nambucca shire local flood plan a sub-plan of the …...flood intelligence. the product of...

NAMBUCCA SHIRE LOCAL FLOOD PLAN

A SUB-PLAN OF THE NAMBUCCA SHIRE LOCAL DISASTER

PLAN (DISPLAN)

JULY 2007 EDITION

TO BE REVIEWED NO LATER THAN JULY 2012

Nambucca Shire Local Flood Plan, July 2007, Sub-Plan of Nambucca Shire Local Disaster Plan

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CONTENTS

DISTRIBUTION LIST ......................................................................................................................... iv

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS...............................................................................................................vi

GLOSSARY..........................................................................................................................................vii

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 1.5 Responsibilities.........................................................................................................................1

PART 2 - PREPAREDNESS ...............................................................................................................12 2.1 Maintenance Of This Plan ......................................................................................................12 2.2 Floodplain and Coastal Risk Management .............................................................................12 2.3 Development of Flood Intelligence ........................................................................................12 2.4 Development of Warning Systems .........................................................................................13 2.5 Public Education.....................................................................................................................13 2.6 Training ..................................................................................................................................13 2.7 Resources................................................................................................................................13

PART 3 - RESPONSE..........................................................................................................................14 3.1 Control....................................................................................................................................14 3.2 Operations Centres .................................................................................................................14 3.3 Liaison ....................................................................................................................................14 3.4 Communications.....................................................................................................................14 3.5 Start of Response Operations..................................................................................................15 3.6 Intelligence .............................................................................................................................15 3.7 Preliminary Deployments .......................................................................................................16 3.8 Warnings.................................................................................................................................16 3.9 Information .............................................................................................................................18 3.10 Road Control ..........................................................................................................................18 3.11 Traffic Control. .......................................................................................................................19 3.12 Flood Rescue ..........................................................................................................................19 3.13 Evacuations.............................................................................................................................19 3.14 Essential Services ...................................................................................................................19 3.15 Logistics .................................................................................................................................19 3.16 Aircraft Management..............................................................................................................20 3.17 Resupply of Isolated Towns and Villages ..............................................................................20 3.18 Resupply of Isolated Properties ..............................................................................................21 3.19 Assistance for Animals ...........................................................................................................21 3.20 Stranded Travellers.................................................................................................................21 3.21 All Clear .................................................................................................................................21

PART 4 - RECOVERY ........................................................................................................................23 4.1 Welfare ...................................................................................................................................23 4.2 Recovery Coordination...........................................................................................................23 4.3 Arrangements for Debriefs / After Action Reviews ...............................................................23

ANNEX A - THE THREAT ..............................................................................................................A-1 General .............................................................................................................................................A-1 Landforms and River Systems..........................................................................................................A-1 Weather Systems and Flooding ........................................................................................................A-2 Characteristics of Flooding...............................................................................................................A-2


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Flood History....................................................................................................................................A-3 Design Flood Levels.........................................................................................................................A-4 Flood Mitigation Systems.................................................................................................................A-4 Extreme Flooding .............................................................................................................................A-4

ANNEX B - EFFECTS OF FLOODING ON THE COMMUNITY ..............................................B-1 Community Profile ...........................................................................................................................B-1 Specific Risk Areas ..........................................................................................................................B-2 Rural Areas.......................................................................................................................................B-4 Camping Reserves ............................................................................................................................B-4 Road Closures...................................................................................................................................B-4

ANNEX C - GAUGES MONITORED BY THE NAMBUCCA SHIRE SES LOCAL HEADQUARTERS ............................................................................................................................C-1

Rain Gauges .....................................................................................................................................C-1 ANNEX D - DISSEMINATION OF SES FLOOD BULLETINS...................................................D-1

ANNEX E - TEMPLATE EVACUATION WARNING MESSAGE FOR [ENTER NAME OF AREA]..............................................................................................................E-1

ANNEX F - EVACUATION ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE NAMBUCCA SHIRE COUNCIL AREA................................................................................................................................................... F-1

Background ...................................................................................................................................... F-1 Arrangements ................................................................................................................................... F-1 Operational Sectors .......................................................................................................................... F-2 Phase 1 – Decision to Evacuate ........................................................................................................ F-2 Phase 2 – Warning............................................................................................................................ F-3 Phase 3 – Withdrawal ....................................................................................................................... F-3 Phase 4 – Shelter .............................................................................................................................. F-5 Phase 5 – Return............................................................................................................................... F-5

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

MAP 1 - NAMBUCCA RIVER BASIN ................................................................................................ I

MAP 2 - NAMBUCCA LGA ................................................................................................................II

MAP 3 - MACKSVILLE FLOOD EXTENT/SECTOR................................................................... III

MAP 4 - NAMBUCCA HEADS FLOOD EXTENT/SECTOR ....................................................... IV

MAP 5 - BOWRAVILLE FLOOD EXTENT/SECTOR.................................................................... V

MAP 6 - SECTOR BOUNDARIES.................................................................................................... VI


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DISTRIBUTION LIST Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller......................................................................1 Nambucca Shire SES Unit .........................................................................................1 Clarence Nambucca SES Region Headquarters ........................................................1 NSW SES State Headquarters ...................................................................................1 Nambucca Shire Council Local Emergency Operations Controller ..........................1 NSW Police, Mid North Coast Local Area Command ..............................................1 Nambucca Shire Council Local Emergency Management Committee Members .....4 Nambucca Shire Council Local Emergency Management Officer............................1 Nambucca Shire Council Local Emergency Operations Centre................................1 Nambucca Shire Council Mayor................................................................................1 Nambucca Shire Council General Manager ..............................................................1 Nambucca Shire Council Technical Services Department ........................................1 NSW Fire Brigades, Bowraville, Macksville, Nambucca Heads ..............................1 Rural Fire Service, Lower North Coast Team ...........................................................1 Ambulance Service of NSW, Macksville, Nambucca Heads ....................................1 Nambucca Rescue Squad...........................................................................................1 Country Energy..........................................................................................................1 Telstra ........................................................................................................................1 Department of Primary Industries, North Coast Region............................................1 Department of Community Services, Northern NSW ...............................................1 Roads and Traffic Authority, Grafton........................................................................1 Busways, Macksville .................................................................................................1 Nambucca Football Club ...........................................................................................1 Macksville/Scotts Head SLSC...................................................................................1 Evacuation Centres ....................................................................................................1 Hospitals ....................................................................................................................1 Schools.......................................................................................................................1 Council Libraries, Macksville and Nambucca Heads................................................2 Spare ..........................................................................................................................1 Australian Rail Track Corporation.............................................................................1 VRA Marine Rescue (Nambucca River) ...................................................................1


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AMENDMENT LIST Suggestions for amendments to this plan should be forwarded to:

The Local Controller Nambucca State Emergency Service "Wonboyne" 314 Irvine Road, TEWINGA NSW 2449

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: ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics 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 DISPLAN Disaster Plan DNR Department of Natural Resources DoCS Department of Community Services GIS Geographic Information System GRN Government Radio Network HF High Frequency PMF Probable Maximum Flood PMR Private Mobile Radio PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network RTA Roads and Traffic Authority SES State Emergency Service SEWS Standard Emergency Warning Signal SH State Highway TR Trunk Road UHF Ultra High Frequency VHF Very High Frequency VRA Volunteer Rescue Association WICEN Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network


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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.


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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. 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.


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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. 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 107 (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 Nambucca Shire 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 Clarence Nambucca SES Region Controller and the Nambucca Shire Council Local Emergency Management Committee.

