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WOLLONGONG CITY LOCAL FLOOD PLAN
A SUB-PLAN OF THE
WOLLONGONG
LOCAL DISASTER PLAN
Chair, Local Emergency
Management Committee
Wollongong City SES Local
Controller
JUNE 2010 EDITION
TO BE REVIEWED NO LATER THAN JUNE 2015
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
CONTENTS
TABLES ...................................................................................................................................................................... iv
DISTRIBUTION LIST ............................................................................................................................................... v
AMENDMENT LIST ................................................................................................................................................ vi
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................................................................... vii
GLOSSARY .............................................................................................................................................................. viii
PART 1 - INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Purpose .......................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Authority ....................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Area Covered by the Plan ............................................................................................................................. 1 1.4 Description of Flooding and its Effects ......................................................................................................... 1
PART 2 - RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................................................................ 2
2.1 Wollongong City Local SES Operations Controller ..................................................................................... 2 2.2 Wollongong City SES Unit Members ........................................................................................................... 3 2.3 Ambulance Service of NSW ......................................................................................................................... 4 2.4 Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) ............................................................................... 4 2.5 Caravan Park Proprietors .............................................................................................................................. 4 2.6 Childcare Centres and Preschools ................................................................................................................. 5 2.7 Community Services ..................................................................................................................................... 5 2.8 Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) ........................................................... 5 2.9 Department of Primary Industries ................................................................................................................. 5 2.10 Integral Energy .............................................................................................................................................. 5 2.11 Wollongong City Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON) ...................................................... 5 2.12 Wollongong City Local Emergency Management Officer (LEMO) ............................................................. 6 2.13 Manly Hydraulics Laboratory (MHL) ........................................................................................................... 6 2.14 NSW Agriculture .......................................................................................................................................... 6 2.15 NSW Fire Brigades ....................................................................................................................................... 6 2.16 NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) ..................................................................................... 6 2.17 NSW Police Force - Wollongong & Lake Illawarra Local Area Commands ............................................... 7 2.18 NSW State Forests ........................................................................................................................................ 7 2.19 Rail Corporation (NSW) ............................................................................................................................... 7 2.20 Roads and Traffic Authority ......................................................................................................................... 7 2.21 Rural Fire Service (RFS) ............................................................................................................................... 7 2.22 School Administration Offices (including Catholic Education Office - Diocese of Wollongong,
Department of Education & Training and Private Schools): ..................................................................................... 8 2.23 Service and Sporting Clubs, Service and Sporting Clubs, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Bowling Club and
Soldiers Club ............................................................................................................................................................. 8 2.24 South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area Health Service ............................................................................ 8 2.25 State Rail Authority ....................................................................................................................................... 8 2.26 Surf Life Saving Clubs .................................................................................................................................. 9 2.27 Sydney Catchment Authority ........................................................................................................................ 9 2.28 Telstra ........................................................................................................................................................... 9 2.29 Transport Services Coordinator: ................................................................................................................... 9 2.30 Volunteer Rescue Association - South Coast Rescue Squad ........................................................................ 9 2.31 Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW .................................................................................................................... 9 2.32 Wollongong City Council ............................................................................................................................. 9
PART 3 - PREPAREDNESS .................................................................................................................................... 11
3.1 Maintenance of this Plan ............................................................................................................................. 11 3.2 Floodplain and Coastal Risk Management .................................................................................................. 11 3.3 Development of Flood Intelligence ............................................................................................................. 11 3.4 Development of Warning Systems .............................................................................................................. 11 3.5 Public Education ......................................................................................................................................... 12 3.6 Training ....................................................................................................................................................... 12 3.7 Resources .................................................................................................................................................... 12
PART 4 - RESPONSE .............................................................................................................................................. 13
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
