) ..................................................................................... 6 2.17 NSW Police Force - Wollongong & Lake Illawarra Local Area Commands ............................................... 7 2.18 NSW State Forests ........................................................................................................................................ 7 2.19 Rail Corporation (NSW) ............................................................................................................................... 7 2.20 Roads and Traffic Authority ......................................................................................................................... 7 2.21 Rural Fire Service (RFS) ............................................................................................................................... 7 2.22 School Administration Offices (including Catholic Education Office - Diocese of Wollongong,

Department of Education & Training and Private Schools): ..................................................................................... 8 2.23 Service and Sporting Clubs, Service and Sporting Clubs, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Bowling Club and

Soldiers Club ............................................................................................................................................................. 8 2.24 South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area Health Service ............................................................................ 8 2.25 State Rail Authority ....................................................................................................................................... 8 2.26 Surf Life Saving Clubs .................................................................................................................................. 9 2.27 Sydney Catchment Authority ........................................................................................................................ 9 2.28 Telstra ........................................................................................................................................................... 9 2.29 Transport Services Coordinator: ................................................................................................................... 9 2.30 Volunteer Rescue Association - South Coast Rescue Squad ........................................................................ 9 2.31 Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW .................................................................................................................... 9 2.32 Wollongong City Council ............................................................................................................................. 9

PART 3 - PREPAREDNESS .................................................................................................................................... 11

3.1 Maintenance of this Plan ............................................................................................................................. 11 3.2 Floodplain and Coastal Risk Management .................................................................................................. 11 3.3 Development of Flood Intelligence ............................................................................................................. 11 3.4 Development of Warning Systems .............................................................................................................. 11 3.5 Public Education ......................................................................................................................................... 12 3.6 Training ....................................................................................................................................................... 12 3.7 Resources .................................................................................................................................................... 12

PART 4 - RESPONSE .............................................................................................................................................. 13

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4.1 Control ........................................................................................................................................................ 13 4.2 Operational Sectors ..................................................................................................................................... 13 4.3 SES Operations Centre ................................................................................................................................ 13 4.4 Operational Management ............................................................................................................................ 14 4.5 Liaison ......................................................................................................................................................... 14 4.6 Communications ......................................................................................................................................... 14 4.7 Start of Response Operations ...................................................................................................................... 15 4.8 Flood Intelligence........................................................................................................................................ 15 4.9 Preliminary Deployments ............................................................................................................................ 16 4.10 Warnings ..................................................................................................................................................... 16 4.11 Information .................................................................................................................................................. 17 4.12 Road Information ........................................................................................................................................ 18 4.13 Road Control ............................................................................................................................................... 18 4.14 Flood Rescue ............................................................................................................................................... 18 4.15 Evacuations ................................................................................................................................................. 19 4.16 Management of Evacuees‟ Pets ................................................................................................................... 20 4.17 Essential Services ........................................................................................................................................ 20 4.18 Logistics ...................................................................................................................................................... 20 4.19 Resupply of Isolated Towns, Villages and Rural Properties ....................................................................... 20 4.20 Aircraft Management .................................................................................................................................. 21 4.21 Assistance for Animals ............................................................................................................................... 22 4.22 Stranded Travellers ..................................................................................................................................... 22 4.23 Assistance with Emergency Travel ............................................................................................................. 22 4.24 All Clear ...................................................................................................................................................... 22

PART 5 - RECOVERY ............................................................................................................................................. 23

5.1 Welfare ........................................................................................................................................................ 23 5.2 Recovery Coordination ............................................................................................................................... 23 5.3 Arrangements for Debriefs/After Action Reviews ...................................................................................... 23

ANNEX A - THE FLOOD THREAT .................................................................................................................... A-1

Northern Suburbs Catchment ................................................................................................................................ A-5 Collins Creek Catchment ...................................................................................................................................... A-5 Towradgi Creek Catchment .................................................................................................................................. A-5 Fairy and Cabbage Tree Creek Catchments .......................................................................................................... A-6 Allans Creek Catchment ....................................................................................................................................... A-6 Mullet Creek Catchment ....................................................................................................................................... A-6 Minnegang Creek Catchment ................................................................................................................................ A-7 Lake Illawarra ....................................................................................................................................................... A-7 COASTAL FLOODING ....................................................................................................................................... A-7 IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ................................................................................................................... A-8

ANNEX B - EFFECTS OF FLOODING ON THE COMMUNITY ................................................................... B-1

COMMUNITY PROFILE .................................................................................................................................... B-1 AREA 1 – NORTHERN SUBURBS .................................................................................................................... B-2 AREA 2 – HEWITTS CREEK CATCHMENT .................................................................................................... B-3 AREA 3 – COLLINS CREEK CATCHMENT .................................................................................................... B-4 AREA 4 – TOWRADGI CREEK CATCHMENT ............................................................................................... B-6 AREA 5 – FAIRY & CABBAGE TREE CATCHMENT .................................................................................... B-7 AREA 6 – ALLANS CREEK CATCHMENT ..................................................................................................... B-8 AREA 7 – MULLET CREEK CATCHMENT ..................................................................................................... B-9 AREA 8 – MINNEGANG CREEK CATCHMENT .......................................................................................... B-11 Lake Illawarra ..................................................................................................................................................... B-12

ANNEX C - ROAD CLOSURES ........................................................................................................................... C-1

ANNEX D - GAUGES MONITORED BY THE SES .......................................................................................... D-1

ANNEX E - DISSEMINATION OF SES FLOOD BULLETINS ........................................................................ E-1

ANNEX F - EVACUATIONS ARRANGEMENTS ............................................................................................. F-1

Arrangements ......................................................................................................................................................... F-1 Decision to Evacuate .............................................................................................................................................. F-1 Groupings and Tasks .............................................................................................................................................. F-2

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Phase 1 – Warning ................................................................................................................................................. F-2 Phase 2 – Withdrawal ............................................................................................................................................ F-3 Phase 3 – Shelter .................................................................................................................................................... F-4 Phase 4 – Return .................................................................................................................................................... F-4 Evacuation Areas (“Hot Spots”) ............................................................................................................................ F-4

ANNEX G - ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE EVACUATION OF CARAVAN PARKS AND THE

RELOCATION OF CARAVANS ......................................................................................................................... G-1

General .................................................................................................................................................................. G-1 Advising Procedures ............................................................................................................................................. G-1 Evacuation of Occupants and Relocation of Vans ................................................................................................ G-2 Return of Occupants and Vans .............................................................................................................................. G-3

ANNEX H - The Management of Coastal Erosion ............................................................................................... G-1

ANNEX I - PRESCRIBED DAMS IN THE WOLLONGONG LGA .................................................................. I-1

ANNEX J - EVACUATION RECORDING SHEET ............................................................................................. J-1

MAP 1 - WOLLONGONG LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA ................................................................................ I

MAP 2 - AREA 1: NORTHERN SUBURBS CATCHMENT ................................................................................ II

MAP 3 - AREA 2: HEWITTS CREEK CATCHMENT ....................................................................................... IV

MAP 4 - AREA 3: COLLINS CREEK CATCHMENT ......................................................................................... V

MAP 5 - AREA 4: TOWRADGI CREEK CATCHMENT ................................................................................... VI

MAP 6 - AREA 5: FAIRY & CABBAGE CREEK CATCHMENT ................................................................... VII

MAP 7 - AREA 6: ALLANS CREEK CATCHMENT ....................................................................................... VIII

MAP 8 - AREA 7: MULLET CREEK CATCHMENT ......................................................................................... IX

MAP 9 - AREA 8: MINNEGANG CREEK CATCHMENT ................................................................................. XI

TABLES

1. Flood Response Management Sectors…………...…………………………………………………………14

2. Possible periods of isolation – PMF…………………………………………...…………………………. 23

3. Airport location details…………………………………………………………………………………… 23

4. Flood Occurrences for Wollongong LGA by Month: 1950-1999………………………………………...A-2

5. No of Floods by Severity:1950-1999 ……………….……………………………………………………….A-3

6. Community Profile…………………...……………………………………………………………..……..B-1

7. Erosion Risk levels of beaches…………………………………………………………………………….H-2

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DISTRIBUTION LIST

Wollongong City SES Local Controller .................................................................... 1

Wollongong City SES Units ..................................................................................... 1

Illawarra South Coast SES Region Headquarters ..................................................... 1

SES State Headquarters ............................................................................................. 1

Wollongong City Local Emergency Operations Controller ...................................... 1

Wollongong City Local Emergency Management Officer ....................................... 1

Wollongong City Local Emergency Management Committee ................................. 4

Wollongong City Local Emergency Operations Centre ........................................... 2

Wollongong City Mayor ........................................................................................... 1

Wollongong City Council General Manager ............................................................ 1

Wollongong City Council Technical Services Department ...................................... 1

Wollongong City Council Floodplain Management Committee .............................. 1

Ambulance Service of NSW – All Stations ..................................................... 1 each

NSW Fire Brigades – All Stations ................................................................... 1 each

NSW Police Force, Lake Illawarra & Wollongong Local Area Commands ............ 2

NSW Police Force, Wollongong Police Rescue Squad ............................................ 1

Rural Fire Service, Wollongong Fire Control Centre ............................................... 2

Volunteer Rescue Association, South Coast Squad .................................................. 1

Integral Energy, Coniston Depot .............................................................................. 1

Telstra ........................................................................................................................ 1

Australian Aerial Patrol ............................................................................................. 1

NSW Agriculture ....................................................................................................... 1

Community Services ................................................................................................. 1

Roads and Traffic Authority, Wollongong ............................................................... 1

State Rail Authority ................................................................................................... 1

Department of Education .......................................................................................... 1

Diocese of Wollongong, Catholic Education Office ................................................. 1

Caravan Parks ................................................................................................... 1 each

Wollongong Local Transport Coordinator ................................................................ 1

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Illawarra Area ...................................... 1

NSW State Forests .................................................................................................... 1

Wollongong Disaster Welfare Service Functional Area Manager ............................ 1

Sydney Catchment Authority .................................................................................... 1

Childcare Centres and Pre-schools ..................................................................... 1 each

Rotary Clubs ....................................................................................................... 1 each

Lions Clubs ........................................................................................................ 1 each

Evacuation Centres ............................................................................................. 1 each

Hospitals ............................................................................................................. 1 each

Council Libraries ................................................................................................ 1 each

Schools ............................................................................................................... 1 each

Spare .......................................................................................................................... 1

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AMENDMENT LIST

Suggestions for amendments to this plan should be forwarded to:

The Local Controller

Wollongong City State Emergency Service

PO BOX 322, FAIRY MEADOW, NSW 2519

Amendments promulgated in the amendments list below have been entered in this plan.

Amendment List

Number

Date Amendment

Entered By

Date

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations have been used in this plan:

AIIMS Australasian Inter-agency Incident Management System

AEP Annual Exceedance Probability

AHD Australian Height Datum

ARI Average Recurrence Interval (Years)

ALERT Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time

AWRC Australian Water Resources Council

BoM Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

CBD Central Business District

DCF Dam Crest Flood

DECCW Department of Environment, Climate Change & Water

DSC Dams Safety Committee

DISPLAN Disaster Plan

DEOCON District Emergency Operations Controller

DSEP Dam Safety Emergency Plan

DVR Disaster Victim Registration

NOW NSW Office of Water

GIS Geographic Information System

GRN Government Radio Network

LEOCON Local Emergency Operations Controller

HF High Frequency

IFF Imminent Failure Flood

PMF Probable Maximum Flood

PMR Private Mobile Radio

PMP Probable Maximum Precipitations

PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network

RTA Roads and Traffic Authority

SES State Emergency Service

SEWS Standard Emergency Warning Signal

SWW Severe Weather Warnings

UHF Ultra High Frequency

VRA Volunteer Rescue Association

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GLOSSARY

Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP). The chance of a flood of a given or larger size

occurring in any one year, usually expressed as a percentage. For example, if a peak flood level

(height) has an AEP of 5%, there is a 5% chance (that is, a one-in-20 chance) of such a level or

higher occurring in any one year (see also Average Recurrence Interval).

Assistance Animal. A guide dog, a hearing assistance dog or any other animal trained to assist a

person to alleviate the effect of a disability (Refer to Section 9 of the Disability Discrimination

Act 1992).

Australian Height Datum (AHD). A common national surface level datum approximately

corresponding to mean sea level.

Average Recurrence Interval (ARI). The long-term average number of years between the

occurrence of a flood as big as, or larger than, the selected event. For example, floods reaching a

height as great as, or greater than, the 20 year ARI flood event will occur on average once every

20 years.

Catchment (river basin). The land area draining through the main stream, as well as tributary

streams, to a particular site. It always relates to an area above a specific location.

Design flood (or flood standard). A flood of specified magnitude that is adopted for planning

purposes. Selections should be based on an understanding of flood behaviour and the associated

flood risk, and take account of social, economic and environmental considerations. There may

be several design floods for an individual area.

Essential services. Those services, often provided by local government authorities, that are

considered essential to the life of organised communities. Such services include power, lighting,

water, gas, sewerage and sanitation clearance.

Flash flooding. Flooding which is sudden and often unexpected because it is caused by sudden

local or nearby heavy rainfall. It is sometimes defined as flooding which occurs within six hours

of the rain that causes it.

Flood. Relatively high water level which overtops the natural or artificial banks in any part of a

stream, river, estuary, lake or dam, and/or local overland flooding associated with drainage

before entering a watercourse, and/or coastal inundation resulting from super-elevated sea levels

and/or waves overtopping coastline defences.

Flood classifications. Locally defined flood levels used in flood warnings to give an indication

of the severity of flooding (minor, moderate or major) expected. These levels are used by the

State Emergency Service and the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology in flood

bulletins and flood warnings.

Flood intelligence. The product of collecting, collating, analysing and interpreting flood-related

data to produce meaningful information (intelligence) to allow for the timely preparation,

planning and warning for and response to a flood.

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Flood liable land. Land susceptible to flooding by the Probable Maximum Flood. (PMF) event.

This term also describes the maximum extent of a floodplain which is an area of a river valley,

adjacent to the river channel, which is subject to inundation in floods up to this event.

Flood of record. Maximum observed historical flood.

Flood Plan. A plan that deals specifically with flooding and is a sub-plan of a Disaster Plan.

Flood plans describe agreed roles, responsibilities, functions, actions and management

arrangements for the conduct of flood operations and for preparing for them.

Floodplain Management Plan. A plan developed in accordance with the principles and

guidelines in the New South Wales Floodplain Development Manual. Such a plan usually

includes both written and diagrammatic information describing how particular areas of flood

prone land can be used and managed to achieve defined objectives.

Floodway. An area where a significant volume of water flows during floods. Such areas are

often aligned with obvious naturally-defined channels and are areas that, if partially blocked,

would cause a significant redistribution of flood flow which may in turn adversely affect other

areas. They are often, but not necessarily, the areas of deeper flow or the areas where higher

velocities occur.

Flood Watch. A Flood Watch is a notification of the potential for a flood to occur as a result of a

developing weather situation and consists of short generalised statements about the developing

weather including forecast rainfall totals, description of catchment conditions and indicates

streams at risk. The BoM will also attempt to estimate the magnitude of likely flooding in terms

of the adopted flood classifications. Flood Watches are normally issued 24 to 36 hours in

advance of likely flooding. Flood watches are issued on a catchment wide basis.

Flood Warning. A Flood Warning is a gauge specific forecast of actual or imminent flooding.

Flood Warnings specify the river valley, the locations expected to be flooded, the likely severity

of flooding and when it will occur.