1.3 Area Covered By The Plan

1.3.1 The area covered by the plan is the Nambucca Shire Council area which includes: the towns and villages of Bowraville, Macksville, Nambucca Heads, Scotts Head, Valla Beach, Hyland Park, Eungai/Eungai Rail, Warrell Creek and Taylors Arm (Upper and Lower).

1.3.2 The Shire and its principal rivers and creeks are shown in Maps 1 and 2.

1.3.3 The council area is in the Clarence Nambucca SES Region and for emergency management purposes is part of the Mid North Coast Emergency Management District.

1.4 Description Of Flooding And Its Effects

1.4.1 The nature of flooding in the Nambucca Shire Council area is described in Annex A.

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

1.5 Responsibilities

1.5.1 The general responsibilities of emergency service organisations and supporting services (functional areas) are listed in the 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.


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1.5.2 Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller. The Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller is 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 Kelly Close, MACKSVILLE NSW 2447 in accordance with the SES Controllers’ Handbook and the SES Operations Manual.

c. Ensure that SES members are trained to undertake operations in accordance with current policy as laid down in the SES Controllers’ 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 Nambucca Shire 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. Provide immediate welfare support for evacuated people.

n. Coordinate the provision of emergency food and medical supplies to isolated people and/or communities.

o. Provide an information service in relation to:

• Flood heights and flood behaviour.


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• Road conditions and closures.

• Advice on methods of limiting property damage.

• Confirmation of evacuation warnings.

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

• 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, 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 Clarence Nambucca SES Region Headquarters and agencies assisting within the council area. These will contain information on:

• Road conditions and closures.

• Current flood behaviour.

• Current operational activities.

• Likely future flood behaviour.

• Likely future operational activities.

• Probable resource needs.

w. Keep the Local Emergency Operations Controller advised of the flood situation and the operational response.

x. Issue the ‘All Clear’ when flood operations have been completed.


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y. Ensure that appropriate Debriefs / After Action Reviews are held after floods.

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

1.5.3 Nambucca Shire SES Unit Members:

a. Carry out flood, coastal erosion/inundation and tsunami response tasks. These may include:

• The management of the Nambucca Shire 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.

• Coordination of sandbagging.

• Coordination of the lifting and/or moving household furniture and commercial stock.

• Moving 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.

1.5.4 Nambucca Shire Council Local Emergency Operations Controller:

a. Monitor operations.

b. Coordinate support to the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller if requested to do so.

1.5.5 NSW Police, Mid North Coast LAC: (Bowraville, Macksville and Nambucca Heads)

a. Assist with the delivery of evacuation warnings.


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b. Assist with the conduct of evacuation operations.

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.

1.5.6 Nambucca Shire Council Local Emergency Management Officer:

a. Provide executive support to the Local Emergency Operations Controller in accordance with the Nambucca Shire Council Local Disaster Plan.

b. At the request of the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller, advise appropriate agencies and officers of the start of response operations.

1.5.7 Nambucca Shire Council:

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

b. Contribute to the development and implementation of a public education program.

c. At the request of the Local SES 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 Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller, the Police and people who telephone the council for road information.

e. Provide filled sandbags to urban and village areas in which flooding is expected.

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

g. Provide back-up radio communications.

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.

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


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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 management studies and coastal management studies to the SES.

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

• Assist the SES with reconnaissance of coastal erosion/inundation trouble spots.

• Liaise with the SES Local 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.

1.5.8 Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BoM):

a. Provide Flood Watches for the Nambucca catchment.

b. Provide Flood Warnings, incorporating height-time predictions, for Bowraville (205006), Macksville (205416) and Utungun (205414).

c. Provide severe weather warnings 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.

e. Provide NSW Tsunami Warnings

1.5.9 Manly Hydraulics Laboratory:

a. Provide real-time access to river-height gauges within the Nambucca Catchment.

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

1.5.10 Department of Natural Resources:

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

b. Provide advice to SES and Nambucca Shire Council regarding coastal erosion risks and their management with in the council area.


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1.5.11 NSW Fire Brigades, Bowraville, Macksville and Nambucca Heads:


b. Assist with the conduct of evacuations.

c. Provide equipment for pumping flood water out of buildings and from low-lying areas.

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

e. Under the direction of the SES conduct evacuations in the Bowraville Sector.

f. Assist with sandbagging.

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

1.5.12 Rural Fire Service (RFS), Lower North Coast Team: ( Nambucca)

a. Provide personnel in rural areas and villages to:

• inform the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller about flood conditions and response needs in their own communities, and

• disseminate flood information.

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 equipment for pumping flood water out of buildings and from low-lying areas.

f. Assist with the removal of caravans.

g. Provide back-up radio communications.

h. Assist with cleanup operations, including the hosing of flood affected properties.

i. Under the direction of the SES conduct evacuations in the Scotts Head sector.

j. Assist with sandbagging.

k. Assist with the lifting and/or moving of household and business contents.


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1.5.13 Nambucca Rescue Squad, Macksville:

a. Assist the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller with flood operations, where equipment and training are suitable.

1.5.14 VRA Marine Rescue (Nambucca River):


b. Assist with sandbagging.

c. Assist with lifting and/or moving household furniture and commercial stock.

1.5.15 Country Energy:

a. Provide advice to the Nambucca Shire SES Local 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.

1.5.16 Telstra:

a. Maintain telephone services.

b. Repair and restore telephone facilities damaged by flooding.

c. Provide additional telecommunications support for the Nambucca Shire SES Local Unit Headquarters as required.

d. Assist the SES to identify infrastructure at risk of flooding for incorporation into planning and intelligence.

1.5.17 Department of Primary Industries, North Coast Region:

a. Coordinate the supply and delivery of emergency fodder.

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


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

d. Coordinate the operation of animal shelter compound, facilitate for the domestic pets and companion animals of evacuees.

1.5.18 Department of Community Services (DoCS):

a. Manage the evacuation centres.

b. Provide clothing, accommodation, food and welfare services for flood affected people, including stranded travellers.

1.5.19 Ambulance Service of NSW, Macksville, Nambucca Heads:

a. Assist with the evacuation of elderly and/or infirm people.

b. Deploy ambulance resources to Bowraville and Scotts Head if access is expected to be lost.

1.5.20 Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA):

a. Close and reopen the Pacific Highway affected by flood waters and advise the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller.

1.5.21 Australian Rail Track Corporation:

a. Close and re-open railway lines as necessary and advise the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller.

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

1.5.22 Transport Services Coordinator:

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

1.5.23 Provide space in the schools for evacuation centres where necessary.Schools:

a. The following schools and child care centres are to be contacted by the SES in the event of imminent flooding:

• Frank Partridge V.C Public School

• Nambucca Heads High School

• Nambucca Heads Primary School

• Nambucca Valley Christian School

• Macksville High School

• Macksville Public School


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• Medlow Public School

• Scotts Head Public School

• Talowood School

• St Mary’s Catholic Primary School

• Bowraville Central School

• Hibiscus School

• St Patrick’s Primary School

• Eungai Public School

• Macksville Pre School Child Care Centre

• Nambucca Heads Pre School Playcentre

• Nambucca Valley Family Day Care

• Bowraville Community Pre School

b. When notified the schools and childcare centres should:

• Liaise with the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller and consider the early release of students whose travel arrangements are likely to be disrupted by flooding and/or road closures.

• Assist with the evacuation of pupils.

• Pass information to school bus companies on expected or actual impacts of flooding.