4.1 Control ........................................................................................................................................................ 13 4.2 Operational Sectors ..................................................................................................................................... 13 4.3 SES Operations Centre ................................................................................................................................ 13 4.4 Operational Management ............................................................................................................................ 14 4.5 Liaison ......................................................................................................................................................... 14 4.6 Communications ......................................................................................................................................... 14 4.7 Start of Response Operations ...................................................................................................................... 15 4.8 Flood Intelligence........................................................................................................................................ 15 4.9 Preliminary Deployments ............................................................................................................................ 16 4.10 Warnings ..................................................................................................................................................... 16 4.11 Information .................................................................................................................................................. 17 4.12 Road Information ........................................................................................................................................ 18 4.13 Road Control ............................................................................................................................................... 18 4.14 Flood Rescue ............................................................................................................................................... 18 4.15 Evacuations ................................................................................................................................................. 19 4.16 Management of Evacuees‟ Pets ................................................................................................................... 20 4.17 Essential Services ........................................................................................................................................ 20 4.18 Logistics ...................................................................................................................................................... 20 4.19 Resupply of Isolated Towns, Villages and Rural Properties ....................................................................... 20 4.20 Aircraft Management .................................................................................................................................. 21 4.21 Assistance for Animals ............................................................................................................................... 22 4.22 Stranded Travellers ..................................................................................................................................... 22 4.23 Assistance with Emergency Travel ............................................................................................................. 22 4.24 All Clear ...................................................................................................................................................... 22
PART 5 - RECOVERY ............................................................................................................................................. 23
5.1 Welfare ........................................................................................................................................................ 23 5.2 Recovery Coordination ............................................................................................................................... 23 5.3 Arrangements for Debriefs/After Action Reviews ...................................................................................... 23
ANNEX A - THE FLOOD THREAT .................................................................................................................... A-1
Northern Suburbs Catchment ................................................................................................................................ A-5 Collins Creek Catchment ...................................................................................................................................... A-5 Towradgi Creek Catchment .................................................................................................................................. A-5 Fairy and Cabbage Tree Creek Catchments .......................................................................................................... A-6 Allans Creek Catchment ....................................................................................................................................... A-6 Mullet Creek Catchment ....................................................................................................................................... A-6 Minnegang Creek Catchment ................................................................................................................................ A-7 Lake Illawarra ....................................................................................................................................................... A-7 COASTAL FLOODING ....................................................................................................................................... A-7 IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ................................................................................................................... A-8
ANNEX B - EFFECTS OF FLOODING ON THE COMMUNITY ................................................................... B-1
COMMUNITY PROFILE .................................................................................................................................... B-1 AREA 1 – NORTHERN SUBURBS .................................................................................................................... B-2 AREA 2 – HEWITTS CREEK CATCHMENT .................................................................................................... B-3 AREA 3 – COLLINS CREEK CATCHMENT .................................................................................................... B-4 AREA 4 – TOWRADGI CREEK CATCHMENT ............................................................................................... B-6 AREA 5 – FAIRY & CABBAGE TREE CATCHMENT .................................................................................... B-7 AREA 6 – ALLANS CREEK CATCHMENT ..................................................................................................... B-8 AREA 7 – MULLET CREEK CATCHMENT ..................................................................................................... B-9 AREA 8 – MINNEGANG CREEK CATCHMENT .......................................................................................... B-11 Lake Illawarra ..................................................................................................................................................... B-12
ANNEX C - ROAD CLOSURES ........................................................................................................................... C-1
ANNEX D - GAUGES MONITORED BY THE SES .......................................................................................... D-1
ANNEX E - DISSEMINATION OF SES FLOOD BULLETINS ........................................................................ E-1
ANNEX F - EVACUATIONS ARRANGEMENTS ............................................................................................. F-1
Arrangements ......................................................................................................................................................... F-1 Decision to Evacuate .............................................................................................................................................. F-1 Groupings and Tasks .............................................................................................................................................. F-2
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