Geographic Information System (GIS). A computerised database for the capture, storage,

analysis and display of locationally defined information. commonly, a GIS portrays a portion of

the earth‟s surface in the form of a map on which this information is overlaid.

Local overland flooding. Inundation by local runoff rather than overbank discharge from a

stream, river, estuary, lake or dam.

Major flooding. Flooding which causes inundation of extensive rural areas, with properties,

villages and towns isolated and/or appreciable urban areas flooded.

Minor flooding. Flooding which inconvenience such as closing of minor roads and the

submergence of low-level bridges. The lower limit of this class of flooding, on the reference

gauge, is the initial flood level at which landholders and/or townspeople begin to be affected in a

significant manner that necessitates the issuing of a public flood warning by the Australian

Government Bureau of Meteorology.

Moderate flooding. Flooding which inundates low-lying areas, requiring removal of stock

and/or evacuation of some houses. Main traffic routes may be covered.

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Peak height. The highest level reached, at a nominated gauging station, during a particular

flood event.

Probable Maximum Flood (PMF). The largest flood that could conceivably be expected to

occur at a particular location, usually estimated from probable maximum precipitation. The

PMF defines the maximum extent of flood prone land, that is, the floodplain. It is difficult to

define a meaningful Annual Exceedance Probability for the PMF, but it is commonly assumed to

be of the order of 104 to 10

7 (once in 10,000 to 10,000,000 years).

Runoff. The amount of rainfall which ends up as streamflow, also known as „rainfall excess‟

since it is the amount remaining after accounting for other processes such as evaporation and

infiltration.

Stage height. A level reached, at a nominated gauging station, during the development of a

particular flood event.

Stream gauging station. A place on a river or stream at which the stage height is routinely

measured, either daily or continuously, and where the discharge is measured from time to time so

as to develop a relationship between stage and discharge or rating curve.

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PART 1 - INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose

1.1.1 This plan covers preparedness measures, the conduct of response operations and the

coordination of immediate recovery measures from flooding within the Wollongong City

Council area. It covers operations for all levels of flooding within the Council area.

1.1.2 The plan also covers arrangements for the management of coastal erosion / inundation in

the Council area.

1.2 Authority

1.2.1 This plan is issued under the authority of the State Emergency and Rescue Management

Act 1989 and the State Emergency Service Act 1989. It has been accepted by the

Illawarra South Coast SES Region Controller and the Wollongong City Council Local

Emergency Management Committee.

1.2.2 The State Emergency Service is the designated Combat Agency for controlling floods,

and to coordinate the rescue, evacuation and welfare of affected communities

(DISPLAN, 2006 and SES Act, 1989)

1.3 Area Covered by the Plan

1.3.1 The area covered by the plan is the Wollongong City LGA which includes a number of

urban and suburban areas from Helensburgh to Yallah and Windang. The Council area

with suburbs is shown in Map 1.

1.3.2 The Floodplain management areas within the Council areas are shown in Maps 2 to 9.

1.3.3 The Council area is in the Illawarra South Coast SES Region and for emergency

management purposes is part of the Illawarra Emergency Management District.

1.4 Description of Flooding and its Effects

1.4.1 The nature of flooding in the Wollongong City Council area is described in Annex A.

1.4.2 The effects of flooding on the community are detailed in Annex B.

2


PART 2 - RESPONSIBILITIES

The general responsibilities of emergency service organisations and supporting services

(functional areas) are listed in the Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan (DISPLAN).

Some specific responsibilities are expanded upon in the following paragraphs. The extent

of their implementation will depend on the severity of the flooding. Specific

responsibilities of agencies and organisations as they relate to tsunami are detailed in the

State Tsunami Emergency Sub Plan.

2.1 Wollongong City Local SES Operations Controller

2.1.1 Responsible for dealing with floods as detailed in the State Flood Plan, and will:

a. Control flood operations, coastal erosion/inundation operations when severe

storm activity is occurring or forecast; and tsunami operations in particular

warning and evacuation. This includes:

Directing the activities of the SES units operating within the Council

area.

Coordinating the activities of supporting agencies and organisations and

ensuring that liaison is established with them.

b. Maintain a Local Headquarters at Montague Street, North Wollongong in

accordance with the SES Controllers‟ Handbook and the SES Operations

Manual.

c. Ensure that SES members are trained to undertake flood operations in

accordance with current policy, as laid down in the SES Controller‟s

Handbook and the SES Operations Manual.

d. Develop and operate a flood intelligence system.

e. Develop and operate a coastal erosion/inundation intelligence system

f. Coordinate the development and operation of a flood warning service for the

community.

g. Participate in floodplain and coastal risk management initiatives organised by

the Wollongong City Council.

h. Coordinate a public education program.

i. Ensure that the currency of this plan is maintained.

j. Identify and monitor people and/or communities at risk of flooding, coastal

erosion/inundation and tsunami.

k. Direct the conduct of flood rescue operations.

l. Direct the evacuation of people and/or communities.

m. Ensure the provision of immediate welfare support for evacuated people.

n. Coordinate the provision of emergency food and medical supplies to flood

bound people and/or communities.

o. Ensure the provision of an information service in relation to:

Flood heights and flood behaviour.

Road conditions and closures.

Advice on methods of limiting property damage.

Confirmation of evacuation warnings.

p. Coordinate operations to protect property, for example by:

3


Arranging resources for sandbagging operations.

Lifting or moving household furniture.

Lifting or moving commercial stock and equipment.

Moving farm animals.

q. Arrange for support (for example, accommodation and meals) for emergency

service organisation members and volunteers assisting them.

r. If SES resources are available, assist with emergency fodder supply operations

conducted by Department of Primary Industries.

s. If SES resources are available, assist the NSW Police Force, RTA and Council

with road closure and traffic control operations.

t. Exercise financial delegations relating to the use of emergency orders as laid

down in the SES Controllers‟ Handbook.

u. Coordinate the collection of flood and coastal erosion/inundation intelligence.

v. Submit Situation Reports to the Illawarra South Coast SES Region

Headquarters and agencies assisting within the Council area. These will

contain information on:

Flood impact

Disruptions to infrastructure

Road conditions and closures.

Current flood behaviour.

Current operational activities.

Likely future flood behaviour.

Likely future operational activities.

Current and projected resource needs.

w. Keep the Local Emergency Operations Controller advised of the flood

situation and the operational response. This advice is to continue throughout

the flood operation.

x. Issue the „All Clear‟ when flood operations have been completed.

y. Ensure that appropriate After Action Reviews (AAR‟s) are held after floods.

z. Assist in the establishment and deliberations of the Recovery Coordinating

Committee after floods.

2.2 Wollongong City SES Unit Members

a. Carry out flood coastal erosion/inundation and tsunami response tasks. These

may include:

The management of the Wollongong City SES Local Headquarters

Operations Centre.

Gathering flood and coastal erosion/inundation intelligence.

Flood rescue.

Evacuation.

Providing immediate welfare for evacuated people.

Delivery of warnings and information.

Resupply.

4


Sandbagging.

Lifting and/or moving household furniture and commercial stock.

Assist with the relocation of caravans from caravan parks threatened by

flooding.

Moving domestic and farm animals.

Assisting with road closure and traffic control operations.

Assisting with emergency fodder supply operations.

b. Assist with preparedness activities.

c. Undertake training in flood and coastal erosion/inundation operations.

2.3 Ambulance Service of NSW

a. Activate NSW AMPLAN if required

b. Assist the SES with the warning and/or evacuation of at-risk communities (in

particular elderly and/or infirm people);

c. Consider the pre-deployment of ambulance resources, if access is expected to

be lost, to:

West Dapto area

d. Assist in repatriation of non-ambulatory persons; and

e. Provide a liaison officer if requested to do so.

2.4 Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BoM)

a. Act as the flood prediction agency.

b. Provide near real time rainfall and river level data on the internet

c. Provide Severe Weather Warnings (SWW) when large waves and/or storm

surge conditions are forecast to result in coastal erosion/inundation.

d. Provide Severe Weather Warnings when flash flooding is likely to occur.

2.5 Caravan Park Proprietors

Proprietors of caravan parks that are located on flood liable land listed in Annex B

are encouraged to:

a. Prepare a Flood Management Plan for the Caravan Park.

b. Ensure that owners and occupiers of caravans are aware that the caravan park

is flood liable and what must done to facilitate evacuation and van relocation

when flooding occurs.

c. Ensure that occupiers are informed of Severe Weather Warnings (SWW) that

advise of flash flooding and when flood waters are rising.

d. Coordinate the evacuation of people and the relocation of moveable vans when

flood waters are rising and their return when floodwaters have subsided.

e. Inform the SES of the progress of evacuation and/or van relocation operations

and of any need for assistance in the conduct of these tasks.

5


2.6 Childcare Centres and Preschools

a. Childcare centres should:

Liaise with the SES and arrange for the early release of persons in their

care whose travel arrangements are likely to be disrupted by flooding

and/or road closures.

Assist with coordinating the evacuation of preschools and child care

centres.

2.7 Community Services

a. Manage evacuation centres and coordinate relief agencies which support the

functional requirement.

b. Provide clothing, accommodation, food and welfare services for flood affected

people, including stranded travellers.

c. Provide a liaison officer if requested to do so.

2.8 Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW)

a. Provide technical advice to the SES regarding hydrological information for

streams and rivers in the Wollongong catchment areas.

b. Provide technical advice on coastal erosion/inundation related matters.

c. Advise the SES about conditions which may lead to coastal flooding or

retarded river drainage near the coast

d. Coordinate the collection of post event flood data, in consultation with the

SES

2.9 Department of Primary Industries

a. Coordinate the supply and delivery of emergency fodder.

b. Provide advice on dealing with dead and injured farm animals.

c. Provide financial, welfare and damage assessment assistance to flood affected

primary producers.

d. Coordinate the operation of animal shelter compound, facilitate for the

domestic pets and companion animals of evacuees.

2.10 Integral Energy

a. Provide advice to the Local SES Operations Controller of any need to

disconnect power supplies or of any timetable for reconnection.

b. Clear or make safe any hazard caused by power lines or electrical reticulation

equipment.

c. Assess the necessity for and implement the disconnection of customers‟

electrical installations where these may present a hazard.

d. Advise the public with regard to electrical hazards during flooding and to the

availability or otherwise of the electricity supply.

e. Inspect, test and reconnect customers‟ electrical installations as conditions

allow.

f. Assist the SES to identify infrastructure at risk of flooding for incorporation

into planning and intelligence.

2.11 Wollongong City Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON)

6


a. Monitor flood operations.

b. Coordinate support to the Local SES Operations Controller if requested to do

so.

2.12 Wollongong City Local Emergency Management Officer (LEMO)

a. Provide executive support to the LEOCON in accordance with the City of

Wollongong DISPLAN.

b. At the request of the Local SES Operations Controller, advise appropriate

agencies and officers of the activation of this plan.

2.13 Manly Hydraulics Laboratory (MHL)

a. Provide the Bureau of Meteorology and SES with real-time access to data

from stream and rain gauges.

b. Provide real-time offshore ocean data when storm surge conditions exist.

2.14 NSW Agriculture

a. Ensure immediate animal relief services and continuing rehabilitation

assistance to primary producers.

b. Provide animal care services for domestic and companion animals (pets) of

evacuees.

c. Provide damage assessment assistance to flood affected primary producers.

2.15 NSW Fire Brigades

a. Meet with the agreed arrangements described in the NSW SES/NSWFB MAA

b. Assist the SES with the warning and/or evacuation of at-risk communities.

c. Assist the SES with property protection tasks.

d. Provide resources for pumping flood water out of buildings and from low-

lying areas.

e. Assist with cleanup operations, including the hosing out of flood affected

properties.

f. Activate the Hazmat/CBR Emergency Sub Plan if required.

g. Consider the pre-deployment of fire protection resources, if access is expected

to be lost, to:

West Dapto area

h. Provide a liaison officer if requested to do so.

2.16 NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)

a. Monitor the effects of prolonged or intense rainfall in the Illawarra

Escarpment State Conservation Area with a view to closing public access to

management trails.

b. Close and evacuate at risk camping grounds in National Parks managed areas.

c. Warn and/or evacuate campers and walkers from flood prone areas within

National Park boundaries.

7


d. Provide advice to the SES Operations Controller on rainfall gauge readings

that are not accessible to the SES through the internet.

e. At the request of the SES, provide vehicles and personnel for flood related

activities.

2.17 NSW Police Force - Wollongong & Lake Illawarra Local Area

Commands

a. Assist the SES with the warning and/or evacuation of at-risk communities.

b. Assist the SES with the monitoring / reconnaissance of flood prone areas.

c. Conduct road and traffic control operations in conjunction with council and/or

RTA.

d. Coordinate the registration of all evacuees

e. Secure evacuated areas.

f. Provide a liaison officer if requested to do so.

2.18 NSW State Forests

a. Warn and/or evacuate campers and walkers from flood prone areas within

State Forest boundaries.

b. At the request of the SES, provide vehicles and personnel for flood related

activities.

2.19 Rail Corporation (NSW)

a. Close and re-open railway lines as necessary and advise the Wollongong SES

Operations Controller.

b. Arrange trains for evacuations and/or commuting purposes.

2.20 Roads and Traffic Authority

a. Close and reopen roads that the RTA is responsible for when affected by

floodwaters and advise the Local SES Operations Controller.

b. Manage public information for road closures.

2.21 Rural Fire Service (RFS)

a. Provide personnel in the following rural communities and villages to inform

the SES about flood conditions and response needs and disseminate flood

information.

Wongawilli

Darkes Forest

b. Provide personnel and high-clearance vehicles for flood related activities.

c. Assist with the delivery of evacuation warnings.

d. Assist with the conduct of evacuations.

e. Provide resources for pumping floodwater out of buildings and from low-lying

areas.

f. Assist with the relocation of caravans from caravan parks threatened by

flooding.

g. Provide back-up radio communications.

h. Assist with clean-up operations including the hosing out of flood affected

premises.

8


i. Consider the pre-deployment of fire control resources, if access is expected to

be lost, to:

West Dapto Area

j. Provide a liaison officer if requested to do so.

2.22 School Administration Offices (including Catholic Education Office -

Diocese of Wollongong, Department of Education & Training and Private Schools):

a. Liaise with the SES and arrange for the early release of students whose travel

arrangements are likely to be disrupted by flooding and/or road closures (or

where required, for students to be moved to a suitable location until normal

school closing time.)

b. Pass information to school bus drivers/companies and/or other school

principals on expected or actual impacts of flooding

c. Assist with coordinating the evacuation of the following schools if required:

Waniora Primary, Bulli

Bulli High School, Bulli

Dapto High School

d. Ensure that evacuation plans for flood liable schools have arrangements for

flood evacuations.

e. Provide space in the premises identified in the City of Wollongong DISPLAN

for Evacuation Centres and/or Assembly Points.

2.23 Service and Sporting Clubs, Service and Sporting Clubs, Lions

Club, Rotary Club, Bowling Club and Soldiers Club

Assist with:

a. Delivery of evacuation warnings.

b. Conduct of evacuations.

c. Lifting and/or moving household furniture and commercial stock.

d. Sandbagging.

e. Relocation of caravans

2.24 South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area Health Service

a. Manage the evacuations of patients from hospitals and nursing homes as

required.

b. Ensure aged care health facilities within the area have suitable and relevant

flood management and evacuation plans established that provide for their

respective needs during an event.

c. Develop a high risk register of people within the community who are home

based and in need of special medical support such as dialysis or disabled

access requirements.

d. Be prepared to provide a brief on logistical and medical support requirements

in order to assist in the evacuation of vulnerable members of the community.

e. Provide a liaison officer if requested to do so.