1.5.24 Caravan Park Proprietor(s), The White Albatross Caravan Park, Nambucca Tourist Resort, Pacific Sands, Foreshore and Pelican Park :

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 they must do to facilitate evacuation and van relocation when flooding occurs.

c. Ensure that occupiers are informed of flood warnings and flood watches.

d. Coordinate the evacuation of people and the relocation of moveable vans when floods are rising and their return when flood waters have subsided.


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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.

1.5.25 Gauge Reader Network, Taylors Arm, North Arm, Bowraville and Warrell Creek Network:

a. Provide flood information to the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller.

1.5.26 Citizens’ Radio Emergency Service Teams (CREST) / Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network (WICEN):

a. Provide communications assistance.

1.5.27 Rotary Clubs, Nambucca Football Club, Macksville/ Scotts Head SLSC, Macksville Football Club and Nambucca SLSC:

Assist with:

a. Delivery of evacuation warnings.

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

c. Sandbagging.

1.5.28 Busways:

Assist with the provision of bus transport and drivers for evacuation, resupply or commuting purposes.


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PART 2 - PREPAREDNESS

2.1 Maintenance Of This Plan

2.1.1 The Nambucca Shire 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 operation.

• When significant changes in land-use or community characteristics occur.

• When new information from studies become available.

• When control or mitigation works are implemented or altered.

• When there are changes that alter agreed plan arrangements.

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

2.2 Floodplain and Coastal Risk Management

2.2.1 The Nambucca Shire 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 community about the nature of the flood and coastal erosion /inundation problem and its management.

c. Informs the Clarence Nambucca SES Region Headquarters of involvement in floodplain and coastal risk management activities.

2.3 Development of Flood Intelligence

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

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


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2.4 Development of Warning Systems

2.4.1 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 (ie. who would be affected in floods of differing severities).

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.

2.5 Public Education

2.5.1 The Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller, with the assistance of the Nambucca Shire Council, the Clarence Nambucca SES Region Headquarters and SES State Headquarters, is responsible for ensuring that the residents of the council area are aware of the threat in their vicinity and how to protect themselves from it.

2.5.2 Specific strategies to be employed include:

a. Dissemination of brochures and booklets.

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.

2.6 Training

2.6.1 Throughout this document there are references to functions that must be carried out by the members of the Nambucca Shire SES Unit. The Nambucca Shire 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.

2.7 Resources

2.7.1 The Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller is responsible for maintaining the condition and state of readiness of SES equipment and the Nambucca Shire SES Local Headquarters.


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PART 3 - RESPONSE

3.1 Control

3.1.1 The SES is the designated Combat Agency for floods and is responsible for the control of flood operations. This includes responding to tsunami, particularly for warning and evacuation.

3.1.2 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.

3.1.3 The SES is responsible for the coordination of other agencies and organisations to assist in flood, coastal erosion/inundation and tsunami tasks.

3.2 Operations Centres

3.2.1 The Nambucca Shire SES maintains an Operations Centre at Kelly Close, MACKSVILLE NSW 2447.

3.2.2 The Nambucca Shire Council Emergency Operations Centre is located at the Nambucca Emergency Operations Centre, Kelly Close, Macksville.

3.3 Liaison

3.3.1 At the request of the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller, each agency with responsibilities identified in this plan will provide liaison (including a liaison officer where necessary) to the Nambucca Shire SES Operations Centre.

3.3.2 Liaison officers are to:

a. have the authority to deploy the resources of their parent organisations at the request of the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller,

b. advise the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller on resource availability for their service, and

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

3.4 Communications

3.4.1 The primary means of office-to-office communications is by telephone and facsimile.

3.4.2 The primary means of communication to and between deployed SES resources is by the Clarence Nambucca SES Region Tactical/Strategic UHF network.

3.4.3 All other organisations will provide communications as necessary to their deployed field teams.


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3.4.4 Back-up communications are provided as follows:

a. Nambucca Shire Council UHF Radio Network

b. Rural Fire Service UHF Radio Network

3.5 Start of Response Operations

3.5.1 This plan is always active to ensure that preparedness actions detailed in this plan are completed.

3.5.2 Response operations will begin:

a. On receipt of a Bureau of Meteorology Flood Watch, Preliminary Flood Warning, Flood Warning, Tsunami Warningg or a Severe Weather Warning.

b. When other evidence leads to an expectation of flooding and/or coastal erosion inundation within the council area.

3.5.3 Contact with the Bureau of Meteorology to discuss the development of warnings will normally be through the Clarence Nambucca SES Region Headquarters.

3.5.4 The following persons and organisations will be advised of the start of response operations:

a. Nambucca Shire Local Emergency Operations Controller (for transmission to the NSW Police Local Area Command Headquarters).

b. Nambucca Shire SES Unit.

c. Clarence Nambucca SES Region Headquarters.

d. Nambucca Shire Council Local Emergency Management Officer (for transmission to appropriate council officers and departments).

e. Nambucca Shire Council Mayor.

3.5.5 Other agencies listed in this plan will be advised by the LEMO on the request of the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller and as appropriate to the location and nature of the threat.

3.6 Intelligence

3.6.1 Sources of intelligence are:

a. Bureau of Meteorology. The Bureau provides:

• Flood Watches, which give an early appreciation of developing meteorological situations that could lead to flooding. These are normally provided on a whole-catchment basis.


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• Flood Warnings, which include river height readings and height-time predictions. The gauges for which predictions are provided for are listed in Annex C.

• Weather Forecasts warning of potential storm activity including severe weather warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings

• Warnings of dangerous surf and storm tide conditions

• Tsunami Warnings

b. Clarence Nambucca SES Region Headquarters. The Region Headquarters provides information on flooding and its consequences, including those in nearby council areas.

c. Nambucca Shire Council. Nambucca Shire Council provides information on road closures in the shire to the SES.

d. Manly Hydraulics Laboratory (Flood-to-Fax) System. This system provides river height and rainfall readings for a number of gauges as indicated in Annex C. www.mhl.nsw.gov.au

e. Department of Natural Resources, Coffs Harbour Office. This office advises flow rates and rates of rise for the streams, lakes and rivers in the Nambucca Shire local government area. Daily river reports containing information on gauge heights and river flows are available from the DNR website: http://waterinfo.dipnr.nsw.gov.au/index.html

f. Active Reconnaissance. The SES monitors the following problem areas:

• Wellington Drive, Nambucca Heads.

• Kings Point, Macksville.

3.7 Preliminary Deployments

3.7.1 When flooding is expected to be severe enough to cut road access to towns, within towns and/or rural communities, the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller will ensure that resources are in place for the distribution of foodstuffs and medical supplies to the areas that could become isolated.

3.7.2 When Bowraville and Scotts Head are expected to become isolated, the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller will advise appropriate agencies so that resources (including sandbags, fire fighting appliances, ambulances, etc.) are deployed to ensure that operational capability is maintained.

3.8 Warnings

3.8.1 Warning services operate according to the following arrangements:


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a. The Nambucca Shire SES Local Unit Headquarters:

• Provides advice to the Clarence Nambucca SES Region Headquarters on current and expected impacts of flooding.

• Coordinates the delivery of warnings to the community by door-knocking, telephone, mobile public address systems, local radio stations and two-way radio.

b. The Clarence Nambucca SES Region Headquarters issues warning information in the form of SES Region Flood Bulletins and media releases to media organisations and agencies listed in Annex D.