Phase 1 – Warning ................................................................................................................................................. F-2 Phase 2 – Withdrawal ............................................................................................................................................ F-3 Phase 3 – Shelter .................................................................................................................................................... F-4 Phase 4 – Return .................................................................................................................................................... F-4 Evacuation Areas (“Hot Spots”) ............................................................................................................................ F-4
ANNEX G - ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE EVACUATION OF CARAVAN PARKS AND THE
RELOCATION OF CARAVANS ......................................................................................................................... G-1
General .................................................................................................................................................................. G-1 Advising Procedures ............................................................................................................................................. G-1 Evacuation of Occupants and Relocation of Vans ................................................................................................ G-2 Return of Occupants and Vans .............................................................................................................................. G-3
ANNEX H - The Management of Coastal Erosion ............................................................................................... G-1
ANNEX I - PRESCRIBED DAMS IN THE WOLLONGONG LGA .................................................................. I-1
ANNEX J - EVACUATION RECORDING SHEET ............................................................................................. J-1
MAP 1 - WOLLONGONG LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA ................................................................................ I
MAP 2 - AREA 1: NORTHERN SUBURBS CATCHMENT ................................................................................ II
MAP 3 - AREA 2: HEWITTS CREEK CATCHMENT ....................................................................................... IV
MAP 4 - AREA 3: COLLINS CREEK CATCHMENT ......................................................................................... V
MAP 5 - AREA 4: TOWRADGI CREEK CATCHMENT ................................................................................... VI
MAP 6 - AREA 5: FAIRY & CABBAGE CREEK CATCHMENT ................................................................... VII
MAP 7 - AREA 6: ALLANS CREEK CATCHMENT ....................................................................................... VIII
MAP 8 - AREA 7: MULLET CREEK CATCHMENT ......................................................................................... IX
MAP 9 - AREA 8: MINNEGANG CREEK CATCHMENT ................................................................................. XI
TABLES
1. Flood Response Management Sectors…………...…………………………………………………………14
2. Possible periods of isolation – PMF…………………………………………...…………………………. 23
3. Airport location details…………………………………………………………………………………… 23
4. Flood Occurrences for Wollongong LGA by Month: 1950-1999………………………………………...A-2
5. No of Floods by Severity:1950-1999 ……………….……………………………………………………….A-3
6. Community Profile…………………...……………………………………………………………..……..B-1
7. Erosion Risk levels of beaches…………………………………………………………………………….H-2
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
DISTRIBUTION LIST
Wollongong City SES Local Controller .................................................................... 1
Wollongong City SES Units ..................................................................................... 1
Illawarra South Coast SES Region Headquarters ..................................................... 1
SES State Headquarters ............................................................................................. 1
Wollongong City Local Emergency Operations Controller ...................................... 1
Wollongong City Local Emergency Management Officer ....................................... 1
Wollongong City Local Emergency Management Committee ................................. 4
Wollongong City Local Emergency Operations Centre ........................................... 2
Wollongong City Mayor ........................................................................................... 1
Wollongong City Council General Manager ............................................................ 1
Wollongong City Council Technical Services Department ...................................... 1
Wollongong City Council Floodplain Management Committee .............................. 1
Ambulance Service of NSW – All Stations ..................................................... 1 each
NSW Fire Brigades – All Stations ................................................................... 1 each
NSW Police Force, Lake Illawarra & Wollongong Local Area Commands ............ 2
NSW Police Force, Wollongong Police Rescue Squad ............................................ 1
Rural Fire Service, Wollongong Fire Control Centre ............................................... 2
Volunteer Rescue Association, South Coast Squad .................................................. 1
Integral Energy, Coniston Depot .............................................................................. 1
Telstra ........................................................................................................................ 1
Australian Aerial Patrol ............................................................................................. 1
NSW Agriculture ....................................................................................................... 1
Community Services ................................................................................................. 1
Roads and Traffic Authority, Wollongong ............................................................... 1
State Rail Authority ................................................................................................... 1
Department of Education .......................................................................................... 1
Diocese of Wollongong, Catholic Education Office ................................................. 1
Caravan Parks ................................................................................................... 1 each
Wollongong Local Transport Coordinator ................................................................ 1
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Illawarra Area ...................................... 1
NSW State Forests .................................................................................................... 1
Wollongong Disaster Welfare Service Functional Area Manager ............................ 1
Sydney Catchment Authority .................................................................................... 1
Childcare Centres and Pre-schools ..................................................................... 1 each
Rotary Clubs ....................................................................................................... 1 each
Lions Clubs ........................................................................................................ 1 each
Evacuation Centres ............................................................................................. 1 each
Hospitals ............................................................................................................. 1 each
Council Libraries ................................................................................................ 1 each
Schools ............................................................................................................... 1 each
Spare .......................................................................................................................... 1
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
AMENDMENT LIST
Suggestions for amendments to this plan should be forwarded to:
The Local Controller
Wollongong City State Emergency Service
PO BOX 322, FAIRY MEADOW, NSW 2519
Amendments promulgated in the amendments list below have been entered in this plan.