2.25 State Rail Authority

9


a. Coordinate the closure and re-opening of railway lines as necessary and advise

the Local SES Operations Controller.

2.26 Surf Life Saving Clubs

a. Assist the SES with the warning and/or evacuation of at-risk communities;

b. Assist the SES with flood rescue operations where resources and capability

allow.

2.27 Sydney Catchment Authority

a. Provide the SES with Dam Safety Emergency Plans including arrangements

for the notification of spills, releases and any potential failure.

2.28 Telstra

a. Provide additional telecommunications support for the Wollongong City SES

Local Headquarters as required.

b. Assist the SES to identify infrastructure at risk of flooding for incorporation

into planning and intelligence.

2.29 Transport Services Coordinator:

a. Arrange transport facilities for evacuations and/or commuting purposes.

2.30 Volunteer Rescue Association - South Coast Rescue Squad

a. Assist the Local SES Operations Controller with flood operations as requested.

2.31 Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW

a. Assist with the delivery of evacuation warnings.

b. Assist with the conduct of evacuations.

2.32 Wollongong City Council

a. Maintain a plant and equipment resource list for the Council area.

b. Maintain and operate flood mitigation works and advise the SES regarding

their operation

c. At the request of the Local SES Operations Controller, deploy personnel and

resources for flood, coastal erosion / inundation or tsunami related activities.

d. Close and reopen Council roads (and other roads nominated by agreement

with the RTA) and advise the Local SES Operations Controller, the Police and

people who telephone the Council for road information.

e. Assist with the provision of filled sandbags to urban and village areas in which

flooding is expected.

f. Ensure caravan parks maintain flood emergency evacuation plans as part of

the conditions of consent.

g. Assist with the removal of caravans from caravan parks.

h. In the event of evacuations, assist with making facilities available for the

domestic pets and companion animals of evacuees.

i. Provide for the management of health hazards associated with flooding. This

includes maintaining water supply and sewerage systems and removing debris

and waste.

10


j. Ensure premises are fit and safe for reoccupation and assess any need for

demolition.

k. Establish and maintain floodplain and coastal risk management committees

and ensure that key agencies are represented on such committees.

l. Provide flood studies, floodplain risk management studies and coastal

management studies to the SES.

m. During periods of coastal erosion as a result of storms at sea:

Assist the SES with reconnaissance of coastal erosion trouble spots

Liaise with the SES Operations Controller to determine the need for

response actions by the SES such as evacuations.

Liaise with the Engineering Services Functional Area Coordinator

before constructing or allowing the construction of any unapproved

physical mitigation works to protect coastal property or other structures

n. Provide the SES with real-time access to information from Council owned

telemetered Gauges located within catchments in the Wollongong area.

o. Provide a liaison officer to the Wollongong City SES Operations Centre.

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PART 3 - PREPAREDNESS

3.1 Maintenance of this Plan

3.1.1 The Wollongong City SES Local Controller will maintain the currency of this plan

by:

a. Ensuring that all agencies, organisations and officers mentioned in it are aware

of their roles and responsibilities.

b. Conducting exercises to test arrangements.

c. Reviewing the contents of the plan:

After each flood operation.

When significant changes in land-use or community characteristics

occur.

When new information from flood studies become available.

When flood control or mitigation works are implemented or altered.

When there are changes that alter agreed plan arrangements.

3.1.2 In any event, the plan is to be reviewed no less frequently than every five years.

3.2 Floodplain and Coastal Risk Management

The Wollongong City SES Local Controller will ensure that the SES:

a. Participates in floodplain and coastal risk management committee activities

when those committees are formed.

b. Consults with the flood prone community about the nature of the flood and

coastal erosion/inundation problem and its management.

c. Informs the Illawarra South Coast SES Region Headquarters of involvement

in floodplain and coastal risk management activities.

3.3 Development of Flood Intelligence

3.3.1 Flood intelligence describes flood behaviour and its effects on the community. The

effects include:

a. Inundation (leading to a need for evacuation and/or property protection).

b. Isolation (creating a need for resupply and/or rescue).

c. Disruption to community activities (for example, disruptions brought about by

the loss of transport routes).

3.3.2 The SES will develop and maintain a flood intelligence system.

3.4 Development of Warning Systems

The SES will establish and/or maintain a flood warning system for areas affected by

flooding. This requires:

a. An identification of the potential clients of flood warning information at

different levels of flooding (i.e. who would be affected in floods of differing

severities).

12


b. Available information about the estimated impacts of flooding at different

heights.

c. Identification of required actions and the amounts of time needed to carry

them out.

d. Appropriate means of disseminating warnings to different clients and at

different flood levels.

3.5 Public Education

3.5.1 The Wollongong City SES Local Controller, with the assistance of the Wollongong

City Council, the Illawarra South Coast SES Region Headquarters and SES State

Headquarters, is responsible for ensuring that the residents of the Council area are

aware of the flood threat in their vicinity and how to protect themselves from it.

3.5.2 Specific strategies to be employed include:

a. Dissemination of flood-related brochures and booklets in flood liable areas.

b. Talks and displays orientated to community organisations and schools.

c. Publicity given to this plan and to flood-orientated SES activities through local

media outlets, including articles in local newspapers about the flood threat and

appropriate responses.

3.6 Training

3.6.1 Throughout this document there are references to functions that must be carried out

by the members of the Wollongong City SES.

3.6.2 The Wollongong City SES Local Controller is responsible for ensuring that the

members are:

a. Familiar with the contents of this plan.

b. Trained in the skills necessary to carry out the tasks allocated to the SES.

3.7 Resources

The Wollongong City SES Local Controller is responsible for maintaining the condition

and state of readiness of SES equipment and the Wollongong City SES Local

Headquarters.

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PART 4 - RESPONSE

4.1 Control

4.1.1 The SES is the legislated Combat Agency for floods and is responsible for the

control of flood operations. This includes the coordination of other agencies

and organisations for flood management tasks. It also includes the planning for

and responding to tsunami, particularly for warning and evacuation.

4.1.2 The SES is the designated Combat Agency for damage control for storms.

This includes damage control for coastal erosion/inundation from storm

activity, specifically the protection of life and the coordination of the

protection of readily moveable household goods and commercial stock and

equipment. Details of these arrangements are in Annex H.

4.2 Operational Sectors

4.2.1 The follow Sectors have been pre-identified and the Operations Controller will

determine the alignment of these under the operational strategies.

Wollongong

Flood

Sector

Major Suburbs

1 A Stanwell Park, Stanwell Tops, Helensburgh

B Clifton, Scarborough, Wombarra, Coledale, Austinmer

2 Thirroul, Bulli

3 Woonona, Russelvale, Bellambi

4 Corrimal, Tarrawanna, East Corrimal

5

A Towradgi, Fernhill, Fairy Meadow

B Balgownie, Mt Pleasant, Mt Ousley, Keiraville

C North Wollongong, Gwynneville

6

A Mount St Thomas, Mangerton

B Mount Keira, West Wollongong, Figtree

C Kembla Heights, Mount Kembla, Cordeaux Heights,

Unanderra, Farmborough Heights

7

A Kembla Grange, Dombarton, Wongawilli, Horsley

B Brownsville, Kanahooka, Dapto, Koonawarra

C Huntly Avondale, Cleveland, Penrose, Tallawarra, Yallah

8 A

Lake Heights, Warrawong, Berkeley, Cringila, Port Kembla,

Kemblawarra

B Primbee, Windang

9 Port Kembla, Coniston, Springhill, Wollongong

Table 1: Flood Response Management Sectors

4.2.2 The Wollongong City Operations Controller may direct that other special

control arrangements apply for any particular flood operation.

4.3 SES Operations Centre

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4.3.1 The Wollongong City SES maintains an Operations Centre at Montague

Street, Fairy Meadow.

4.3.2 The location and contact details of the Wollongong City Emergency

Operations Centre (EOC) can be found in the Wollongong Local Emergency

Management Committee Contact Directory.

4.4 Operational Management

4.4.1 The State Emergency Service is committed to the Australasian Inter-agency

Incident Management System AIIMS structure for operational management.

4.4.2 Operation management for the Wollongong City Local Government Area will

be controlled from the Wollongong City SES Operations Centre or as

determined by the SES Operations Controller.

4.4.3 The SES Operations Controller, in consultation, will determine the breakdown

of the area affected in accordance with the principles of the AIIMS.

4.4.4 The SES Operations Controller will determine the need to manage by use of

operational Divisions and Sectors for the purpose of flood response

management.

4.5 Liaison

4.5.1 The severity of flooding will determine whether flood response operations are

controlled entirely from the SES Local Headquarters, or whether the

Wollongong City Local Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is activated to

coordinate support to the SES.

4.5.2 The Wollongong Local SES Operations Controller will liaise with the

LEOCON early in a flood event, to make a decision regarding the activation of

the EOC.

4.5.3 At the request of the Wollongong Local SES Operations Controller, each

agency with responsibilities identified in this plan will provide liaison

(including a liaison officer where necessary) to either the SES Operations

Centre or to the EOC as instructed.

4.5.4 Liaison officers are to:

a. Have the authority to deploy the resources of their parent organisations at

the request of the Wollongong City SES Operations Controller

b. Advise the Wollongong SES Local Controller on resource availability for

their service, and

c. Be able to provide communications to their own organisations.

4.6 Communications

4.6.1 The primary means of office-to-office communications is by telephone, fax

and/or email.

4.6.2 The primary means of communication to and between deployed SES resources

is by SES tactical radio network through the Government Radio Network

(GRN).

15


4.6.3 All other organisations will provide communications as necessary to their

deployed field teams.

4.6.4 Back-up communications can provided as follows:

a. Mobile phones.

b. Satellite Phones

c. Rural Fire Service VHF radio network

d. Alternately all SES GRN radios have capability to operate on UHF

4.6.5 GRN Liaison channels may be requested to be utilised as determined by the

operational requirement.

4.7 Start of Response Operations

4.7.1 This plan is always active to ensure that preparedness actions detailed in this

plan are completed.

4.7.2 Response operation will begin:

a. On receipt of Severe Weather Warning for Flash Flooding.

b. On receipt of Severe Weather Warnings for damaging surf or storm tides.

c. On receipt of a dam failure alert.

d. When other evidence leads to an expectation of flooding and/or coastal

erosion/inundation within the council area.

4.7.3 Contact with the Bureau of Meteorology to discuss the development of flood

warnings will normally be through the Illawarra South Coast SES Region

Headquarters.

4.7.4 The following persons and organisations will be advised of the activation of

the plan regardless of the location and severity of the flooding anticipated:

a. Wollongong City SES Unit members.

b. Illawarra South Coast SES Region Headquarters.

c. Wollongong City Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON),

for transmission to members of the Local Emergency Management

Committee.

d. Wollongong City Local Emergency Management Officer (LEMO),

4.7.5 Other agencies listed in this plan will be advised by the LEMO on the request

of the Local SES Operations Controller and as appropriate to the location and

nature of the threat.

4.8 Flood Intelligence

4.8.1 Sources of flood intelligence during times of flooding are:

a. Bureau of Meteorology. The Bureau provides:

Weather Forecasts warning of potential storm activity.

Severe Weather Warnings for damaging surf and storm tide

conditions

Warning of flash flooding. These are contained within Severe

Thunderstorm Warnings (STW) and Severe Weather Warnings

(SWW)

16


b. Illawarra South Coast SES Region Headquarters. The Region

Headquarters provides information on flooding and its consequences,

including those in nearby Council areas.

c. Wollongong City Council. Information on known flood prone areas and

properties.

d. The department of Commerce‟s Manly Hydraulics Laboratory

automated river watch system funded by the Department of

Environment, Climate Change & Water. This system provides river

height and rainfall readings for a number of gauges as indicated in

Annex C. Recent data from this system is available on the Manly

Hydraulic Laboratory website: http://www.mhl.nsw.gov.au. A history

of area floods is also available upon request via the website.

e. Active Reconnaissance. The SES undertakes and coordinates the

monitoring of known problem areas.

4.9 Preliminary Deployments

4.9.1 When flooding is expected to be severe enough to cut road access within the

LGA, the Local SES Operations Controller will ensure that resources are in

place for medical requirements and fire protection to those areas that could

become isolated.

4.9.2 When access to West Dapto and Calderwood is expected to be cut, the Local

SES Operations Controller will advise appropriate agencies so that resources

(including sandbags, fire fighting appliances, ambulances, etc.) are deployed

to ensure that operational capability is maintained.

4.10 Warnings

4.10.1 Warning services operate according to the following arrangements:

a. The Wollongong City SES Local Headquarters will:

Provides advice to the Illawarra South Coast SES Region

Headquarters on current and expected impacts of flooding.

Advise LEOCON, LEMO and Wollongong City Council of the

receipt of a flood warning

Establish and maintain a flood warning system for areas affected by

flooding

Confirm evacuation actions with Region and LEOCON.

b. The Illawarra South Coast SES Region Headquarters issues warning

information in the form of Flood Bulletins to:

Media organisations and agencies listed in Annex D.

District Emergency Management Officer and other Emergency

Service Operations Centres

4.10.2 Warnings are provided as follows:

a. Bureau of Meteorology Severe Weather or Severe Thunderstorm

Warnings for Flash Flooding. Provides a warning of the possibility for

flash flooding as a result of intense rainfall. These warnings are issued

when severe weather is expected to affect land based communities within

6 to 24 hours. Severe weather warnings for flash flooding will be

http://www.mhl.nsw.gov.au/

17


incorporated into SES Flood Bulletins issued by the Illawarra South

Coast SES Region Headquarters

b. Bureau of Meteorology Severe Weather Warnings for Damaging

Surf and Storm Tide. Provides a warning of the possibility for damaging

surf as a result of rising seas

c. Warnings Regarding Coastal Erosion/Inundation. The SES will

advise of the potential for coastal erosion/inundation by radio, contacts

with local progress associations and doorknocks

d. Evacuation Warnings.

Evacuation warnings will advise „at risk‟ residents of the possibility

to evacuate. Evacuation warnings will provide instructions what to

do if advised to evacuate and include advice on location of

assembly areas, evacuation centres, authorised or recommended

evacuation routes, arrangements for children in schools (including

pre-schools), arrangements for the elderly or infirm residents and

the likely duration of the evacuation

Evacuation Orders will be issued when evacuation must take place.

It will advise residents where the evacuation centres are,

recommended evacuation routes, arrangements for children in

schools (including pre-schools), arrangements for the elderly or

infirm residents and the likely duration of the evacuation

e. Dam-Failure Warnings. There are no prescribed dams in the

Wollongong LGA that have a significant or high risk rating. In the event

flood conditions exacerbate the dam failure risk the agreed arrangements

as per the relevant DSEP will be initiated. Currently prescribed dams in

the Wollongong LGA are listed in ANNEX I.

f. Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS). This signal may be

played over radio and television stations to alert communities to

Evacuation Warnings, Special Warnings or Dam-Failure Warnings.

Approval to use the signal will be obtained from the Illawarra South

Coast SES Region Headquarters.

g. Emergency Alert. This may be activated to disseminate warnings via a

voice message on landline telephones and a text message on mobile

phones.

4.11 Information

4.11.1 The Illawarra South Coast SES Region Headquarters issues SES Flood

Bulletins to media outlets and agencies on behalf of all SES units in the

Region.

4.11.2 SES Flood Bulletins contain the following information relating to all Council

areas in which flooding is occurring:

a. Current warnings, together with indications of the likely impact of

flooding at any predicted heights.

b. Current flood behaviour.

c. Details of conditions and closures of main roads.

d. Advice on safety matters and means of protecting property. When

operations relating to coastal erosion/inundation are being undertaken,

18


SES Region Bulletins will contain information and advice about property

damage mitigation measures and evacuation in affected areas.

e. When operations relating to coastal erosion/inundation are being

undertaken, SES Region Bulletins will contain information and advice

about property damage mitigation measures and evacuation in affected

areas.