3.8.2 Warnings are provided as follows:

a. SES Livestock and Equipment Warnings. Following heavy rain or when there are indications of significant creek or river rises (even to levels below Minor Flood heights), the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller will advise the Clarence Nambucca SES Region Headquarters which will issue SES Livestock and Equipment Warnings.

b. Bureau of Meteorology Flood Watches. If there are signs of impending floods, Flood Watches will be incorporated in SES Flood Bulletins issued by the Clarence Nambucca SES Region Headquarters.

c. Bureau of Meteorology Severe Weather Warnings. These warnings are to be incorporated into SES Flood Bulletins and media releases.

d. Bureau of Meteorology Flood Warnings. Flood Warnings are issued for Bowraville (205006), Macksville (205416) and Utungun (205414). On receipt of such warnings, the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller will:

• Advise the Nambucca Shire Council and the Nambucca Shire Local Emergency Operations Controller.

• Provide the Clarence Nambucca SES Region Headquarters with information for inclusion in SES Flood Bulletins on the estimated impacts of flooding at the predicted heights.

e. SES Local Flood Advices. The SES may issue Local Flood Advices for the gauges listed in Annex C. These are issued in SES Region Flood Bulletins and/or direct from the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller.

f. Evacuation Warnings. A template guide to the content of evacuation warning messages is at Annex E.

g. Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS). This signal may be played over radio and television stations to alert communities to Evacuation Warnings, Special Warnings. Approval to use the signal


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will be obtained by the Nambucca Shire SES Local Headquarters from the Clarence Nambucca SES Region Headquarters.

3.9 Information

3.9.1 The Clarence Nambucca SES Region Headquarters issues SES Flood Bulletins to media outlets and agencies on behalf of all SES units in the Region. 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 heights and flood behaviour.

c. Details of conditions and closures of main roads.

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

3.9.2 When operations relating to coastal erosion/inundation are being undertaken, SES Media Releases will contain information and advice about property damage mitigation measures and evacuation in affected areas.

3.9.3 The Nambucca Shire SES Local Headquarters provides a “phone-in” information service for the community in relation to current warnings, river heights, flood behaviour, coastal erosion/inundation, road conditions and closures of local and main roads and advice on safety matters and means of protecting property.

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

a. The Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller provides road status reports for main roads in the council area to the Clarence Nambucca SES Region Headquarters Road Information Cell and to the Mid North Coast Police Local Area Command Headquarters. The Road Information Cell obtains information from the Police, Council and RTA.

b. The Clarence Nambucca SES Region Headquarters distributes information on main roads to SES units, media outlets and agencies as part of SES Flood Bulletins.

c. The Road Information Cell also provides a “phone-in” service to the public.

The Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller is to ensure that the Clarence Nambucca SES Region Controller is regularly briefed on the progress of operations and on future resource needs.

3.10 Road Control


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3.10.1 A number of roads within the council area are affected by flooding. Details are provided in Annex B.

3.10.2 The council closes and re-opens its own roads.

3.10.3 The NSW Police has the authority to close and re-open roads but will normally only do so (if the council or the RTA have not already acted) if public safety requires such action.

3.10.4 When resources permit, the SES assists Council or the Police by erecting road closure signs and barriers.

3.11 Traffic Control.

3.11.1 The Nambucca Shire SES Local 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).

3.12 Flood Rescue

3.12.1 The Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller is responsible for the coordination of flood rescue.

3.12.2 Flood rescues, may be carried out by accredited units using high clearance vehicles, flood boats and (under some circumstances) helicopters.

3.12.3 Additional flood boats and crews can be requested through the Clarence Nambucca SES Region Headquarters.

3.13 Evacuations

3.13.1 Arrangements for the conduct of evacuations are contained in Annex F.

3.14 Essential Services

3.14.1 The Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller will ensure that the providers of essential services (electricity, water, sewerage, medical and public health) are kept advised of the situation. Essential service providers must keep the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller abreast of their status and ongoing ability to provide those services.

3.15 Logistics

3.15.1 The Nambucca Shire SES Local Headquarters maintains a small stock of sandbags, and back-up supplies are available through the Clarence Nambucca SES Region Headquarters. Motorised sandbag-filling machine are available through the Clarence Nambucca Region Headquarters. Alternatively, local concrete trucks may be used.


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3.16 Aircraft Management

3.16.1 Aircraft can be used for a variety of purposes during operations including evacuation, rescue, resupply, reconnaissance and emergency travel.

3.16.2 Air operations will be conducted under the control of the SES Region Headquarters, which may allocate aircraft to units if applicable. The SES Local Controller may task aircraft allocated by the Region Headquarters for operations within the Council area.

3.16.3 Helicopter Landing Points. Suitable landing points are located at:

a. North Macksville Park, Pacific Hwy (Macksville 9536-4-S 935031)

b. Macksville High School, Boundary St (Macksville 9536-4-S 922022)

c. Macksville Park, Pacific Hwy (Macksville 9536-4-S 925025)

d. Nambucca Emergency Operations Centre, Kelly Close (Macksville 9536-4-S 939024)

3.16.4 Airport. Suitable landing areas for fixed wing aircraft.

a. Coffs Harbour Airport (S 30 19.2 E 153 07.0)

b. Kempsey Airport (S 31 04.5 E 152 46.2)

3.17 Resupply of Isolated Towns and Villages

3.17.1 The SES is responsible for the coordination of the resupply of isolated communities. If flood predictions indicate that areas are likely to become isolated, the Nambucca Shire SES local Controller should advise businesses (normally through the Nambucca Shire Council) that they should stock up.

3.17.2 When isolation occurs, storekeepers will be expected to place orders on suppliers where they have a line of credit and to instruct those suppliers to package their goods and deliver them to loading points designated by the SES.

3.17.3 Where practicable the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller will arrange for the delivery from normal suppliers of essential foodstuffs, fuels or urgent medical supplies required by an isolated property or community. This may be done using high clearance vehicles, floodboats or, on occasions, aircraft.

3.17.4 The Nambucca Shire Council will establish and chair a vetting committee to ensure that only essentials are ordered and that the business requesting the supplies is not using the flood as a means of restocking free of charge.

3.17.5 Where supplies are not available within the council area, the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller may request them through the Clarence Nambucca SES Region Headquarters. The Region Headquarters will usually arrange for them to be delivered to the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller for further distribution within the council area.


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3.17.6 The SES is prepared to deliver mail to isolated communities but may not be able to do so according to normal Australia Post timetables, and will assist hospitals with resupply of linen and other consumables.

3.18 Resupply of Isolated Properties

3.18.1 The resupply of isolated properties is a common requirement during floods and coordination can be difficult because requests can emanate from a variety of sources. Property owners may call their suppliers direct or place their orders with the Nambucca Shire SES, through DoCS, or through their own social networks.

3.18.2 The principles to be applied when planning for the resupply of isolated properties are:

a. The SES will coordinate resupply and establish a schedule.

b. DoCS will liaise with the SES concerning property holders who place orders with them. They will include people in dire circumstances who receive resupply at no cost. DoCS has a well developed system for this situation, including a standard list of approved resupply items.

c. If a property holder seeks resupply from the SES and claims to be, or is considered to be, in dire circumstances, he/she is to be referred to DoCS.

d. Local suppliers will liaise with the SES regarding delivery of resupply items to the designated loading point.

e. Local suppliers are responsible for packaging resupply items for delivery.

3.19 Assistance for Animals

3.19.1 Matters relating to the welfare of livestock, companion animals and wildlife (including feeding and rescue) are to be referred to Department of Primary Industries.