Amendment List
Number
Date Amendment
Entered By
Date
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
The following abbreviations have been used in this plan:
AIIMS Australasian Inter-agency Incident Management System
AEP Annual Exceedance Probability
AHD Australian Height Datum
ARI Average Recurrence Interval (Years)
ALERT Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time
AWRC Australian Water Resources Council
BoM Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
CBD Central Business District
DCF Dam Crest Flood
DECCW Department of Environment, Climate Change & Water
DSC Dams Safety Committee
DISPLAN Disaster Plan
DEOCON District Emergency Operations Controller
DSEP Dam Safety Emergency Plan
DVR Disaster Victim Registration
NOW NSW Office of Water
GIS Geographic Information System
GRN Government Radio Network
LEOCON Local Emergency Operations Controller
HF High Frequency
IFF Imminent Failure Flood
PMF Probable Maximum Flood
PMR Private Mobile Radio
PMP Probable Maximum Precipitations
PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network
RTA Roads and Traffic Authority
SES State Emergency Service
SEWS Standard Emergency Warning Signal
SWW Severe Weather Warnings
UHF Ultra High Frequency
VRA Volunteer Rescue Association
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
GLOSSARY
Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP). The chance of a flood of a given or larger size
occurring in any one year, usually expressed as a percentage. For example, if a peak flood level
(height) has an AEP of 5%, there is a 5% chance (that is, a one-in-20 chance) of such a level or
higher occurring in any one year (see also Average Recurrence Interval).
Assistance Animal. A guide dog, a hearing assistance dog or any other animal trained to assist a
person to alleviate the effect of a disability (Refer to Section 9 of the Disability Discrimination
Act 1992).
Australian Height Datum (AHD). A common national surface level datum approximately
corresponding to mean sea level.
Average Recurrence Interval (ARI). The long-term average number of years between the
occurrence of a flood as big as, or larger than, the selected event. For example, floods reaching a
height as great as, or greater than, the 20 year ARI flood event will occur on average once every
20 years.
Catchment (river basin). The land area draining through the main stream, as well as tributary
streams, to a particular site. It always relates to an area above a specific location.
Design flood (or flood standard). A flood of specified magnitude that is adopted for planning
purposes. Selections should be based on an understanding of flood behaviour and the associated
flood risk, and take account of social, economic and environmental considerations. There may
be several design floods for an individual area.
Essential services. Those services, often provided by local government authorities, that are
considered essential to the life of organised communities. Such services include power, lighting,
water, gas, sewerage and sanitation clearance.
Flash flooding. Flooding which is sudden and often unexpected because it is caused by sudden
local or nearby heavy rainfall. It is sometimes defined as flooding which occurs within six hours
of the rain that causes it.
Flood. Relatively high water level which overtops the natural or artificial banks in any part of a
stream, river, estuary, lake or dam, and/or local overland flooding associated with drainage
before entering a watercourse, and/or coastal inundation resulting from super-elevated sea levels
and/or waves overtopping coastline defences.
Flood classifications. Locally defined flood levels used in flood warnings to give an indication
of the severity of flooding (minor, moderate or major) expected. These levels are used by the
State Emergency Service and the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology in flood
bulletins and flood warnings.
Flood intelligence. The product of collecting, collating, analysing and interpreting flood-related
data to produce meaningful information (intelligence) to allow for the timely preparation,
planning and warning for and response to a flood.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
Flood liable land. Land susceptible to flooding by the Probable Maximum Flood. (PMF) event.
This term also describes the maximum extent of a floodplain which is an area of a river valley,
adjacent to the river channel, which is subject to inundation in floods up to this event.
Flood of record. Maximum observed historical flood.
Flood Plan. A plan that deals specifically with flooding and is a sub-plan of a Disaster Plan.
Flood plans describe agreed roles, responsibilities, functions, actions and management
arrangements for the conduct of flood operations and for preparing for them.
Floodplain Management Plan. A plan developed in accordance with the principles and
guidelines in the New South Wales Floodplain Development Manual. Such a plan usually
includes both written and diagrammatic information describing how particular areas of flood
prone land can be used and managed to achieve defined objectives.
Floodway. An area where a significant volume of water flows during floods. Such areas are
often aligned with obvious naturally-defined channels and are areas that, if partially blocked,
would cause a significant redistribution of flood flow which may in turn adversely affect other
areas. They are often, but not necessarily, the areas of deeper flow or the areas where higher
velocities occur.