4.11.3 The SES provides a “phone-in” information service for the community in

relation to current warnings, flood behaviour, coastal erosion/inundation, road

conditions and closures of local and main roads and advice on safety matters

and means of protecting property.

4.11.4 The Local SES Operations Controller is to ensure that the Illawarra South

Coast SES Region Operations Controller is regularly briefed on the progress

of operations and on future resource needs.

4.12 Road Information

4.12.1 Collation and dissemination of road information is actioned as follows:

a. It is the road owner responsibility to manage public road information;

however the SES will work in conjunction with the road owners to

coordinate the sharing of information

b. The Local SES Operations Controller provides road status reports for

main roads in the council area to the Illawarra South Coast SES Region.

c. Road Information obtained will be shared with the Police Force, Council,

and RTA.

d. The Illawarra South Coast SES Region Headquarters distributes

information on main roads to SES units, media outlets and agencies as

part of SES Flood Bulletins.

4.13 Road Control

4.13.1 A number of roads within the council area are affected by flooding. Details

are provided in Annex B.

4.13.2 The council closes and re-opens its own roads and any road, which it closes

and reopens in its capacity as an agent for the RTA.

4.13.3 The RTA closes and re-opens its own roads unless authorising the

Wollongong City Council to do so as an agent.

4.13.4 The NSW Police has the authority to close and re-open roads but will normally

only do so (if the council or the RTA has not already acted) if public safety

requires such action.

4.13.5 When resources permit, the SES assists Council or the Police by erecting road

closure signs and barriers..

4.13.6 In the event of major flooding, the Local SES Operations Controller may

direct the imposition of traffic control measures. The entry into flood affected

areas will be controlled in accordance with the provisions of the State

Emergency Service Act, 1989 (Part 5, Sections 19, 20, 21 and 22) and the

State Emergency Rescue Management Act, 1989 (Part 4, Sections 60KA, 60L

and 61).

4.14 Flood Rescue

19


4.14.1 The Region Operations Controller is responsible for the control and

coordination of flood rescues within the Wollongong LGA.

4.14.2 A Flood Rescue Desk will be set up at the Region Headquarters.

4.14.3 A Flood Rescue Cell will be set up at the Wollongong Local SES

Headquarters and managed by the Local SES Rescue Officer.

4.14.4 The Primary Accredited Rescue Unit and SES resource will be deployed at the

same time to respond to flood rescues where resources allow.

4.14.5 Rescues will be assessed to determine the best possible method to undertake

the rescue without posing additional risk to rescuers where possible.

4.14.6 Rescues can be carried out utilising swift water rescue techniques, high

clearance vehicles, flood boats and (under some circumstances) helicopters.

4.14.7 Additional flood boats and aircraft can be requested through the Illawarra

South Coast SES Region Headquarters.

4.15 Evacuations

4.15.1 The nature of flooding experienced in the Wollongong area is that of flash

flooding so evacuations will typically be small in number and isolated but be

required at very short notice. While not as a direct result of flooding,

evacuations may also be required in the event of landslides triggered by

prolonged or intense rainfall.

4.15.2 Wollongong City SES will maintain a database of properties that are at high

risk of rapid inundation during flooding and where sheltering-in-place may

pose an unreasonable risk to life. In the event of impending flooding residents

at those locations will be advised to evacuate in order to protect life and

minimise the requirement for rescue.

4.15.3 Evacuations will be controlled by the Local SES Operations Controller.

4.15.4 Where possible residents requiring evacuation should do so using their own

transport. Should it be required, the Wollongong City SES Unit can carry out

evacuations using high clearance vehicles or flood rescue boats.

4.15.5 When evacuations may be required, the Local SES Operations Controller will

advise the LEOCON so that evacuation centres and welfare support can be set

up in timely fashion.

4.15.6 Some residents may make their own decision to evacuate and move to

alternative accommodation using their own transport. Such evacuees must be

advised via the media to inform the Police or the SES of their evacuation and

their temporary address.

4.15.7 Field teams will carry out evacuations as required. Field teams conducting

doorknocks will record and report back to the SES Operations Centre the

following information:

a. Addresses and locations of houses doorknocked and/or evacuated.

b. Number of occupants.

c. Details of support required (such as transport, medical evacuation,

assistance to secure house and/or property and raise or move belongings).

20


4.15.8 Details of persons and premises that have been evacuated will be passed to the

relevant station of the NSW Police Force.

4.15.9 On arrival at evacuation centres, evacuees will be registered, medically

checked if necessary and provided with their immediate welfare needs.

4.15.10 The expected duration of evacuations will dictate the welfare staff

requirement and need for facilities at evacuation centres. If evacuations are

expected to be of a short duration, evacuees may be provided with short-term

accommodation at the centres. However, if they are expected to last for

longer than 24 hours evacuees will be encouraged to leave the evacuation

centres if they have alternative accommodation to go to. Alternatively,

accommodation will be arranged for them in motels, hotels or by billeting.

4.15.11 Caravan parks known to be flood liable are listed in Annex G, along with

arrangements relating to the evacuation of residents and the removal of

caravans.

4.15.12 The Scout and Guide camps at Mt Keira may require evacuation during

periods of intense or prolonged rainfall if the NPWS formally close the

Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area.

4.15.13 Transport and storage of furniture from flood-threatened properties will only

be arranged if time and resources permit.

4.16 Management of Evacuees’ Pets

4.16.1 In the event of a large-scale evacuation, animal shelter compound facilities

will be set up for domestic animals and companion animals.

4.16.2 Assistance animals are to accompany and/or remain in the care of their owners

at all times. This includes transport and access into evacuation centres etc.

4.17 Essential Services

4.17.1 The Local SES Operations Controller will ensure that the providers of

essential services (electricity, water, sewerage, medical and public health) are

kept advised of the flood situation.

4.17.2 Essential service providers must keep the Local SES Operations Controller

abreast of their status and ongoing ability to provide those services.

4.18 Logistics

4.18.1 The Wollongong City SES Local Headquarters maintains a small stock of

sandbags, and back-up supplies are available through the Illawarra South

Coast SES Region Headquarters.

4.18.2 Motorised sandbag-filling machines are available from Moruya and

Wollongong. Alternatively, local concrete trucks may be used.

4.19 Resupply of Isolated Towns, Villages and Rural Properties

4.19.1 The SES is responsible for the coordination of the resupply of isolated

communities and properties.

4.19.2 Isolation of properties within Wollongong LGA is not expected to occur for

periods exceeding 48 hours.

4.19.3 Requirements to ensure fire control and medical needs are addressed will be

coordinated through the Local SES Operations Controller.

21


4.19.4 Table 2 outlines the estimated periods of isolation that may occur for some

properties in certain areas during these periods.

Area

Approx. period

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Mt Kembla 1-2 days

Horsley 1-2 days

Wongawilli 2 days

Cleveland 2 days

Avondale 2 days

Huntly 2 days

Kembla Grange 2 days

Darkes Forest 2 days

Table 2: Possible periods of Isolation - PMF

4.20 Aircraft Management

4.20.1 Aircraft can be used for a variety of purposes during flood operations

including evacuation, rescue, resupply, reconnaissance and emergency travel.

4.20.2 Air support operations will be conducted under the control of the SES Region

Headquarters, through the SES Aviation Manager which will allocate aircraft

as required.

4.20.3 The Local SES Operations Controller may request aircraft for flood operations

within their council area through SES Region Headquarters, if other transport

means are not available or not suitable.

4.20.4 Heliport. Is located on the corner of Port Kembla Road & Springhill Road,

Wollongong. The actual facility is outside the flood threat area but access may

be subject to flooding in major events.

4.20.5 Airport.

Illawarra Regional Airport

Location Lat: 34.56S Long: 150.78E

Elevation 9.45 m above mean sea level (31 ft)

Capacity 16-34 Runway (North-South) is 1820m long.

Secondary Runway (East-West) is 1400m long.

Surface 16-34 – sealed – 30m wide

Limitations 16-34 – is subject to flooding.

16-34 – maximum take-off weight (MTOW) = 25tonne

Owner Shellharbour City Council

Table 3: Airport location details

22


4.21 Assistance for Animals

4.21.1 Matters relating to the welfare of livestock, companion animals and wildlife

(including feeding and rescue) are to be referred to the Department of Primary

Industries.

4.21.2 Requests for emergency supply and/or delivery of fodder to stranded livestock,

or for livestock rescue, are to be passed to NSW Agriculture.

4.22 Stranded Travellers

4.22.1 The F6 Freeway is the major traffic route through Wollongong. It is likely that

during flood events that the highway will be closed.

4.22.2 The Princes Hwy is the second major route through Wollongong. It is likely

that during flood events that the highway will be closed at numerous locations

as identified in Annex C.

4.22.3 Travellers seeking assistance will be referred to DoCS for the arrangement of

temporary accommodation or other assistance if required.

4.23 Assistance with Emergency Travel

4.23.1 The Local SES Operations Controller will arrange for the transport of

emergency service and/or essential personnel as required.

4.23.2 During periods of prolonged flooding the SES will endeavour to provide

assistance with the transport of people to and from isolated properties or

communities in order to ensure the continuity of normal community functions.

Each request will be considered on its merit and the most appropriate form of

transport will be used.

4.24 All Clear

When the danger to life and property has passed, the Local SES Operations Controller

will issue an „All Clear‟ message signifying that response operations have been

completed. This message will also advise details of arrangements for evacuated

residents to return to their homes or indicate what longer-term accommodation

arrangements have been made for those unable to do so.

23


PART 5 - RECOVERY

5.1 Welfare

Community Services will provide for the long-term welfare of people who

have been evacuated.

5.2 Recovery Coordination

5.2.1 The Wollongong City Local SES Operations Controller will ensure that

planning for long-term recovery operations begins at the earliest opportunity.

This is to be done by briefing the chair of the Wollongong City Local

Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) on the details of the flooding

and assisting in the establishment of a Recovery Coordinating Committee.

5.2.2 The Recovery Coordinating Committee is to prepare an outline plan for

recovery operations and be prepared to recommend how such operations

would best be controlled and coordinated.

5.3 Arrangements for Debriefs/After Action Reviews

5.3.1 As soon as possible after flooding has abated, the Wollongong City SES Local

Controller will advise participating organisations of details of response

operation debriefing arrangements.

5.3.2 The Wollongong City SES Local Controller will ensure that adequate

arrangements are in place to record details of the debrief and each item

requiring further action is delegated to an organisation or individual to

implement.

5.3.3 Follow-up to ensure the satisfactory completion of these actions will be

undertaken by the Wollongong City LEMC.

A-1


ANNEX A - THE FLOOD THREAT

LANDFORMS AND RIVER SYSTEM(S)

1. Flooding is common on the many short, steep streams that flow eastward from

the Illawarra Escarpment across the urbanized coastal plain. The escarpment

begins as a coastal cliff rising to 250 m elevation in Wollongong's northern

suburbs and rises to a height of 670 m to the west of Dapto at which point it is

about 20 km from the sea. East of the escarpment is a series of low ridges

divides the small, steep stream catchments. The coast proper is lined with sand

dunes, which impound small lagoons and swampy areas into which these creeks

discharge. To the south of the city is the 35 square kilometre Lake Illawarra, a

shallow tidal lake that occupies the area between plain and coastal dunes.

The council area has been divided into eight areas of study used by Flood

Management Committee (see Maps Section). The areas are also used in relation

to flood risk identification for the purpose of emergency response. These areas

are:

Area 1 – North from Flanigans Creek, Thirroul to Clifton

Area 2 – Includes Hewitts, Woodlands and Slacky Creek systems.

Area 3 – Extends from Bulli to Corrimal and includes Whartons, Collins,

Farrahars and Bellambi Gully Creeks systems.

Area 4 – Encompasses the Towradgi Creek system in the Corrimal area.

Area 5 – Centres on the central Wollongong area and includes Cabbage

Tree Creek and Fairy Creek catchments.

Area 6 – Covers the Mount Keira to Farmborough Heights areas

Area 7 – Covers the Mullet Creek catchment from Farmborough Heights

to Avondale.

Area 8 – Is devoted to a small region in the Lake Heights area.

There are also several minor creeks that flow westward from the escarpment

through unpopulated country to a series of water storage reservoirs. The more

important of these, and the storage's to which they feed, are:

Avon River and Gallahers Creek: to Lake Avon.

Cordeaux River and Kembla Creek: to Lake Cordeaux.

Rocky, Cataract, Bellambi and Allen Creeks: to Lake Cataract.

Waratah Rivulet: to Lake Woronora.

O'Hares Creek, a tributary of the Georges River, also flows west from the

escarpment.

A-2


0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

WEATHER SYSTEMS AND FLOODING

2. Flooding can occur at any time of the year, but in different seasons it is

triggered by different rain-producing mechanisms. There is a slight bias towards

the February-March period as well as August as far as flood occurrence is

concerned. Within this period the concentration is in the late summer and early

autumn months.

Table 4 - Flood Occurrences for Wollongong LGA by Month: 1950-1999 (Source: Wollongong City Council)

Floods may result from any of the five weather patterns summarized below:

a) Ex Tropical Cyclones: Rainfall and flooding that results from a cyclone

moving south and downgraded to a rain depression. Such weather systems

can produce prolonged heavily rainfall. Heavy rainfall originating from

these cyclones in the Illawarra can occur anytime between January and

May and have historically resulted in widespread and localised flooding

affecting dwellings.

b) Zonal Synoptic Patterns: This pattern occurs when the centre of a high

or low-pressure system is located south of New South Wales directing a

moist onshore flow onto the coast. These pressure systems often combine

with a low-pressure trough and/or upper air disturbances to create a state

of prolonged instability. In February 1984, moist air behind a front and a

high-pressure system centred southeast of Tasmania, along with small

surface low-pressure systems, resulting in extreme instability and intense

rainfall. Zonal synoptic patterns together with easterly lows account for

50% of the flooding in the Illawarra.

c) Inland Depressions: These inland depressions or low-pressure systems

originating from continental northern Australia that can dip down into

New South Wales and intensify over coastal areas. These often occur in

autumn, just after the northern monsoon season.

d) Easterly Lows: Defined as low-pressure troughs moving south from

Queensland, generally just off the NSW coastline, before heading in a

south-easterly direction. They occur predominately in the winter months.

A-3


0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

Extreme Minor Serious Severe Very Severe

e) Continental Lows: Low-pressure systems, which move across the

continent towards the central NSW coastline. There is two types;

Lows originating from central and southern Queensland moving

south towards Sydney, intensifying as they near or cross the

coastline. Unlike inland depressions no trough structure is evident.

Where a low-pressure system moves eastwards across the southern

continental areas, before intensifying near the coastline, thereby

producing intense rainfall. East coast cyclones or lows as identified

by Bryant(1991) would also fit into this category (these are easterly

moving pressure systems, which develop into intense cyclonic

depressions when they pass over mountainous coastal terrain and a

warm poleward flowing current. Predominately occur in winter and

autumn.

f) Thunderstorms: Localised thunderstorms have caused localised flooding in

various areas, usually to only sections of a suburb at any one occasion.

FLOOD HISTORY

3. Average annual rainfall in the council area varies from less than 1,100 mm in

the Dapto, Windang and Kemblawarra area to more than 1,600 mm along the

escarpment southwards from Mt Keira. About 60-70 per cent of this falls in the

summer and autumn quarters most of it in February, March and April. Rainfall

of more than 50mm in a day is recorded, on average, about eight times a year

somewhere in the council area. Such rainfall frequently produces flooding,

particularly when catchments are already wet. Very high daily falls (200 mm or

more) almost always produce flooding, much of it severe.