3.19.2 Requests for emergency supply and/or delivery of fodder to stranded livestock, or for livestock rescue, are to be passed to Department of Primary Industries.

3.20 Stranded Travellers

3.20.1 Flood waters can strand travellers at Nambucca Heads and Macksville. Travellers seeking assistance will be referred to DoCS for the arrangement of temporary accommodation.

3.21 All Clear

3.21.1 When the danger to life and property has passed, the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller will issue an ‘All Clear’ message signifying that response


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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.


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PART 4 - RECOVERY

4.1 Welfare

4.1.1 The Department of Community Services will provide for the long-term welfare of people who have been evacuated.

4.2 Recovery Coordination

4.2.1 Recovery operations will be conducted as detailed in Part 6 of the State DISPLAN.

4.2.2 The Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller will ensure that planning for long-term recovery operations begins at the earliest opportunity. This is to be done by briefing the chairman of the Nambucca Shire Council Local Emergency Management Committee on the details of the flooding and assisting in the establishment of a Recovery Coordinating Committee.

4.2.3 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.

4.3 Arrangements for Debriefs / After Action Reviews

4.3.1 As soon as possible after an event has abated, the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller will advise participating organisations of details of response operation debriefs / after action review arrangements.

4.3.2 The Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller will ensure that adequate arrangements are in place to record details of the after action review and each item requiring further action is delegated to an organisation or individual to implement.

4.3.3 Follow-up to ensure the satisfactory completion of these actions will be undertaken by the Nambucca Shire Council Local Emergency Management Committee.


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ANNEX A - THE THREAT General

1. Serious flooding can occur within the Nambucca Council area on the Nambucca River and its major tributary Taylors Arm. Flooding on the lesser tributaries including Warrell Creek (which joins the Nambucca River at Nambucca Heads) is relatively insignificant, as is also the case on Deep Creek which enters the sea between Valla Park and Hyland Park. However, development pressures in these areas may create future problems.

Landforms and River Systems

The Nambucca River System (Basin No 205)

2. The Nambucca Valley comprises the catchment areas of the Nambucca River, Taylors Arm and Warrell, Newee, Watt and Bellwood creeks. The total catchment area, to the mouth at Nambucca Heads, is approximately 1,400 square kilometres. Above Macksville the Nambucca River divides into two arms which rise in the extremely rugged fringe of the New England Plateau into which they have cut deep and precipitous gorges.

3. The main tributary of the Nambucca River is Taylors Arm, which flows in a south-easterly direction from the plateau and then turns north-east near the village of Taylors Arm. The main tributaries of Taylors Arm are Thumb and Baker creeks. Near the town of Macksville, Taylors Arm joins the Nambucca River which then flows north-east to be joined by Newee, Watt and Bellwood Creeks on the left bank and Gumma and Warrell creeks on the right bank. Above Bowraville the main tributaries of the Nambucca River are Buckra Bendinni Creek, South Creek and Missabotti Creek.

4. Warrell Creek, starting as Eungai Creek, rises in hilly country 15 kilometres south-west of Eungai, flowing northwards to a point about three kilometres south of Macksville where it suddenly turns east. At Scotts Head it flows north again, following the coast before joining the Nambucca River at Nambucca Heads.

5. Tidal influence extends upstream almost to Bowraville on the Nambucca River and to Utungun on Taylors Arm during low to average flows. On Warrell Creek the tidal influence extends beyond Scotts Head.

6. Above Bowraville and Utungun, areas of alluvial flats are limited to the width of the valley floors adjacent to the main channels. The rugged terrain in these areas is still being actively eroded by the steep tributary streams as they form wider and deeper valleys into the New England Plateau and into the ridges separating the two main catchments.

7. In the eastern and central parts of the valley, around Bowraville and west of Macksville, the higher, steep lands give way to more undulating terrain. Intervening ridges are only about 200 metres high. The lowland basin


A-2

characteristics are more pronounced around Bowraville because so many tributary valleys join to widen the Nambucca River.

8. The easterly part of the catchment consists essentially of the deltaic plains of the Nambucca River and Warrell Creek, together with island hills on the plains and low bounding divides. Here, much of the land is below 10 metres and has been constructed from fluvial and estuarine deposition. This low-lying land contains areas of swamps and ponds and is subject to frequent flooding.

Weather Systems and Flooding

9. Median annual rainfall over the Nambucca River catchment is 1,270 mm. In the northern and eastern high-ridge country it varies between 1,270 and 1,500 mm, but to the west and south in the catchment of Taylors Arm it varies from 1,400 mm in the elevated areas to as low as 1,150 mm. March is usually the wettest month, and August the driest. Floods are generally of short duration and warning times are short, being measured in hours rather than days.

10. Most flooding in the Nambucca Council area results from cyclonic depressions. Amongst these are:

a. Degraded ex-tropical cyclones, migrating southwards and becoming deep low-pressure systems. These systems occur in the mid-late summer months and in autumn, bringing very heavy falls over wide areas and over periods of up to two days when they lie off or over the coast. Falls of 250 mm or more in 24 hours are not uncommon under these circumstances. These systems may also cause coastal erosion.

b. East coast low pressure systems: these systems usually travel parallel to the coast in the autumn and winter months. They also can bring very heavy falls over extended periods and may also result in coastal erosion.

11. In addition, high-intensity, short-duration convective thunderstorms which occur during the summer months may briefly cause local flooding, flooding on minor creeks and the surcharging of urban drainage systems. Such flooding is `flash' flooding, occurring with little or no warning and having no significant impact on water levels in the Nambucca River itself.

Characteristics of Flooding

12. Flood behaviour in the lower Nambucca at Macksville is affected by the complex interaction between catchment runoff and tides. Closer to the mouth storm surge and wave setup effects also influence behaviour.

13. Warning time of impending floods is relatively short with only 6 to 9 hours of flood heights exceeding 3.0 m AHD at the Macksville gauge, generally available. However, this may vary a small amount depending upon the distribution of rainfall throughout the catchment.

14. Floods are generally of short duration but roads maybe closed for several days.


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Flood History

15. The present gauges at Bowraville and Macksville were not installed until 1959 and 1963 respectively, but peak flood heights have been established at both centres for events going back to the late nineteenth century. These are listed in the following tables, for floods reaching 2.1 metres or greater at Macksville.

Table 1, Historical flood levels above 2.1 metres at Macksville Gauge

Date Year Date Year Mar 1894 2.35 Apr 1962 2.95 May 1913 2.55 Apr 1963 2.45 May 1921 2.50 May 1963 3.20 July 1921 2.95 March 1964 2.40 Feb 1929 2.35 June 1967 2.60 Mar 1946 2.70 Jan 1968 2.20 May 1948 2.50 Oct 1972 2.50 Aug 1949 2.50 Mar 1974 2.95 June 1950 3.40 May 1977 2.65 Mar 1953 2.80 May 1980 2.10 Feb 1954 3.15 July 1985 2.16 Nov 1959 2.65 July 1999 2.14

16. Historically, floods greater than 2.1 metres at Macksville have been most frequent between February and July, though this does not mean that other periods are flood-free. The following graph indicates the seasonal distribution of floods in the Nambucca catchment since flood records were first kept.