Flood Watch. A Flood Watch is a notification of the potential for a flood to occur as a result of a
developing weather situation and consists of short generalised statements about the developing
weather including forecast rainfall totals, description of catchment conditions and indicates
streams at risk. The BoM will also attempt to estimate the magnitude of likely flooding in terms
of the adopted flood classifications. Flood Watches are normally issued 24 to 36 hours in
advance of likely flooding. Flood watches are issued on a catchment wide basis.
Flood Warning. A Flood Warning is a gauge specific forecast of actual or imminent flooding.
Flood Warnings specify the river valley, the locations expected to be flooded, the likely severity
of flooding and when it will occur.
Geographic Information System (GIS). A computerised database for the capture, storage,
analysis and display of locationally defined information. commonly, a GIS portrays a portion of
the earth‟s surface in the form of a map on which this information is overlaid.
Local overland flooding. Inundation by local runoff rather than overbank discharge from a
stream, river, estuary, lake or dam.
Major flooding. Flooding which causes inundation of extensive rural areas, with properties,
villages and towns isolated and/or appreciable urban areas flooded.
Minor flooding. Flooding which inconvenience such as closing of minor roads and the
submergence of low-level bridges. The lower limit of this class of flooding, on the reference
gauge, is the initial flood level at which landholders and/or townspeople begin to be affected in a
significant manner that necessitates the issuing of a public flood warning by the Australian
Government Bureau of Meteorology.
Moderate flooding. Flooding which inundates low-lying areas, requiring removal of stock
and/or evacuation of some houses. Main traffic routes may be covered.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
Peak height. The highest level reached, at a nominated gauging station, during a particular
flood event.
Probable Maximum Flood (PMF). The largest flood that could conceivably be expected to
occur at a particular location, usually estimated from probable maximum precipitation. The
PMF defines the maximum extent of flood prone land, that is, the floodplain. It is difficult to
define a meaningful Annual Exceedance Probability for the PMF, but it is commonly assumed to
be of the order of 104 to 10
7 (once in 10,000 to 10,000,000 years).
Runoff. The amount of rainfall which ends up as streamflow, also known as „rainfall excess‟
since it is the amount remaining after accounting for other processes such as evaporation and
infiltration.
Stage height. A level reached, at a nominated gauging station, during the development of a
particular flood event.
Stream gauging station. A place on a river or stream at which the stage height is routinely
measured, either daily or continuously, and where the discharge is measured from time to time so
as to develop a relationship between stage and discharge or rating curve.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
PART 1 - INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose
1.1.1 This plan covers preparedness measures, the conduct of response operations and the
coordination of immediate recovery measures from flooding within the Wollongong City
Council area. It covers operations for all levels of flooding within the Council area.
1.1.2 The plan also covers arrangements for the management of coastal erosion / inundation in
the Council area.
1.2 Authority
1.2.1 This plan is issued under the authority of the State Emergency and Rescue Management
Act 1989 and the State Emergency Service Act 1989. It has been accepted by the
Illawarra South Coast SES Region Controller and the Wollongong City Council Local
Emergency Management Committee.
1.2.2 The State Emergency Service is the designated Combat Agency for controlling floods,
and to coordinate the rescue, evacuation and welfare of affected communities
(DISPLAN, 2006 and SES Act, 1989)
1.3 Area Covered by the Plan
1.3.1 The area covered by the plan is the Wollongong City LGA which includes a number of
urban and suburban areas from Helensburgh to Yallah and Windang. The Council area
with suburbs is shown in Map 1.
1.3.2 The Floodplain management areas within the Council areas are shown in Maps 2 to 9.
1.3.3 The Council area is in the Illawarra South Coast SES Region and for emergency
management purposes is part of the Illawarra Emergency Management District.
1.4 Description of Flooding and its Effects
1.4.1 The nature of flooding in the Wollongong City Council area is described in Annex A.
1.4.2 The effects of flooding on the community are detailed in Annex B.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
PART 2 - RESPONSIBILITIES
The general responsibilities of emergency service organisations and supporting services
(functional areas) are listed in the Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan (DISPLAN).
Some specific responsibilities are expanded upon in the following paragraphs. The extent
of their implementation will depend on the severity of the flooding. Specific
responsibilities of agencies and organisations as they relate to tsunami are detailed in the
State Tsunami Emergency Sub Plan.
2.1 Wollongong City Local SES Operations Controller
2.1.1 Responsible for dealing with floods as detailed in the State Flood Plan, and will:
a. Control flood operations, coastal erosion/inundation operations when severe
storm activity is occurring or forecast; and tsunami operations in particular
warning and evacuation. This includes:
Directing the activities of the SES units operating within the Council
area.