Table 5 – No of Floods by Severity:1950-1999 (Source : Wollongong City Council)

In recent decades, flooding has tended to occur frequently in some periods and

then to become less common. Floods were common in the 1950-52, 1958-61,

1973-78, 1983-84, 1991-92 and 1998-99 with periods but much less so in the

intervening periods. Severe floods are more common in the February-March

period and in August than in other months.

A-4


CHARACTERISTICS OF FLOODING IN THE WOLLONGONG

COAST CATCHMENT AREAS

4. The dominant feature of flooding in the council area is that it is usually 'flash'

flooding. The streams respond quickly to high-intensity rainfall and flooding

can begin very soon after the beginning of heavy rains. Due to the nature of the

topography rainfall can be concentrated within one catchment area without

effecting other or neighbouring catchments.

Except for their headwaters, most of the catchments are heavily urbanised; a

feature which increases the speed of rises in creek levels. Floodplain areas are of

relatively limited size, and during periods of flooding only small proportions of

total flow are carried within creek channels. The result is substantial floodplain

inundation, often to considerable depths. Velocities of flow are usually high

(often more than 2 metres per second) and flooding is characterised by very

rapid rises and falls in water level. As it is common in urban catchments, flood

peaks usually occur at night time. Overbank flows occur frequently, even in the

less severe events of approximately 20-50% AEP (that is, floods that occur on

average every 2 to 5 years).

Most of the creeks have been significantly modified by human intervention, and

the construction of buildings near the watercourse can sometimes divert flows

over areas some distance from the creeks themselves.

Filling of land in the lower reaches of catchment causes water that would

otherwise have remained within the banks of the streams to break out and in

severe events upstream flood levels can be significantly higher than would

previously have been the case.

The north-south orientation of the road and rail links means that all the creeks

are interrupted by culverts and bridges which have limited flow capacity that are

prone to blockage by debris, worsening these effects. Few road culverts are

capable of passing events more severe than those of about 10 % AEP without

overtopping. Inadequate waterway capacity or blockages are a frequent cause of

flooding.

Most of the creeks discharge into small coastal lakes, lagoons or swamps before

reaching the sea. The mouths are prone to closure through build-up of sand at

their outlets. This causes flood levels in the lakes and in the lower stream

reaches to rise in the early stage of a flood before the flood waters scour the

outlet. High velocities are often experienced at the outlets as the sand bars

collapse.

Previously observed flooding behaviour in watercourses in the area have

generally been characterised by:

Peak flood discharges significantly greater than the capacity of the

watercourses.

Rapid rise and fall of flood levels.

High flood velocities resulting in extensive damage to creek bank

vegetation and erosion of creek beds and crossings.

Large quantities of flood debris. At a number of locations the quantity of

flood debris appeared to exacerbate upstream flooding by blocking culvert

and bridge waterways.

A-5


The design capacity of the urban stormwater drainage system in the area of

interest is understood to be based on a 10 year or smaller Average Recurrence

Interval (ARI) storm event. Hence, some properties have been flooded by

surcharging of the stormwater drainage system and/or the inability of local

runoff to enter the stormwater drainage system independent of, or in

combination with mainstream flooding.

Because of the short catchment response times, it is extremely difficult to

accurately determine the timing and contribution of local flooding to overall

flooding at a given built-up location in the study area. Thus, the determination

of the likelihood and contribution of stormwater flooding requires some

subjective assessment.

Northern Suburbs Catchment

Response times from rainfall to effect on ground can be as low as 15 minutes. The

short distance from the steep catchment of the escarpment to the outflow at the ocean

means the flood flows are of high velocity. This increases risk of scouring of creek

banks, overflow onto roads and public access areas and undermining of properties. All

creek systems run through culverts or under bridges that are prone to debris blockage.

Resultant blockage causes overflow of flood waters onto roads and through

properties. This increases the risk to life for exposed people.

Hewitts Creek Catchment Catchment area is 7.5km

2 with average annual rainfall being around 1500mm on the

escarpment and 1300mm at the coast. Most flows are contained within the creek

banks in upper reaches of the catchment but the rapid rise and high velocities

increases the risk of scouring of the creek banks and undermining of properties.

Filling of land in the lower reaches of some of the catchment has significantly reduced

the pre-existing storage capacity of the floodplain. Many culverts and bridges have

been constructed within the creek system in the lower reaches which are vulnerable to

blockage from debris.

Ocean conditions contribute to back up of flood waters unable to expel into the ocean.

Also sand build up at the ocean outlets can restrict flow.

There are a number of known “hot spots” located upstream of the railway line and

along north-south orientated roadways and embankments.

Collins Creek Catchment

The upper reaches of the catchment are fed by runoff which originates in the

escarpment. The outlets for the creeks in this catchment flow into a coastal estuary

environment which is subject to entrance filling as a result of wave action. This may

result in reduced ability for outflows and also effects outflows during storm surge

periods. Flows quickly spill out of the creek banks east of Princes Hwy in a 20%

AEP.

Flooding within the catchment has been reasonably frequent. The Catchment has

experienced significant flood events in October 1987, April 1988 and August 1998.

Towradgi Creek Catchment

The Towradgi Creek catchment drains an area of about 7.2km2 through the northern

Wollongong suburbs of Tarrawanna, Corrimal, Towradgi and Fernhill. About 50% of

the catchment is steep and forested and forms part of the Illawarra Escarpment. The

A-6


lower half of the catchment is much flatter and mostly urbanised. Towradgi Creek

flows into the Pacific Ocean at Corrimal Beach.

The Towradgi Creek catchment has suffered regular flooding with 24 instances of

flooding occurring in the district from 1958 to 1989. On 17 August 1998 the largest

flood on record was experienced within the catchment. At least 40 houses and units

were flooded above floor level and the retail area in Corrimal was severely damaged.

Vehicles were swept off flooded roadways and some residents battled very hazardous

conditions whilst evacuating their flooded properties.

Analysis of this flood showed that the peak flood flow of the August 1998 flood was

smaller than the 100 year flood in the upper and middle parts of the catchment and

just larger than the 100 year flood in the lower part of the catchment.

Fairy and Cabbage Tree Creek Catchments

Fairy Creek is located immediately north of Wollongong. The four main branches of

the creek rise high upon the slopes of the Illawarra escarpment east of Mount Keira.

The Fairy Creek catchment occupies an area of approximately 7.6 square kilometres

to the confluence with Cabbage Tree Creek. The catchment area is subject to rainfalls

of high intensity and is characterised by steep slopes and a high degree of

urbanisation. The confluence of Fairy and Cabbage Tree Creeks (catchment area 10.5

square kilometres) occurs at a tidal lagoon just upstream of the Squires Way Bridge.

There have been 37 floods since 1945. The area worst affected by flooding is at North

Wollongong between the Illawarra Railway and the Cabbage Tree Creek confluence.

Significant floods causing damage and/or transport interruptions occurred in 1949,

1950, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1959, 1961, 1964, 1974, March 1975, 1977, 1978 and March

1983.

Allans Creek Catchment

Flooding within the catchment has posed a high hazard to the residents living in close

proximity to major watercourses. Major transport links and local roads have been

inundated by flood waters making evacuation and emergency access difficult. There

have been recorded flood rescues occurring in this catchment.

Flooding within the catchment has been reasonably frequent. Allans Creek has

experienced significant flood events in March 1975, March 1978, March 1983,

October 1983, February 1984, June 1991, August 1998 and October 1999.

The rate of flood waters for a 1% AEP has been calculated to approximate 7.8m/hr.

Time to flood peak can be less than 1 hour in some areas with some overbank

flooding in the upper reaches of the catchment occurring within 15min of heavy

rainfall. The lower reaches will have greater warning time with possibly 60-90 minutes.

Mullet Creek Catchment

The study area comprises two catchments, Mullet Creek and Brooks Creek, which

drain areas of about 72 km2 and 5 km2, respectively. Both watercourses discharge

separately to Lake Illawarra.

Has a small and steep catchment which regularly experiences very heavy rainfall. Due

to the proximity of the escarpment and rapid descent from headwaters to floodplain

floods tend to be in the flash flood category with rapid rises and falls. Response times

from rainfall to effect on ground are typically in the order of less than 6 hours.

The last major flood in this catchment occurred in 1984 where numerous flood

rescues occurred. Access to West Dapto is regularly lost in lesser events that can

A-7


isolate the area for the period of rainfall plus a number of hours after cessation of

rainfall.

The levels in Lake Illawarra can contribute to the effects of flood around the lake

foreshore and into the floodplain.

Minnegang Creek Catchment

The Minnegang Creek catchment is located 8.5km south of Wollongong. The steep

catchment rises from the northern shore of Lake Illawarra to the intersection of Lake

Heights Road and Flagstaff Road. Approximately 80% of the catchment is developed,

mostly with low density residential housing, with the remaining 20% being

recreational area or cleared open space.

There have been several large flood events in the catchment within the last twenty

years, the most significant being: 14 December 1985, 23 October 1987, December

1990, 17 August 1998 and 24 October 1999. There is limited information regarding

the nature of these flood events aside from the August 1998 storm event, which had a

recurrence interval of approximately two years in the vicinity of Minnegang Creek

catchment.

Over much of the catchment there is little difference between the flood extents for

events of different AEP, including the PMF extent. The peak flows and flood levels

along Minnegang Creek occur after approximately 40 minutes in the upper parts of

the catchment. In smaller events, such as the 20% AEP event, the peak flows

downstream of the Barina Park detention basin occur approximately one hour

following the start of the storm event. Along the tributaries and minor branches of the

creek, the time to peak flow is approximately 20-30 minutes. Due to the contained

nature of the flood flows within the catchment, only a relatively small number of

properties within the catchment are affected by flooding.

Lake Illawarra

Lake Illawarra is a shallow coastal lagoon located on the undulating coastal plain

between the ocean and the cliffs of the Illawarra Escarpment. The Lake Illawarra

Catchment has an area of 760 km2, rising from sea level to an elevation of 760m at

Mount Murray. Several surrounding water courses feed in to the Lake. These being

Macquarie Rivulet, Mullet Creek, Brooks Creek, Hooka Creek, Duck Creek and,

Horsley Creek..

The catchment is largely rural, with some residential and commercial land uses

located mainly in the lower catchment. In times of flood, the water levels of Lake

Illawarra are heavily reliant on whether the headlands of the catchment system are

open or not.

The catchment has suffered regular flooding with 13 instances of historical events

recorded ranging from 1919 till August 1998. Key flooding events occurred in 1975,

1977, 1984 and 1998.

COASTAL FLOODING

5. Along the coast proper, sea conditions can have a pronounced effect on flood

character. High tides, wave set-up and storm surge can all be influential.

Storm surge is an increase in the sea water level at the coast. The principal

factors in the generation of a storm surge are:

a. The wind stress on the sea surface, piling up water.

A-8


b. The atmospheric pressure reduction in the storm area raising sea water

level.

c. The net water transport shoreward due to waves and swell breaking in the

shallows.

d. The local surge modification due to bottom topography, abnormally heavy

rainfall and the presence of currents, tides and natural oscillations.

In addition to wind and barometric set-up there is an additional rise in water

level on the beach due to wave set-up. The wave set-up occurs between the

zone of breaking waves and the beach, and can be as much as 10 to 20 per cent

of the incident wave height.

The maximum water levels from a combination of high tides, wave set-up and

storm surge could be greater than 2.0 metres AHD. Of this, high tide levels and

wave set-up would account for much more than storm surge, which is estimated

to be able to contribute only about 0.4 metres.

Causes of flooding in coastal lakes and estuaries

Flooding within coastal catchments may be caused by:

a. An elevated lake level due to intense rainfall over the catchment. The

lake level rises when runoff inflow into the basin is greater than outflow

into the sea from the lake.

b. Elevated water levels within individual creeks as a result of intense

rainfall over local catchments.

c. Local runoff over a small area accumulating in low spots.

d. Elevated ocean levels. Frequently elevated ocean levels are caused by

storm surge.

e. Local wind conditions generating waves and setup across the fetch of the

lake.

These factors may occur in isolation or in combination with each other. In particular,

the combination of elevated ocean levels, strong winds and peak inflows into the

basin are considered to be particularly hazardous.

IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

6. Climate change modelling suggests that there are likely to be reductions in

average annual rainfall, but an increase in the intensity of rainfall events when

they do occur. Hence, creating a future rainfall regime characterised by longer

dry spells interrupted by heavier rainfall events.

The frequency of coastal flooding may increase as a consequence of sea level

rise and the potential increased frequency of storm surge events

Storage Dams

There are no prescribed dams that are recorded as extreme or high category so no

specific arrangements are contained within this plan.

B-1


ANNEX B - EFFECTS OF FLOODING ON THE

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Census Description LGA

Total Persons 184 213

Total Dwellings 77 025

Total persons aged 65 years and over 28 746

Total persons aged below 15 years 35 458

Total persons with a need for assistance

(profound / severe disability) 9 195

Total persons of indigenous origin 3 120

Total persons using Internet 39 008

Single parent families 8 340

Persons living alone 1 7696

Total persons who do not speak English

as primary 4 733

Total persons who lived at a different

address 5 years ago 53 562

Households without vehicles 8 982

Total persons residing in caravans,

cabins or houseboats 1 121

Mean household size 2

Table 6: Australian Bureau of Statistics (2006)

B-2


AREA 1 – NORTHERN SUBURBS

Population in Catchment Area 4,338

Flood Affected

Properties

Over-floor Inundation Grounds Inundation Only

10% AEP 21 57

5% AEP 77 72

2% AEP 98 64

1% AEP 105 66

PMF 136 83

Affected Suburbs

Coledale

Clifton

Scarborough

Wombarra

Coledale

Austinmer

Major

Watercourses

Unnamed Creek

Horse Creek

Stockyard Creek

Hicks Creek

Flanigans Creek

Gauges

Name Owner Type

Scarborough Fire

Brigade WCC Pluviometer

Possible Isolation

Access regained within 1-2 hours of cessation of rainfall. Possible causes

of prolonged access problems include debris obstructions or landslips

along Lawrence Hargrave Drive or arterial roadways

Critical Storm

Duration: 70mm rainfall in 3 hours

Possible Road

Closures: Lawrence Hargrave Drive

General Monash St, Wombarra is a known problem area.

Other:

Coledale Hospital can become cut off for short periods. Major landslips

or road inundation north and south of its location may affect ability to

obtain supplies or maintain functional operations in the short term.

B-3


AREA 2 – HEWITTS CREEK CATCHMENT


Flood Affected

Properties


20% AEP 11 15

5% AEP 75 32

2% AEP 91 144

1% AEP 97 148

PMF 125 188

Affected Suburbs Thirroul

Bulli

Major

Watercourses

Hewitts Creek

Slacky Creek

Thomas Gibson Creek

Tramway Creek

Woodlands Creek

Gauges

Name Owner Type

Rixons Pass Pluviometer

Hewitts Creek

Entrance MHL Height Recorder

Hewitts Creek MHL Height Recorder

Possible Isolation

Access regained within 1-2 hours of cessation of rainfall. Possible

causes of prolonged access problems include debris obstructions south

of the junction of Lawrence Hargrave Drive and Princes Highway

Critical Storm

Duration: 100mm / 8hrs

Possible Road

Closures:

Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul (between Hewitts Ave & Phillip

St)

Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul (Cnr Railway Parade)

Princes Hwy, Bulli (Bottom of Bulli Pass)

Princes Hwy, Bulli (Cnr Hobart St)

Princes Hwy, Bulli (Between Point St & Black Diamond Place)

Blackall St, Bulli (At Slacky Creek)

General

Known trouble spots exist in George and Lachlan Streets and Hewitts

Ave, Thirroul. The Princes Hwy and Lawrence Hargrave Drive at the

bottom of Bulli Pass and the highway near Bulli Trotting Track in this

area have suffered damage in previous events.