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Janu

ary

Febr

uary

Mar

ch

Apr

il

May

June July

Augu

st

Sept

embe

r

Oct

ober

Nov

embe

r

Dec

embe

r

Month of Year

Num

ber o

f Flo

ods

Major FloodsModerate Floods

Figure 1 Monthly Distribution of Moderate and Major Floods, Macksville 1894 to 1999


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17. The flood of record occurred in 1950 when the reported level was 3.40 metres AHD (1:90 ARI) at the Macksville Gauge. Flood waters spread through the commercial centre around Princess Street, Wallace Street and Mackay Street to recorded depths of up to 0.6 metres over floor levels. This frequency flood would also have affected residential areas of the town along River Street, East Street and the Pacific Highway near Macksville Park.

Design Flood Levels

18. Design flood heights for various Annual Exceedance Probabilities are as follows:

Annual Exceedance Probability Bowraville 1 Macksville 2

5% 10.5m 2.95m

2% 11.3m 3.35m

1% 11.8m 3.55m

Extreme 6.3m Notes 1. Gauge height (metres AHD) at Bowraville (Lanes Bridge) (205006). 2. Gauge height (metres AHD) at Macksville (205416). 3. Note that the difference between the 5% AEP and the 1% AEP floods at

Macksville is less than 1 metre.

Flood Mitigation Systems

19. No structural flood mitigation systems exist.

Extreme Flooding

20. On rare occasions, flooding of extreme proportions must be expected. It is characteristic of extreme floods to reach much greater heights than earlier events and flood areas with no previous history of flooding. Moreover, such floods are generally both faster to rise and more dangerous in terms of depth and velocity than previous floods. The extreme flood on the Macksville gauge has been estimated to peak at 6.3m AHD. Such a flood would occur only very rarely, perhaps only once every 10,000 years or more. Floods lower than this but much higher than the record flood of 1950 are also possible and indeed are much more likely to be experienced by current residents than the PMF.


B-1

ANNEX B - EFFECTS OF FLOODING ON THE COMMUNITY

Community Profile

1. According to the 2001 ABS Census the total population of the Nambucca Shire is approximately 17,718 persons, of this number approximately 2,900 live in Macksville and 5,700 in Nambucca Heads. The following table provides a brief overview of the demographic characteristics of the Nambucca Shire.

Table 2, Nambucca Shire Profile (2001 ABS Census)

Census Description LGA Bowraville Macksville Nambucca Heads

Total Persons 17718 956 2661 6146

Total Dwellings 8083 383 1074 3063

Total persons aged 65 years and over

3731 143 742 1768

Total persons aged below 15 years

3661 260 543 1009

Total persons of indigenous origin

954 200 197 363

Total persons using Internet 4041 160 492 1229

Single parent families 898 69 147 318

Persons living alone 1924 90 271 908

Total persons who do not speak English well

18 3 6 9

Total persons who lived at a different address 5 years ago

6670 341 1014 2498

Households without vehicles 832 43 115 332

Total persons residing in caravans, cabins or houseboats

733

0 0 528

Mean household size 2.4 2.6 2.4 2.1

2. It is significant to note that approximately 20% of the population is aged 65 years or older. Elderly people are often frail and unable to respond quickly without assistance. Some of them may also be socially isolated, resulting in


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them being unaware of evacuation warnings or unable to decide on a course of action. Areas with particularly high proportions of elderly residents should be targeted for doorknocking and the provision of transport.

Specific Risk Areas

3. There are five main areas affected by flooding in the Nambucca Shire, these are; Macksville; Nambucca Heads; Bowraville; Scotts Head; and low-lying rural lands. Flood risk is greatest at Kings Point, Macksville and the White Albatross Caravan Park, Nambucca Heads. These locations both suffer from evacuation problems and high hazard flood conditions.

Macksville (Pop 2,670)

4. The town of Macksville is located on the Nambucca River approximately 13 km upstream of its mouth at Nambucca Heads. The Central Business District, East Macksville, North Macksville and Kings Point are all prone to flooding. These areas are described below.

5. The Central Business District (CBD): During a 1% AEP flood an estimated 32 residences and 71 businesses would suffer over-floor flooding. Flood waters begin to enter the CBD at 2.3 metres on the Macksville gauge, reaching the intersection of River and Princess Streets. As the river rises water will enter Mackay, Princess, River, Wallace, Tilly Willy, Angus, West and Cooper Streets.

6. East Macksville: The eastern residential area is subject to backwater flooding from the Gumma Creek flats and over bank flows from the Nambucca River. The area is considered to be High Hazard Flood Fringe. During the 1% AEP flood the river bank area would not be flooded but would be surrounded by low velocity flood waters of up to one metre deep.

7. In extreme events, the entire area could be covered by up to 2.5 metres of medium velocity flood water, creating a high risk situation. There is no high ground in the area to retreat to, and there would be difficulty in evacuating people from the area across the town drain.

8. It is uncertain when flood waters initially enter East Macksville, however significant parts of East Macksville would be flooded below the 5% AEP flood level of 2.95 metres (Macksville Gauge). Specific areas likely to be affected include the lower sections of; Willis; Star; Partridge; Macksville; Dudley; George; Boundary; River; Nambucca; East; Kane; and Asher streets.

9. The Autumn Lodge Retirement Village in Boundary St is flood prone and may require evacuation if floodwaters are expected to rise above 3.5 metres.

10. North Macksville: A narrow low-lying strip of North Macksville, fronting the river is within the floodplain. Over-ground flooding commences in the area between 1.5 and 2 metres on the Macksville gauge, resulting in flooding beneath the many raised houses in this area. The area is generally flood fringe with velocities increasing towards the river. During a 1% AEP flood 14


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residences would be flooded over-floor, with many others affected by deep over-ground flooding.

11. Flooding is likely to occur in Ferry St, Egan Ln and Bellevue Dr. Access along Ferry St and Bellevue Dr can be limited in minor to moderate flood events.

12. The Nambucca River Tourist Caravan Park, located in Nursery Rd is also flood liable.

13. Kings Point: Classified, as a high hazard floodway, Kings Point is a narrow piece of land between Taylors Arm and Tilly Willy Creek. Approximately 124 residential properties are built in the area, many with raised floors, but all prone to high hazard flooding. During a 1% AEP flood 57 houses would be flooded over-floor with many others suffering deep over-ground flooding. For the 1% AEP flood, high velocities flood waters of up to 1.5 metres deep could be experienced. In an extreme event, flood waters could be up to an additional 3.0 metres deeper.

14. Evacuation from Kings Point is potentially extremely difficult and risky because of the high flood depths and velocities across the land, and along Tilly Willy Creek. Evacuation would need to be completed early in a major flood. The railway line could be used to aid evacuations.

Nambucca Heads (Pop 6,150)

15. Nambucca located at the mouth of the Nambucca River, is relatively flood free, however small parts of the town suffer from high risk flooding. The four main areas at risk are Wellington Dr, Bellwood, Stuart Island and the Pacific Hwy South of Nambucca Heads. These are described below.

16. Wellington Drive: Wellington Dr is located on the shore of the inner harbour. Water frequently cuts the road making access difficult. The White Albatross Caravan Park located at the eastern end of Wellington Dr and can be affected by storm surge and riverine flooding. Evacuation from the park is extremely difficult as many vans are permanent and the high likelihood that Wellington Dr will become flooded, closing the only possible vehicular evacuation route. High ground is located adjacent to the site, however access is steep and difficult. Many residents of the park are elderly.

17. Bellwood: Residential and commercial properties adjacent to the Nambucca River, Swampy Creek and Bellwood Swamp are at risk

18. Stuart Island: This area, on which the Nambucca Heads Golf course is situated has been completely inundated during major floods, but the club buildings have not been seriously in danger.