Other: Any tidal surge in excess of 1.4m will directly affect flood outflows.

B-4


AREA 3 – COLLINS CREEK CATCHMENT


Flood Affected

Properties


10% AEP

Study in progress at time of publication.

No Information Available

5% AEP

2% AEP

1% AEP

PMF

Affected Suburbs

Bellambi

Bulli

Corrimal

Corrimal East

Russell Vale

Woonona

Major

Watercourses

Whartons Creek

Collins Creek

Farrahars Creek

Bellambi Gully Creek

Gauges

Name Owner Type

Popes Rd - Woonona Pluviometer

Russel Vale 2 MHL Pluviometer

Possible Isolation

Access regained within 1-2 hours of cessation of rainfall. Possible causes

of prolonged access problems include debris obstructions or landslips

along Lawrence Hargrave Drive to the north or arterial roadways.

Critical Storm

Duration: 130mm rainfall

Possible Road

Closures:

Birch Crescent, Bellambi (Northern End)

Carrington Street, Woonona (Cnr Lawrence St)

Culgoa Road, Woonona (Between Kareela Rd & Campbell St)

Campbell Street, Woonona (Between Northern Distributor & Robert

St)

Cawley Street, Bellambi (Between Connaghan Ave & Rothery St)

Farrell Road, Bulli (Cnr Trinity Road)

Gahans Lane, Woonona (Eastern end)

Hollymount View, Woonona

Northern Distributor, Corrimal (Between Rothery St & Bellambi Ln)

Pioneer Road, Bellambi (Between Bellambi Lane & Lismore St)

Pioneer Rd, East Corrimal (Between Coolgardie St & Owen Park Rd)

Princes Hwy, Bulli (Between Hopetoun & Organs Road)

Princes Hwy, Woonona (Between Gray St & Hillcrest Ave)

Princes Hwy, Woonona (Between Alfred St & Hale St)

Princes Hwy, Russel Vale (Outside Golf Course)

Princes Hwy, Russel Vale (Between Broker & Moreton Sts)

Princes Hwy, Russel Vale (Between Albert St & Bellambi Lane)

Princes Hwy, Corrimal (Between North of Rothery Road)

Railway Parade, Woonona East (Southern End)

Rothery Street, Corrimal (

Stanhope Street, Woonona

Ursula Road, Bulli

B-5


Schools Waniora Primary

Bulli High

Caravan Parks Bulli Beach Tourist Park

General

Nicholson Rd, Woonona, and Lismore & Ellen Sts, Bellambi are

known problems in this area as well as the area about and including the

Northern Bowl in Bellambi Lane.

The area between the Illawarra Railway line and Bellambi beach also a

common flood zone.

Other:

Bulli Hospital is in the Whartons Creek Catchment. Access to hospital

can be lost on Princes Hwy intersection at a 5% AEP.

Railway line may become compromised due to scouring, culvert

blockage and inundation.

B-6


AREA 4 – TOWRADGI CREEK CATCHMENT


Flood Affected

Properties


20% AEP 84 175

5% AEP 132 195

2% AEP 153 231

1% AEP 183 259

PMF 551 203

Affected Suburbs

Corrimal

Tarrawanna

East Corrimal

Towradgi

Fernhill

Major

Watercourses Towradgi Creek

Gauges

Name Owner Type

Towradgi Creek DS MHL Height Recorder

Towradgi creek US MHL Height Recorder

Bellambi Pluviometer

Russel Vale MHL Pluviometer

Possible Isolation Access regained within 1-2 hours of cessation of rainfall.

Critical Storm

Duration: 90 mm rainfall

Possible Road

Closures:

Bellambi St, Tarrawanna (Southern End)

Collins Street, Corrimal

Lake Parade , East Corrimal

Meadow St, Tarrawanna (Between Caldwell Ave & Keira St)

Meadow St, Tarrawanna

Northern Distributor, Corrimal (At Railway St & to the south)

Pioneer Road, east Corrimal (Between Sturdee St & Lake Parade)

Princes Hwy, Corrimal (Between Towradgi Rd & Thurston Cres)

Princes Hwy, Corrimal (Cnr Tarrawanna Rd)

Princes Hwy, Corrimal (Between Railway St & Russell st)

Railway St, Corrimal (Between Harbinger St & Gilbert St)

Underwood St, Corrimal (At The Avenue & Francis St intersection up

to Russell St)

Caravan Parks Corrimal Beach Tourist Park

Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort

General

In a 1% AEP flood, the majority of residential properties flooded above

floor level would be located in Towradgi Creek, Parker Creek, North

Corrimal Creek and Carr Creek proximity.

In North Corrimal Creek there would be 12 residential properties and 9

business properties flooded above floor level in a 20% AEP flood.

The maximum depth of flooding above floor level of residential

properties would be 1.4m in a 5 year flood, 1.7m in a 20 year flood,

1.8m in a 50 year flood, 2.0m in a 100 year flood, and 3.2m in a PMF.

Other:

B-7


AREA 5 – FAIRY & CABBAGE TREE CATCHMENT

Population in Catchment Area 26, 157

Flood Affected

Properties


Study in progress at time of publication.

Affected Suburbs

Fernhill

Towradgi

Balgownie

Fairy Meadow

Mount Pleasant

Mount Ousley

North Wollongong

Gwynneville

Keiraville

Wollongong

West Wollongong

Major

Watercourses

Towradgi Arm

Cabbage Tree Creek

Fairy Creek

Gauges

Name Owner Type

Balgownie Reservoir WCC Pluviometer

Glennifer Brae WCC Pluviometer

Russel Vale MHL Pluviometer

Cabbage Tree Creek MHL Height Recorder

Fairy Creek MHL Height Recorder


Critical Storm


Possible Road

Closures:

Flinders Street (Between Bourke and Ajax Sts), North Wollongong

Princes Hwy, Fairy Meadow various locations

Junction of Mt Ousley rd and Princes Hwy

Mount Ousley

Ajax Ave, North Wollongong

Squires way, Fairy Meadow

Cabbage Tree Lane

Balgownie Road

Murphys Avenue, Keiraville

Gipps Road, Keiraville

Foleys Rd, Gwynnevillle

Vulnerable

Facilities

Braeside Close (50 self-care units)

General

Chalmers St culvert a regular flood area.

Major damage has occurred in Anama St, Fairy Meadow, Montague St,

Nth Wollongong with Campus East and Brandon Park also subject to

flooding.

Porter St, North Wollongong west of the railway line has suffered

flooding and then downstream water inundation occurs in Ajax and

Exeter St‟s.

Other:

B-8


AREA 6 – ALLANS CREEK CATCHMENT

Population in Catchment Area 32, 124

Flood Affected

Properties


10% AEP 87 208

5% AEP 280 294

2% AEP 333 305

1% AEP 381 292

PMF 641 310

Affected Suburbs

Mount Keira

West Wollongong

Mangerton

Figtree

Mount Kembla

Cordeaux Heights

Unanderra

Mount St Thomas

Major

Watercourses

Byarong Creek

Brandy & Water Creek

American Creek

Branch Creek

Allans Creek

Gauges

Name Owner Type

Byarong Creek MHL Height Recorder

Byarong Creek (US) MHL Height Recorder

American Creek MHL Height Recorder

Allans Creek MHL Height Recorder

Figtree Reservoir WCC Pluviometer


Critical Storm


Possible Road

Closures:

Cordeaux Road, Figtree

F6, Figtree (Near Masters Road)

Five Islands Road (between F6 and Springhill Road)

Gibsons Road, Figtree

O‟Briens Road, Figtree

Princes Hwy, Figtree (Between London Dr and The Avenue)

Princes Hwy, Unanderra (between Cordeaux Rd & Farmborough Rd)

Springhill Road, Springhill

Uralba Street, Figtree (At Byarong Creek)

Caravan Parks Figtree Gardens Caravan Park

General

Major flooding in this area is in Wallawa St and Arrow Ave, Figtree then

crossing through Figtree Shopping Centre. O‟Brien‟s Rd, Unanderra

flooding regularly with traffic disruptions to Springhill Rd at times.

Other:

Most significant rain events results in reports of persons stuck in

vehicles in flood waters at the junction of Five Islands Road and the F6

off ramp.

High density of population located within the Westfield Figtree

shopping complex. Temporary sheltering on roof top available on site.

B-9


AREA 7 – MULLET CREEK CATCHMENT

Population 28,872

Flood Affected

Properties (Does not include

industrial or

commercial properties)


10% AEP 4 1

5% AEP 31 1

2% AEP 41 1

1% AEP 60 1

PMF 60 1

Affected Suburbs

Kembla Grange

Wongawilli

Huntley

Avondale

Brownsville

Kanahooka

Horsley

Cleveland

Dapto

Penrose

Major

Watercourses Mullet Creek

Gauges

Name Owner Type

Kembla Grange Golf

Course WCC Pluviometer

Wongawilli WCC Pluviometer

Dombarton Loop WCC Pluviometer

Huntley Colliery WCC Pluviometer

Mullet Creek MHL River Height

Possible Isolation Up to 2 days after cessation of rainfall for the community of Horsley and

rural properties in Cleveland, Avondale and Marshall Mount.

Critical Storm


Possible Road

Closures:

Princes Hwy at Kembla Grange

West Dapto Road at Dapto Creek and junction at Sheaffes Road

Darkes Road

Bong Bong Road from Princes Highway to Parkdale Avenue

Cleveland Road

Avondale Road

General

The major tributary for Lake Illawarra. Extensive flooding in this area

covers Kembla Grange and vast areas of the West Dapto and isolates

the Horsley community for short periods.

Other:

Rural properties with livestock are located at the base of the escarpment.

Illawarra Racecourse and numerous stable facilities and properties

located at Kembla Grange.

Existing coal operations may be interrupted or impacted due to flood

events resulting in some economic loss due to delayed rail and truck

movements. Coal wash stockpiles and runoff dams located at

Wongawilli and Kembla Grange may require monitoring by owner.

Flooding may cause pipe failure to Sydney water assets in area. This

B-10


could impact on water supply to Bluescope Steel resulting in a loss of

steel production.

Possible loss of water supply to approx. 15,000 people for up to 5 days

including Dapto High School.

Possible loss of sewerage services to approx 2000 properties for up to 5

days and approx 4000 properties for up to 2 weeks

Railway line at Kembla Grange, near Darkes Road and near McCabe

Street.

B-11


AREA 8 – MINNEGANG CREEK CATCHMENT

Population 2,922

Flood Affected

Properties


10% AEP 0 0

5% AEP 11 29

2% AEP 12 29

1% AEP 17 30

PMF 19 38

Affected Suburbs Lake Heights

Major

Watercourses Minnegang Creek

Gauges Nil

Possible Isolation Nil

Critical Storm

Duration: Unknown

Road Closures:

Denise Street

Karrabah Street

Mirrabooka Road

Northcliffe Drive

Ranchby Avenue

Trevor Avenue

Weringa Avenue

General No Notes

Other: No Notes

B-12


Lake Illawarra

The catchment is 760 km2 and the body of the lake has an area of approximately 35km

2. The lake

has an average depth of approximately 1.7m with the maximum depth being around 4m.

The floodplain lies within both the Wollongong City Council and the Shellharbour City Council

local government areas. The Lake is generally open to the sea through an entrance channel that is

affected by ocean storms, wave action, floods and tides.

The main contributing tributaries are Mullet Creek, in the Wollongong LGA, and the Macquarie

Rivulet, in the Shellharbour LGA.

A number of properties adjacent to the Lake are susceptible to above-floor flooding in the 1%

Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) and the Extreme Flood/Probable Maximum Flood (PMF)

events.

FLOOD HISTORY

Date Entrance State

Daily

Rainfall

Total (mm)

Comments on Comparison

19-May-43 Lake Opened By

Council

345.4 Significant but not very strong winds

Jan-48 Lake Opened By

Council

42.7 Fairly strong winds

1959 Major Flood

(>1.5 mAHD)

(no date assigned)

274.3 There were three significant rainfall events in

1959 - all had fairly strong winds associated

with them 144

171.7

Apr-74 Major Flood (>1.5

mAHD)

Difficult to tell when event occurred, no

significant rainfall recorded. Variable wind

direction during April.

Mar-75 Major Flood (1.8m) 189 No high winds correspond with this event.

Mar-77 Major Flood (1.8m) 81 Of note, but not particularly strong winds.

Mar-78 Major Flood (1.6m) 136 This data is the peak rainfall and corresponding

wind speed. However, in the two days prior

there rainfall in the order of 30-50mm and

winds in the order of 40-60km/h (roughly).

Feb-84 Major Flood (1.9m) 104.1 Extended rainfall over the period 18th – 22nd

February contributed to the total.

Apr-88 Major Flood (1.5m) 194 No high winds correspond with this event.

Aug-90 Moderate Flood (1.4m) 118 Of note, but not particularly strong winds.

Jun-91 Major Flood (1.8m) 202 Of note, but not particularly strong winds.

May-95 Lake Opened by LIA 144 Of note, but not particularly strong winds.

28-Jul-98 Lake Opened by LIA 29.6 No significant rainfall events this month, may

have opened the lake for water quality reasons

Aug-98 Moderate Flood

(1.2mAHD)

239.6 No high winds correspond with this event

15-May-03 Lake Opened by LIA 64.4 No high winds correspond with this event

CHARACTERISTICS OF FLOODING

Floodwaters within the lake body usually have slow velocities. Floodwaters accelerate into the

entrance channel out to the Tasman Sea. The rate and depth of flooding of the lake and its

foreshores are controlled not only by the rate of catchment runoff but also to a large extent by the

size and degree of shoaling of the lake entrance channel and the ocean level.

B-13


LAKE ILLAWARRA

Flood Affected

Properties

Over-floor Inundation Caravans Flooded

10% AEP 1 0

5% AEP 10 0

2% AEP 45 48

1% AEP 157 458

PMF 627 644

Affected Suburbs

Kemblawarra

Warrawong

Lake Heights

Berkeley

Kanahooka

Koonawarra

Yallah

Windang

Primbee.

Tributaries

Wollongong LGA

Minnegang Creek

Budjong Creek.

Hooka Creek

Mullet Creek

Brooks Creek

Yallah Creek

Shellharbour LGA

Duck Creek

Wollingurry Creek

Marshall Mount Creek

Macquarie Rivulet

Frazers Creek

Albion Creek

Horsley Creek

Oakey Creek.

Gauges

Name Owner Type

Windang Bridge Height

Cudgeree Island Height

Griffins Bay Height

Tarrawarra Power Station Height

Critical Response

Trigger

0.9m – First alarm threshold

1.2m – Warning Advice to caravan park residents

1.5m - Commence Evacuations

Road Closures:

King Street, Warrawong (Intersection of Hoskins Ave)

Windang Road, Windang (Between the suburbs of Primbee & Lake

Illawarra)

Northcliffe Drive (between First Ave & Denise St)

Northcliffe drive (Intersection of Wilkinson St, eastern end)

Lakeside Drive (Between Edgeworth Ave & Wallabah Way)

Caravan Parks

Oasis Resort

Windang Beach Tourist Park

Oaklands Village

Lake Illawarra Village

General The severity of flooding in the lake is controlled by the catchment

runoff, entrance channel condition and ocean level.

Other: Caravan Parks located around the Lake have in place flood emergency

evacuation plans.

C-1


ANNEX C - ROAD CLOSURES

STATE HIGHWAYS AND MAJOR ROADS

ROAD NEAREST

SUBURB

USUAL POINT OF

CLOSURE

COMMENTS/

IMPLICATIONS

Princes Hwy

Bulli Bulli Pass Can be closed for periods

exceeding 24 hours due to rain

related mudslides and road

undermining. Not unusual for

closure of over 1 week

Junction of Lawrence Hargrave

Drive

Depths may exceed 1.5m

Cnr of Hobart St

Between Point St and Black

Diamond Place. Slacky Creek

crossing

Depths may exceed 1.5m

Between Hopetoun & Organs

Road

Can reach approx. 0.7m depth.

Corrimal North of Rothery Road Can reach depths of approx.

0.9m

Between Towradgi Rd &

Thurston Cres

Cnr Tarrawanna Rd

Between Railway St & Russell

St

Fairy

Meadow

Figtree Junctions of Bellevue Rd, The

Avenue, O‟Briens Road and

Gibsons Road

High velocity with depths

recorded at over 0.8m in some

locations

Kembla

Grange

Near racecourse entrance Water stays for up to a week if

lake levels are high. In major

flooding only suitable for high

clearance vehicles.

North

Wollongong

Russel Vale Outside Golf Course Can reach depths exceeding

0.6m.

Between Albert St & Bellambi

Lane

Bellambi Creek crossing. Can

reach depths of approx. 0.6m

with high velocity.

Between Broker & Moreton Sts Nuisance flooding. Remains

passable.

Tallawarra Duck Creek Culvert/Bridge

Unanderra Between of Cordeaux Road and

Farmborough Road

C-2


STATE HIGHWAYS AND MAJOR ROADS

ROAD NEAREST

SUBURB

USUAL POINT OF

CLOSURE

COMMENTS/

IMPLICATIONS

Princes Hwy Woonona Between Gray St & Hillcrest

Ave

Can exceed depths of 1.0m at

Woonona shopping precinct.

Between Alfred St & Hale St Can exceed depths of 1.0m

F6 At Cataract Creek crossing

Figtree Between Masters Road on and

off ramp both directions

Recorded depths of over 1m

Unanderra Approx 200m south of Masters

Rd off ramp

Depths reported at 300-500mm

Mount

Ousley

Water velocity travelling down

roadway makes it unusable

Northern Distributor Corrimal Junction of Railway Street and

to the south

Between Rothery St & Bellambi

Lane

Can reach depths of approx.

0.5m south of Rothery St.

LOCAL ROADS

ROAD NEAREST

SUBURB

USUAL POINT OF

CLOSURE

COMMENTS/

IMPLICATIONS

Ajax Ave North

Wollongong

Junction of Montague Street

Avondale Road East and west of South

Avondale Road

Low point between Oakhurst

Cres and dale Street

Depths >1m can be reached.

Mullet Creek bridge Can reach depths of over 1.5m

Bellambi St Tarrawanna Southern End

Birch Cres Bellambi Northern end

Blackall Street Bulli At Slacky Creek

Bong Bong Road Dapto Near Hamilton and Burringbar

Sts

Can reach depths of >1.5m. May

be impassable for over 24hours

Boundary Road Windang Near Windang Road

Brompton Road Bellambi

Campbell Street Woonona Between Northern Distributor &

Robert St

Carrington Street Woonona Cnr Lawrence St

Carters Lane Pioneer Road Junction

Cawley Street Bellambi Between Connaghan Ave &

Rothery St

Cleveland Road Dapto For 1km west from railway line

and at Mullet Creek crossing

near junction of Avondale Road.

May exceed 1m

Collins Street Corrimal At both intersections

Cordeaux Road Various locations from Gibsons

Road to Mount Kembla

Depths may reach 300-500mm

but includes high velocity

C-3


LOCAL ROADS

ROAD NEAREST

SUBURB

USUAL POINT OF

CLOSURE

COMMENTS/

IMPLICATIONS

Culgoa Road Woonona Between Kareela Rd &

Campbell St

Darkes Road Rail line and creek crossings Depths calculated to exceed 2m

Farrell Road Bulli Cnr Trinity Road New drainage has been installed

and may alleviate past flooding

problems

Five Islands Road Unanderra Junction of Princes Hwy and

Five Islands Rd,

and

On and Off ramps from F6

and

Roundabout at junction of

Glastonbury Avenue

Regular reports of vehicles

trapped in flood waters at this

location

Fowlers Road Junctions of Rink Rd and

Julianne St

Can reach depths of over 1.5m

Gahans Lane Woonona Eastern end

Gibsons Road

Figtree Where road crosses American

Creek.

Hobart Street From Princes Hwy to approx

200m west of Haig Road

Reports of depths exceeding 2m

Hollymount View Woonona At both intersections

King Street Warrawong Intersection of Hoskins Ave

Lady Carrington Dr Hacking River

Lake Parade East

Corrimal

Total closure to whole road One of two egress routes from

Corrimal beach Tourist Park

Lakeside Drive Between Edgeworth Ave &

Wallabah Way

Affect known to remain for over

48 period or until lake able to

release to ocean.

Lawrence Hargrave

Drive

Various locations where creeks

cross roadways

May close for a number of days

post rain event due to landslips

or road undermining

Thirroul Between Hewitts Ave & Phillip

St,

and

Cnr Railway Parade

Liddle Street Woonona

Meadow Street Tarrawanna Between Caldwell Ave & Keira

St,

and

North of Kendall St,

and

Between Tarrawanna Rd &

Karen Pl

Montague Street North

Wollongong

From Ajax Ave to road rise at

Para Ck bridge

SES HQ flooded

C-4


LOCAL ROADS

ROAD NEAREST

SUBURB

USUAL POINT OF

CLOSURE

COMMENTS/

IMPLICATIONS

Northcliffe Drive Warrawong Between First Ave & Denise St

and

The intersection of Wilkinson St

(eastern end)

Old Port Road Near railway over-bridge

O‟Briens Road Figtree Between Princes Hwy and

Murray Park Road,

and

East of Church of Christ

Depths of over 600mm recorded

Otford Road Otford Hacking River

Pioneer Road Bellambi Between Bellambi Lane &

Lismore St

East

Corrimal

Between Coolgardie St & Owen

Park Rd,

And

Between Sturdee St & Lake

Parade

Railway Parade Woonona

East

Southern End

Railway Street Corrimal Between Harbinger St & Gilbert

St

Rothery Street Corrimal

Squires Way Overflowing Sewer

Springhill Road Springhill Various locations at and

between Masters road and Five

Islands Road

Have recorded depths of 2.0m

Stanhope St Woonona At both intersections

Thompson Street At Collins creek bridge

Underwood St Corrimal At The Avenue & Francis St

intersection up to Russell St

Uralba Street Figtree At Byarong Creek Depths of over 1.2m recorded.

Ursula Road Bulli At both intersections

West Dapto Road Dapto All creek crossings and low

lying areas.

Junction of Sheaffes Road

Can reach depths of >0.6m

Windang Road Windang Between the suburbs of Primbee

& Lake Illawarra

D-1


ANNEX D - GAUGES MONITORED BY THE SES

AUTOMATIC RAINFALL RECORDERS

Gauge Name Owner Catchment

Balgownie Reservoir WCC Cabbage Tree Creek

Bellambi Bellambi Creek

Berkeley (Northcliffe Dr) Harbour Creek

Cleveland Road Mullet Creek

Dapto Bowling Club Mullet Creek

Darkes Road Mullet Creek, Robins Creek

Dombarton Loop Mullet Creek, Robins Creek, Forest

Creek

Figtree Reservoir WCC Brandy and Water Creek/American

Creek

Glennifer Brae WCC

Huntley Colliery Mullet Creek

Kembla Grange Golf

Course WCC Mullet Creek

Mount Kembla American Creek

Mount Pleasant Cabbage Tree Creek

Port Kembla

Rixons Pass Collins Creek

Hewitts Creek

Russell Vale MHL

Collins Creek

Towradgi Creek

Cabbage Tree Creek

Scarborough WCC

Wollongong (AWS)

Wollongong City Council J.J. Kelly

Wongawilli Colliery WCC Mullet Creek, Robins Creek

Wongawilli Reservoir WCC Mullet Creek

Woonona (Popes Rd) Collins Creek

Notes:

In addition to these gauges active reconnaissance of known trouble spots is also carried

out by Wollongong City SES members during operations involving flooding and heavy

rainfall.

D-2


AUTOMATIC RIVER HEIGHT RECORDERS

Gauge Name AWRC No Stream Owner Response

Trigger

Levels

Allans Creek 10004 Allans Creek MHL 0.7m

American Cree 10005 American Creek MHL

Bellambi Creek (DS) 10112 Bellambi Creek

Bellambi Creek (US) 10350 Bellmabi Creek

Berkeley 10021 Lake Illawarra

Byarong Creek (F6) 10069 Byarong Creek MHL

Cabbage Tree Creek 214405 Cabbage Tree Creek MHL 5.3m

Cudgeree Bay 214416 Lake Illawarra

Dapto High School 10114 Mullet Creek

F6 (Near Uni) 10142 Fairy Creek MHL

Foothills Road 10147 Cabbage Tree Creek

Hewitts Creek Entrance Hewitts Creek MHL

Hewitts Creek Hewitts Creek MHL 11.4m

Kaloona Ave 10195 Byarong Creek

Kanahooka Point 214415 Lake Illawarra

Koonawarra 10206 Mullet Creek

Lake Entrance 214417 Lake Illawarra

Lake Illawarra Village 10211 Lake Illawarra

Mullet Creek 214200 Mullet Creek MHL 3.0m

Pioneer Road 10297 Towradgi Creek

Princes Hwy No 3 214404 Fairy Creek

Prince Hwy No 4 10454 Mullet Creek

Robsons Road 10331 Fairy Creek

Tallawarra Power Station 10362 Lake Illawarra

Towradgi Creek DS Towradgi Creek MHL 1.3m

Towradgi Creek US Towradgi Creek MHL

Notes:

Some of these, e.g. Cudgeree Bay, are configured to generate proactive warnings when pre-determined

levels are reached. In addition to these gauges active reconnaissance of known trouble spots is also

carried out by Wollongong City SES members during operations involving flooding and heavy rainfall.

E-1


ANNEX E - DISSEMINATION OF SES FLOOD

BULLETINS

The Illawarra South Coast SES Region Headquarters distributes SES Flood Bulletins

and other flood related information (including Flood Warnings) to the following regional

media outlets:

Television Stations: Station Location

Win TV Wollongong

Prime TV Wollongong

Southern Cross Ten Wollongong

SBS Crows Nest

ABC TV Sydney

Radio Stations:

Station Location Frequency

Wave FM Warrawong 96.5

ABC Illawarra Wollongong 97.3

i98 FM Coniston 98.1

Power FM Nowra 94.9

VOX FM Wollongong 106.9

Living Sound FM Coniston 94.1

Newspapers: Name Location

Illawarra Mercury Wollongong

Wollongong Advertiser Wollongong

Northern Leader Corrimal

Lake Times Shellharbour

F-1

ANNEX F - EVACUATIONS ARRANGEMENTS

Arrangements

1. Control. During floods evacuations will be controlled by the NSW SES.

Small-scale evacuations will be controlled by the Wollongong City SES

Operations Controller. Should the evacuations operations escalate beyond the

capabilities of local resources control may be handed over to the Illawarra

South Coast SES Region Operations Controller.

2. Conduct. Evacuations will be controlled by the SES Operations Controller

and conducted with assistance from the NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Police,

NSW Fire Brigade, Ambulance of NSW and service club personnel.

3. Evacuations will be controlled by the SES and conducted in four phases:

Phase 1 - Warning.

Phase 2 – Withdrawal.

Phase 3 – Shelter.

Phase 4 – Return.

Decision to Evacuate

4. The responsibility for issuing any general evacuation order during flooding

rests with the Local SES Operations Controller who exercises his/her authority

in accordance with section 22 (1) of The State Emergency Service Act 1989.

During the possibility of large-scale evacuations the decision to evacuate will

usually be made after consultation with the Wollongong City LEOCON and

the Illawarra South Coast Region Operations Controller.

5. When evacuations should occur. As far as possible, evacuations will be

carried out before inundation occurs. Due to the flash flood nature of flooding

in the Wollongong LGA this may not be able to occur.

The SES will retain intelligence that identifies “hot spots” that lie within high

hazard areas. These areas are identified at the end of this section.

6. What to consider. When deciding to evacuate the following should be

considered.

a. Predicted flood level and rate of rise.

b. Rainfall situation and rainfall predictions.

c. Condition of evacuation routes.

d. Characteristics of the at risk population.

e. Time of day.

f. Likely duration of evacuation operations and time available to conduct

evacuations.

g. Likely duration of any isolation and preparedness of the community to

cope with isolation.

h. Condition of essential services

7. Voluntary Evacuations. Some people will make their own decision to

evacuate earlier and move to alternative accommodation using their own

transport. These evacuees will be advised, via the media, to inform the Police

or SES of their evacuation and their temporary address. Where possible, people

F-2


will be given the opportunity to evacuate voluntarily at an early stage of a

potentially severe flood. Elderly people and mothers with young children will

especially be encouraged to evacuate voluntarily under such circumstances.

8. Evacuation triggers.

a. Failure of Essential Services. The failure of public utilities such as

sewerage, power, telephones and water pose a significant health risk to

residents on the floodplain or in flood affected areas. In the event of any

or all of these systems failing or potentially failing, the need for

evacuations will be discussed with the members of the LEMC.

b. Flooding affecting properties. Evacuations are to occur, if it is likely

properties will be flooded. (See Community cards for Trigger

levels/rainfall)

c. Isolation of properties. Persons who are not prepared for isolation or

unsuited due to medical conditions etc, should be encouraged to

evacuate

d. Dam Failure. Evacuations are to occur when advised of Imminent Dam

failure

Groupings and Tasks

9. Operational Sectors. For the purpose of managing flood response operations

and evacuations during severe floods the Wollongong Local Government Area

will be divided into operational sectors based on the flood plain management

areas.

10. Tasks. Tasking will align with the agreed responsibilities as outlined in

Part 2 – Responsibilities.

Phase 1 – Warning

11. Evacuation Warnings. On receipt of flash flood warnings or observations

predicting rainfall that may result in flooding, public health concerns or

prolonged isolation, the Local SES Operations Controller will consult as

necessary to determine the level of the threat and the need to consider

evacuations. As soon as possible after the decision to evacuate is made, the

Local SES Operations Controller will issue evacuation warnings to the „at risk‟

residents, indicating what people should do before evacuating and when

actually doing so.

12. Content of Evacuation Warnings/Orders will include:

a. The rainfall situation and the state of tributaries.

b. The condition of transport routes.

c. Location of evacuation shelters

13. Dissemination of Evacuation Warnings. These are disseminated via:

a. The radio and TV stations listed in Annex E.

b. Door-knocks by emergency service personnel.

c. Public address systems from emergency service vehicles.

d. Telephone.

e. SES Flood Bulletins.

F-3


Phase 2 – Withdrawal

14. Introduction. Withdrawal involves the actual removal of the

community/individuals from dangerous or potentially dangerous areas to safer

areas.

15. Movement. Evacuees are to be encouraged to move using their own transport

where possible. The Local SES Operations Controller will arrange transport

for those people without their own vehicles. This may include the provision of

buses. Evacuees will be taken or advised to go to the nearest accessible

Assembly Point or Evacuation Centre. Evacuees who cannot reach an

evacuation centre unaided will be transported from their homes or from

designated assembly points nearby.