19. Pacific Hwy South of Nambucca Heads: The Pelican Park Caravan Park and various other commercial properties are located in low-lying areas.


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Bowraville (Pop 960)

20. The town of Bowraville is located on the Nambucca River approximately 14 km upstream from Macksville. The flood of record occurred in 1890 when the river is reported to have reached 11.9 metres AHD. The next highest flood level was 11.0 metres AHD in 1954. Although about 40% of the town area is below this level, there are only six occupied residences below 11.0 metres AHD.

Scotts Head (Pop 840)

21. Located, 11 km south of Nambucca Heads the township is not affected by the 1% AEP flood. However, some blocks along Warrell Cl and Raleigh and Vernon Streets on the southern fringe of the town are subject to flooding from Warrell Creek.

Rural Areas

22. Large areas of low-lying rural farm land along the lower reaches of the Nambucca River, Taylors Arm and Warrell Creek are flood prone, and farm animals and equipment must be moved to higher ground when floods are forecast. Some farm dwellings can be isolated.

Camping Reserves

23. Annex G lists flood liable caravan parks. The location of these parks is shown in Maps 3 and 4.

Road Closures

24. Rodeo Dr between Macksville and Bowraville: Along the Left Bank of the Nambucca River has been subject to flooding particularly between the road and rail bridges at Macksville and at number of low-lying areas.

25. Pacific Hwy: The highway is subject to flooding north of Macksville.

26. Scotts Head Rd: The road is cut in several places by Warrell Creek. Access is generally possible from the south (Grassy Head).

27. All roads upstream of Bowraville and Macksville may be blocked by flooding in excess of moderate flooding on the appropriate gauges.

28. The main north coast railway line has not been subject to flooding within the Nambucca Valley. The railway line can be cut both north and south of the Nambucca Council area.


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ANNEX C - GAUGES MONITORED BY THE NAMBUCCA SHIRE SES LOCAL

HEADQUARTERS

Flood Classification Gauge Name Type AWRC No

Stream

Min Mod Maj

Owner

Bowraville*†‡ Telemeter 205006 Nambucca River

5.5 5.8 10.1

Macksville *†‡ Telemeter 205416 Nambucca River

1.7 2.1 2.6

Utungun (Taylors Arm) *†

Telemeter 205414 Taylors Arm 0.6 1.5 2.1

Notes: 1. The Bureau of Meteorology provides flood warnings for the gauges marked with

an asterisk (*). 2. SES Local Flood Advices are provided for the gauges marked with a single cross

(†). 3. The SES holds a Flood Intelligence Card for the gauges marked with a double

cross (‡).

Rain Gauges Gauge Name Location

Girralong Girralong 9436-4-N 6618 Bowra Sugarloaf Thumb Ck 9436-4-S 6607 Taylors Arm Bellbrook 9436-3-N 7194 Bowraville Macksville 9436-1-S 8610


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ANNEX D - DISSEMINATION OF SES FLOOD BULLETINS

The Clarence Nambucca SES Region Headquarters distributes SES Flood Bulletins, media releases and other related information (including Warnings) to the following regional media outlets: Television Stations:

Station Location Prime TV Lismore Channel 10 Coffs Harbour NBN TV Newcastle ABC TV Lismore Radio Stations:

Station Location Frequency Modulation 2CS Coffs Harbour 2MC Port Macquarie 106.7 & 100.7 FM 2KP/TR (ABC) Kempsey/Taree 2NVR Bowraville ABC MID NORTH COAST

Port Macquarie & Coffs Harbour 92.3 FM

STAR FM Port Macquarie 105.1 & 102.3 FM ABC MID NORTH COAST

Port Macquarie & Coffs Harbour 684 AM

Newspapers:

Name Location Nambucca Guardian News Nambucca Other Agencies: • NSW Police - Port Macquarie • NSW Ambulance Service - Newcastle • NSW Ambulance Service – Coffs Harbour • NSW Fire Brigade – Port Macquarie • Department of Community Services – Kempsey • NSW Rural Fire Service – Macksville • Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources – Coffs Harbour


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• District Emergency Management Officer • Nambucca Marine Rescue – Nambucca Heads • Country Energy • Telstra • NSW Department of Primary Industries, Kempsey • Roads and Traffic Authority, Grafton • Australian Rail Track Corporation • Nambucca Shire Council • State Rail Authority


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ANNEX E - TEMPLATE EVACUATION WARNING MESSAGE FOR [ENTER NAME OF AREA]

Evacuation Warning for [ ] Date/Time of Issue: [ ] Authorised By: [ ] The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted a flood level of [ ] metres at [ ] (place) at [ ] (time). This means that the following area(s) may be inundated [ ]. It is recommended that you prepare to evacuate/for evacuation within the next [ ] hours. If you leave it later, the roads may be congested or closed. To prepare for evacuation, you should: • Raise belongings by placing them on tables, beds and benches. Put electrical

items on top. Some items may be able to be placed in ceilings. • Gather medicines, personal and financial documents and mementos together to

take with you. • Listen to radio stations [enter station] for further information and to confirm this

warning. • If possible, check to see whether your neighbours need help. • Make arrangements for care of pets or companion animals. If evacuation is necessary: • Turn off the electricity, gas and water. • Take three days’ supply of clothes with you. • If you have a car, drive to the evacuation centre at [ ] (specify

route if appropriate). • If you don’t have a car, buses will operate on normal routes. Special transport can

also be provided on request if necessary, telephone [ ]. • So that you can be accounted for, it is important that you register at the evacuation

centre. • After registering, you may go to the house of a friend or relative. Alternatively,

accommodation will be arranged for you. • The Police will provide security for your property while you are away.


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ANNEX F - EVACUATION ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE NAMBUCCA SHIRE COUNCIL AREA

Background

1. There are six principal areas, which may require evacuation during flooding in the Nambucca Shire, these are described below.

a. CBD, approximately 71 businesses would require evacuation in 1% AEP flood.

b. North Macksville, approximately 50 houses may require evacuation in a 1% AEP flood, from Bellevue Dr, Ferry St and Egan Ln.

c. East Macksville, approximately 32 houses may require evacuation from East and Willis St during a 1% AEP flood. During large floods the Autumn Lodge Retirement Village in Boundary St may also require evacuation.

d. Kings Point, approximately 130 residences would require evacuation during a 1% AEP flood.

e. Bowraville, six residences may require evacuation during flooding.

f. Nambucca Heads, the White Albatross Caravan Park and properties along Wellington Dr may require evacuation. Flooding here can occur as a result of riverine flooding or storm surge. In addition properties in Bellwood may require evacuation.

2. While numerous elevated buildings on the floodplain have floor levels likely to remain above all but the most extreme floods, these buildings cannot be considered safe refugees because of the likely water supply, sewerage and telephone system failure. Residents of high-set dwellings will therefore need to evacuate when severe floods are predicted so as to avoid the necessity for later operations to rescue them.

3. Numerous special needs groups occupy the floodplain. Twenty percent of the population of Nambucca Shire are above the age of sixty five and 21 percent below the age of 15. There are a large number of single parent families. Nambucca Shire is a popular tourist area, with its population increasing during holiday periods. The large majority of the population speak English.

Arrangements

4. Control. During floods evacuations will be controlled by the NSW SES and conducted by SES, NSW Police, NSW Fire Brigade, Ambulance Service of NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, Nambucca District Rescue Squad, Nambucca River Marine Rescue and service and sporting clubs personnel. Small-scale evacuations will be controlled by the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller. Should the evacuations operations escalate beyond the capabilities of local


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resources control may be handed over to the Clarence Nambucca SES Region Controller.

5. Conduct. Evacuations will be controlled by the SES and conducted in four phases:

a. Phase 1 - Warning.

b. Phase 2 – Withdrawal.

c. Phase 3 – Shelter.

d. Phase 4 – Return.

Operational Sectors

6. For the purpose of managing flood response operations and evacuations during severe floods, the Nambucca Shire Council area will be divided into operational sectors. These sectors are:

Sector Name Sector Conduct

Macksville SES

Bowraville NSWFB

Nambucca Heads Police

Scotts Head RFS

7. Sector controllers will conduct evacuations in accordance with directions from the Nambucca Shire Local Controller.

8. Sector boundaries are shown in Map 5.

Phase 1 – Decision to Evacuate

9. The decision to evacuate. The responsibility for issuing any general evacuation order during flooding rests with the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller who exercises his/her authority in accordance with Section 22(1) of The State Emergency Service Act 1989. However, the decision to evacuate will usually be made after consultation with the Local Emergency Operations Controller and the Clarence Nambucca SES Region Controller.

10. When evacuation should occur. As far as possible, evacuation will be carried out before inundation occurs.

11. Self-motivated evacuation. 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.


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12. Evacuation triggers. The following conditions are triggers for evacuation.

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. The following heights are estimates of when initial evacuations will be required.

• Kings Point, Macksville CBD and East Macksville, will require initial evacuations if the river height at the Macksville gauge is predicted to rise above 2.5 metres AHD.

• North Macksville, will require evacuations if the river height at the Macksville gauge is predicted to rise above 2.6 metres AHD.

• Nambucca Heads and Bowraville, will require reconnaissance to determine when evacuations will be necessary.

Phase 2 – Warning

13. Evacuation warnings. The Nambucca Shire SES Local 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 Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller will issue evacuation warnings to the ‘at risk’ residents, indicating what people should do before evacuating and when actually doing so.

14. Content of Evacuation Warnings. A template guide to the content of evacuation warning messages is at Annex E. These are disseminated via:

• The radio and TV stations listed in Annex D.

• Door-knocks by emergency service personnel.

• Public address systems from emergency service vehicles.

• Telephone.

• Two-way radio.

• SES Flood Bulletins.

Phase 3 – Withdrawal

15. Introduction. Withdrawal involves the actual removal of the community/individuals from dangerous or potentially dangerous areas to safer areas.


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16. Movement. Evacuees are to be encouraged to move using their own transport where possible. The Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller will arrange transport for those people without their own vehicles.

17. Evacuation routes. The following roads should be used as evacuation routes.

a. From North Macksville to Macksville High School – Pacific Hwy, Wallace St and Boundary St.

b. From East Macksville to Macksville High School – Boundary St.

c. From Macksville CBD to Macksville High School– Wallace St to Boundary St.

d. From Kings Point to Macksville High School – Taylors Arm Rd, Wallace St and Boundary St.

e. From White Albatross Caravan Park to Nambucca Heads Ex Services Club – Wellington Dr.

18. Large-scale evacuations. When large-scale evacuations are likely, the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller will liase with the Clarence Nambucca SES Region Headquarters and request the deployment of helicopters and trains to Macksville.

19. Animals. Assistance animals (guide dogs, hearing assistance animals, etc) will remain in the care of their owners throughout the evacuation. This includes transport and access into evacuation centres etc. Due to safety restrictions, it may not be possible to allow companion animals to accompany their owners when being transported via aircraft or flood rescue boats. DPI will make separate arrangements for the evacuation and care of companion animals.

20. Doorknocking. Field teams conducting doorknocks will record and report back the following information back to the Operations Centre:

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

• The number of occupants.

• Details of support required (such as transport, medical evacuation, assistance to secure house and/or property and raise or move belongings).

• Details of residents who refuse to comply with the evacuation order.

21. Refusal to evacuate. Field teams should not waste time dealing with people who are reluctant or refuse to comply with any evacuation order. These cases should be referred to the Local Emergency Operations Controller who will arrange for Police to ensure their evacuation.

22. Security. The NSW Police will provide security for evacuated areas.


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23. Transport and storage. Transport and storage of furniture from flood threatened properties will be arranged as time and resources permit.

Phase 4 – Shelter

24. 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 Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller but managed as soon as possible by the Department of Community Services. Any or all of the following sites may be used as evacuation centres:

a. Macksville High School, Boundary St, Macksville.

b. Macksville Recreation Centre, Park St, Macksville.

c. Nambucca Heads Ex Services Club, Nelson St, Nambucca Heads.

d. Bowraville Ex Services Club, High St, Bowraville.

e. Scotts Head Workers Club, West St, Scotts Head.

25. Action on arrival. On arrival, evacuees will be:

a. registered;

b. medically checked, if necessary; and

c. provided with their immediate welfare needs.

26. Registration. The NSW Police will ensure that all evacuees are registered on arrival at the designated evacuation centres.

27. Animal shelter compounds. Animal shelter compounds will be set up for the domestic pets and companion animals of evacuees

Phase 5 – Return

28. Once it is considered safe to do so, the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller will authorise the return of evacuees to their normal or alternative place of residence. This decision will be made in consultation with appropriate officers in regard to matters such as the electrical safety of buildings.

29. The return will be controlled by the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller and may be conducted, at his/her request, by DoCS.


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:

Name Address Map Ref Size (Number of vans, cabins

and campsites).

Comments

Aukaka Caravan Park

Pacific Hwy, Nambucca Heads

Macksville 9536-4-S 989088

30 vans, 15 cabin and 10

campsites

Foreshore Caravan Park

Riverside Dr, Nambucca Heads


138

Pelican Park Caravan Park

Pacific Hwy, Nambucca Heads


98

White Albatross Holiday Centre

Wellington Dr, Nambucca Heads


295 High percentage of permanent residents.

Evacuation difficulties likely to be experienced, as Wellington Dr likely

to flood early.

Nambucca River Tourist Caravan Park

Nursery Rd, Macksville


116 Size includes 46 permanent vans

Table 3, Caravan Parks at Risk of Flooding in Nambucca Shire

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:


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• Handing a printed notice to occupiers taking up residence. The notice will indicate that the caravan park is liable to flooding and outline the evacuation and van relocation arrangements as detailed in this Annex.

• Displaying this notice prominently in each van.

b. Made aware that if they are expecting to be absent from their vans for extended periods, they must:

• 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 Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller will ensure that the managers of caravan parks are advised of flood warnings and the details of any evacuation order.

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.


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• 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 will assist if required and may be able to provide additional vehicles. Vans are to be moved to the following locations:

• Coronation Park, Short St.

• Flood-free streets close to caravan parks

6. Caravan park managers will:

a. Ensure that their caravan park is capable of being evacuated.

b. Advise the Nambucca Shire SES Local 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 Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller when the evacuation of the caravan park has been completed.

e. Provide the Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller with a register of people that have been evacuated.

Return of Occupants and Vans

7. The Nambucca Shire SES Local Controller, using council resources as necessary, will advise when it is safe for the caravan parks to be re-occupied.

8. 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.

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II

MAP 2 - NAMBUCCA LGA


III

MAP 3 - MACKSVILLE FLOOD EXTENT/SECTOR


IV

MAP 4 - NAMBUCCA HEADS FLOOD EXTENT/SECTOR


V

MAP 5 - BOWRAVILLE FLOOD EXTENT/SECTOR


VI

MAP 6 - SECTOR BOUNDARIES

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