16. Phasing/Priority. In evacuations priority will be given to assist in the

movement and management of people. These priorities will be determined at

the time of the operations and are dependent upon many circumstances.

17. Traffic Control. When large-scale evacuations are likely, evacuation routes

are to be secured by the NSW Police and kept clear by the following means:

a. Denying access to all traffic except for emergency vehicles (including

buses and private vehicles being used for the purposes of evacuation).

b. Keeping one lane clear at all times for use by emergency vehicles.

c. Positioning a tow truck or similar vehicle at appropriate entry points,

road blocks and exit points along the evacuation routes.

18. Evacuation routes. Most roads within the Illawarra become quickly inundated

from creek overflows as well as storm water drain spill. Due to the possibility

of storm water drain spill occurring in any area it is difficult to pre-define

evacuation routes within this plan. Therefore evacuation route advice will be

provided according to intelligence gathered at the time of the event.

19. Special Needs Groups. A large number of elderly persons and tourists reside

in urban areas of the Wollongong Local Government Area. When evacuations

are ordered Ambulance Service personnel will be deployed to assist with the

safe evacuation of these people.

20. Animals. Evacuees with their own transport will be encouraged to take their

pet such as cats, dogs and horses with them as they evacuate. These animals

will therefore be transported by car, truck or horse float along the evacuation

routes designated in this plan. Animals so shifted will be collected from their

owners at evacuation centres and taken to pre-arranged facilities. Due to safety

restrictions, it may not be possible to allow animals to accompany their owners

when being transported via aircraft or flood rescue boats. In these cases,

provision will be made for animals to be picked up as the people are evacuated.

Arrangements will also be made to pick up animals that are left behind.

Assistance animals (guide dogs, hearing assistance animals, etc), however, will

remain in the care of their owners throughout the evacuation. This includes

transport and access into evacuation centres.

21. Doorknocking. Field teams conducting doorknocks will record and report

back the following information back to the Operations Centre:

a. Addresses and locations of houses doorknocked and/or evacuated.

b. The number of occupants.

F-4


c. Details of the location evacuees are intending to present at.

d. Details of how the evacuees will register.

e. Details of support required (such as transport, medical evacuation,

assistance to secure house and/or property and raise or move

belongings).

f. Details of residents who refuse to comply with the evacuation order.

22. Properties, which have been doorknocked, should be marked with survey tape.

Written on the survey tape should be the name of the doorknocking unit and

the time of doorknock.

23. Refusal to Evacuate. Field teams should not dedicate additional time dealing

with people who are reluctant or refuse to comply with any evacuation order.

These cases should be referred to the Local Emergency Management

Operations Controller who will arrange for Police to ensure their evacuation.

24. Security. The NSW Police will provide security for evacuated premises.

Details of evacuated premises are to be passed to the Wollongong and Lake

Illawarra Police stations.

25. Transport and storage. Transport and storage of furniture from flood

threatened properties will be arranged as time and resources permit.

Phase 3 – Shelter

26. Evacuation Centres. The usual purpose of evacuation centres is to meet the

immediate needs of victims, not to provide them with accommodation.

Evacuees will be advised to go to or be taken to the nearest accessible

evacuation centre, which may initially be established at the direction of the

Local SES Operations Controller but managed as soon as possible by the

Welfare Services. Any of the following sites may be suitable as evacuation

centres:

27. Action on arrival. On arrival, evacuees will be:

a. Registered;

b. Medically checked, if necessary; and

c. Provided with their immediate welfare needs.

28. Registration. The NSW Police are responsible for the registration of

evacuees.

Phase 4 – Return

29. Once it is considered safe to do so, the Local SES Operations Controller will

authorise the return of evacuees to their normal or alternative place of

residence. This decision will be made in consultation with appropriate.

30. The return will be controlled by the Local SES Operations Controller and may

be conducted, at his/her request, by Welfare Services

Evacuation Areas (“Hot Spots”)

The following locations will be monitored by SES as to determine if evacuations will

be required. Only in extreme rainfall events will SES consider evacuations.

F-5


AREA 1 NORTH FROM THIRROUL TO CLIFTON

No data available at time of publication

AREA 2 HEWITTS CREEK CATCHMENT

Suburb No of properties Creek

Thirroul 50 Hewitts Creek

Thirroul 15 Thomas Gibson

Thirroul 5 Woodlands

AREA 3 COLLINS CREEK CATCHMENT


AREA 4 TOWRADGI CREEK CATCHMENT


Bellambi 2 Towradgi Creek

Bulli 10 Tramway Creek

Corrimal 240 Towradgi Creek

East Corrimal 1 Towradgi Creek

Fernhill 5 Towradgi Creek

Tarrawanna 15 Towradgi Creek

Towradgi 125 Towradgi Creek

F-6


AREA 5 FAIRY & CABBAGE TREE CREEKS CATCHMENT


Fairy Meadow TBC

North Wollongong TBC

AREA 6 ALLENS CREEK CATCHMENT


Cordeaux Heights 7 Allens Creek

Farmborough Heights 2 Allens Creek

Figtree 299 Allens Creek

Mangerton 26 Allens Creek

Mt Keira 2 Allens Creek

Port Kembla 5 Allens Creek

Unanderra 104 Allens Creek

West Wollongong 37 Allens Creek

AREA 7 MULLET CREEK CATCHMENT


Berkeley 5 Mullet Creek

Brownsville 1 Mullet Creek

Dapto 19 Mullet Creek

Dapto 27 Brooks Creek

Horsley 2 Mullet Creek

Horsley 1 Robins Creek

Kanahooka 9 Brooks Creek

Koonawarra 4 Brooks Creek

AREA 8 MINNEGANG CREEK CATCHMENT


Lake Heights 8 Minnegang Street

LAKE ILLAWARRA


G-1


ANNEX G - ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE

EVACUATION OF CARAVAN PARKS AND THE

RELOCATION OF CARAVANS

General

1. The following caravan parks are flood liable:

a. Corrimal Beach Tourist Park

b. Oasis Caravan Park

c. Lake Illawarra Village

d. Oaklands Village

e. Figtree Gardens, Prince Hwy, Figtree

Advising Procedures

2. Caravan Park proprietors will be encouraged to ensure that the owners and

occupiers of caravans are:

a. Made aware that the caravan park is flood liable by:

Handing a printed notice to occupiers taking up residence.

The notice should indicate that the caravan park is liable to flooding

and outline the evacuation and van relocation arrangements as

detailed in this Annex.

b. Displaying this notice prominently in each van. Made aware that if

they are expecting to be absent from their vans for extended periods,

they can:

Provide the manager with a key; in a sealed envelope; to the van.

Provide a contact address and telephone number.

Inform the manager if a vehicle will be required to relocate the van

during flood time.

Leave any mobile van in a condition allowing it to be towed in an

emergency (ie: tyres inflated, jacks wound up, personal effects

secured and annexes and lines for water, sewer, electricity and gas

readily detachable).

c. Informed when a flood is rising. At this time, occupiers will be advised

to:

Ensure that they have spare batteries for their radios.

Listen to a local radio station for updated flood information.

Prepare for evacuation and van relocation.

3. The Local SES Operations Controller will ensure that the managers of caravan

parks are advised of flood warnings and the details of any evacuation order.

G-2


Evacuation of Occupants and Relocation of Vans

4. Caravan park proprietors will be encouraged to install flood depth indicators

and road alignment markers within their caravan parks.

5. When an evacuation order is given:

a. Occupiers of non-movable vans should:

Secure their vans by tying them down to prevent flotation.

Isolate power to their vans.

Collect personal papers, medicines, a change of clothing, toiletries

and bedclothes.

Lift the other contents of their vans as high as possible within the

van.

Move to a designated evacuation centre if they have their own

transport, or move to the caravan office to await transport.

b. Where possible, vans that can be moved will be relocated by their

owners. Park managers will arrange for the relocation of mobile vans

whose owners do not have a vehicle. Council and SES personnel may

assist if required and may be able to provide additional vehicles.

6. Occupants of vans that are being relocated should go to a designated

evacuation centre if they have their own transport. Those without their own

transport are to report to the caravan park office.

7. Caravan park managers should:

a. Ensure that their caravan park is capable of being evacuated within the

following times.

Corrimal Beach Tourist Park – 3 hours

Oasis Caravan Park – 6 hours

Lake Illawarra Village – 6 hours

Oaklands Village – 6 hours

Figtree Gardens – 3 hours

b. Advise the Local SES Operations Controller of:

The number of people requiring transport.

Details of any medical evacuations required.

Whether additional assistance is required to effect the evacuation.

c. Check that no people remain in non-removable vans that are likely to be

inundated.

d. Inform the Local SES Operations Controller when the evacuation of the

caravan park has been completed.

e. Provide the Local SES Operations Controller with a register of people

that have been evacuated.

8. Caravan parks south of the Wollongong Catchment, due to the short warning

time available, should concentrate on the evacuation of persons rather than

vans.

G-3


9. The Local SES Operations Controller, using Council resources as necessary,

will advise when it is safe for the caravan parks to be re-occupied.

Return of Occupants and Vans

10. Vans will be towed back to the caravan parks by van owners or by vehicles and

drivers arranged by the park managers. Again, Council and SES personnel

will assist if available.

H-1


ANNEX H - THE MANAGEMENT OF COASTAL

EROSION

Background

1. The Wollongong City Council area is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the

east. There are three main types of beach units within the LGA‟s boundaries:

compartmentalised, sheltered, and exposed. The coastal areas are subject to

natural coastal processes and resultant coastline hazards that include coastal

erosion, oceanic inundation, and shoreline recession.

2. The coastal erosion/oceanic inundation problem in the Wollongong City LGA

takes two forms:

a. Undercutting of dunes on their seaward sides, threatening the collapse of

dwellings and other infrastructure

b. The potential breaking through of the dunes by sea water, causing

flooding and isolation of property on the landward side of the dunes

3. The most severe problems of coastal erosion/inundation occur as a result of

oceanic storm conditions associated with the passage of ex-tropical cyclones

and temperate-zone low-pressure systems. These storms may cause temporary

sea level rises with large associated waves. The worst erosion/inundation is

likely when severe weather conditions occur in conjunction with high tides

At Risk Beaches

4. The following are classified as “Hot Spots” for coastal erosion within the

Wollongong City LGA:

Beach Name Risk Beach Name Risk

Stanwell Park Extreme Cliffs between Stanwell Park & Coalcliff Medium

Coalcliff Extreme Coledale Beach Medium

Thirroul Extreme Sandon Point Beach Medium

Bellambi Point Extreme Bellambi Point Medium

Flagstaff Point Extreme North Wollongong Beach Medium

Wollongong (South Beach) Extreme Belmore Beach Medium

Wollongong Extreme Red Point Medium

Sharkey Beach High

Port Kembla Harbour High

Table 7: Erosion risk levels of beaches

Concept of Operations

5. Control. The SES is the designated combat agency for damage control from

storms, including coastal erosion from storm activity.

6. Evacuation arrangements for Wollongong City LGA are contained in Annex F.

7. Within this role and as specified under the State Storm Plan the SES is

responsible for the following during and in the period immediately prior to a

storm event occurring out at sea:

H-2


a. Advising the community at risk of the likely problem and actions they

should take;

b. The protection of life through the warning and evacuation of residents at

risk; and

c. The coordination of the lifting and/or relocation of readily movable

household items and commercial stock and equipment.

8. The role of the SES as the combat agency for storms does not include coastal

erosion and inundation caused by astronomical high tides when severe weather

is not actually developing or occurring.

9. The SES is not responsible for controlling or conducting any physical

mitigation works to protect properties or structures at risk from coastal

erosion/inundation, either during or outside the period of storm activity. This

includes, but is not limited to:

a. The placement of rocks or other materials on beaches or foreshore areas

b. The construction of temporary walls made of sandbags, geo-technical

tubes, or other material

10. DECC will provide ongoing advice to local councils and coastal zone

management committees on the formulation and implementation of coastal

zone management plans including procedures for addressing coastal processes,

coastline hazards and risks, management options and coastal policies.

11. BoM will issue Severe Weather Warnings.

I-1


ANNEX I - PRESCRIBED DAMS IN THE

WOLLONGONG LGA

1. Wollongong City Council has 10 Dams Prescribed under the NSW Dams

Safety Committee:

Edgewood - Woonona

Foothills Estate 1&2 - Tarrawanna

Foothills Estate 3 – Tarrawanna

Brokers Road - Balgownie

Foothills Road - Mount Ousley

Wollongong High School – North Wollongong

Nyrang Park – Gwynneville

Gunyah Park – Keiraville

Gannet Avenue – Berkeley

Dapto Heights

2. The emergency Management Sub Committee of the NSW Dams Safety

Committee has not rated these dams as having either a significant or a high

risk ranking so no specific dam details are outlined in this plan. Current

arrangements outlined in the relevant DSEP will be implemented should it be

required.

I-2


DAM OWNER/OPERATOR ISSUESWHITE / AMBER / RED ALERT

SES State OperationsCommunications Centre

(OCC)Ph: 1300 737 326

Duty Officer, StateEmergency Operations

Centre (SEOC)Ph: 1300 677 677

Confirms appropriate support

being arranged

NSW SES Region HQOperations Controller /After Hours Duty Officer

NSW SES LocalControllers

Response Controlledthrough Local Flood Plan/swith reference to DSEP forpotential inundation area

District EmergencyManagement Officer/s

(DEMO/s) ConfirmsLEOCON/s aware of damfailure warning and SES is

combat agency

Local EmergencyOperations Controller/s

(LEOCON/s)

Confirms message received

and that appropriate support

being arranged

Confirms message received

and that appropriate support

being arranged

Activation of the Local Flood Plan

includes notification to the LEOCON and

activation of supporting arrangements

within the Local DISPLAN

NOTE: dam owners should take every attempt to call SES State Operations in the first instance and only use the SEOC if

the SES cannot be contacted

The ‘000’ emergency contact number is not the preferred method of contacting the NSW Police in the context of dam

failure. It is likely that the ‘000’ operators will have difficulty dealing with the very unusual case of potential or actual dam

failure. If ‘000’ is used, the caller must give the details of the incident to the ‘000’ operator before asking to be transferred to

the duty Operations Inspector (DOI).

Notification Arrangements for Potential Dam Failure

J-1


ANNEX J - EVACUATION RECORDING SHEET

House

No Street Suburb

Number of

Occupants

Evacuating to:

(Tick as

appropriate)

Registration by:

(Tick as

appropriate) Type of Support Required

(Tick as appropriate)

Notes

Private

address

Evac

Ctr Phone

Evac

Ctr Transport Medical Animal Other

I


MAP 1 - WOLLONGONG LOCAL GOVERNMENT

AREA

II


MAP 2 - AREA 1: NORTHERN SUBURBS CATCHMENT

IV


MAP 3 - AREA 2: HEWITTS CREEK CATCHMENT

V


MAP 4 - AREA 3: COLLINS CREEK CATCHMENT

VI


MAP 5 - AREA 4: TOWRADGI CREEK CATCHMENT

VII


MAP 6 - AREA 5: FAIRY & CABBAGE CREEK

CATCHMENT

VIII


MAP 7 - AREA 6: ALLANS CREEK CATCHMENT

IX


MAP 8 - AREA 7: MULLET CREEK CATCHMENT

XI


MAP 9 - AREA 8: MINNEGANG CREEK CATCHMENT

a sub-plan of the wollongong local disaster plan · wollongong city local flood plan, june 2010,...

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