Coordinating the activities of supporting agencies and organisations and
ensuring that liaison is established with them.
b. Maintain a Local Headquarters at Montague Street, North Wollongong in
accordance with the SES Controllers‟ Handbook and the SES Operations
Manual.
c. Ensure that SES members are trained to undertake flood operations in
accordance with current policy, as laid down in the SES Controller‟s
Handbook and the SES Operations Manual.
d. Develop and operate a flood intelligence system.
e. Develop and operate a coastal erosion/inundation intelligence system
f. Coordinate the development and operation of a flood warning service for the
community.
g. Participate in floodplain and coastal risk management initiatives organised by
the Wollongong City Council.
h. Coordinate a public education program.
i. Ensure that the currency of this plan is maintained.
j. Identify and monitor people and/or communities at risk of flooding, coastal
erosion/inundation and tsunami.
k. Direct the conduct of flood rescue operations.
l. Direct the evacuation of people and/or communities.
m. Ensure the provision of immediate welfare support for evacuated people.
n. Coordinate the provision of emergency food and medical supplies to flood
bound people and/or communities.
o. Ensure the provision of an information service in relation to:
Flood heights and flood behaviour.
Road conditions and closures.
Advice on methods of limiting property damage.
Confirmation of evacuation warnings.
p. Coordinate operations to protect property, for example by:
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
Arranging resources for sandbagging operations.
Lifting or moving household furniture.
Lifting or moving commercial stock and equipment.
Moving farm animals.
q. Arrange for support (for example, accommodation and meals) for emergency
service organisation members and volunteers assisting them.
r. If SES resources are available, assist with emergency fodder supply operations
conducted by Department of Primary Industries.
s. If SES resources are available, assist the NSW Police Force, RTA and Council
with road closure and traffic control operations.
t. Exercise financial delegations relating to the use of emergency orders as laid
down in the SES Controllers‟ Handbook.
u. Coordinate the collection of flood and coastal erosion/inundation intelligence.
v. Submit Situation Reports to the Illawarra South Coast SES Region
Headquarters and agencies assisting within the Council area. These will
contain information on:
Flood impact
Disruptions to infrastructure
Road conditions and closures.
Current flood behaviour.
Current operational activities.
Likely future flood behaviour.
Likely future operational activities.
Current and projected resource needs.
w. Keep the Local Emergency Operations Controller advised of the flood
situation and the operational response. This advice is to continue throughout
the flood operation.
x. Issue the „All Clear‟ when flood operations have been completed.
y. Ensure that appropriate After Action Reviews (AAR‟s) are held after floods.
z. Assist in the establishment and deliberations of the Recovery Coordinating
Committee after floods.
2.2 Wollongong City SES Unit Members
a. Carry out flood coastal erosion/inundation and tsunami response tasks. These
may include:
The management of the Wollongong City SES Local Headquarters
Operations Centre.
Gathering flood and coastal erosion/inundation intelligence.
Flood rescue.
Evacuation.
Providing immediate welfare for evacuated people.
Delivery of warnings and information.
Resupply.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
Sandbagging.
Lifting and/or moving household furniture and commercial stock.
Assist with the relocation of caravans from caravan parks threatened by
flooding.
Moving domestic and farm animals.
Assisting with road closure and traffic control operations.
Assisting with emergency fodder supply operations.
b. Assist with preparedness activities.
c. Undertake training in flood and coastal erosion/inundation operations.
2.3 Ambulance Service of NSW
a. Activate NSW AMPLAN if required
b. Assist the SES with the warning and/or evacuation of at-risk communities (in
particular elderly and/or infirm people);
c. Consider the pre-deployment of ambulance resources, if access is expected to
be lost, to:
West Dapto area
d. Assist in repatriation of non-ambulatory persons; and
e. Provide a liaison officer if requested to do so.
2.4 Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BoM)
a. Act as the flood prediction agency.
b. Provide near real time rainfall and river level data on the internet
c. Provide Severe Weather Warnings (SWW) when large waves and/or storm
surge conditions are forecast to result in coastal erosion/inundation.
d. Provide Severe Weather Warnings when flash flooding is likely to occur.
2.5 Caravan Park Proprietors
Proprietors of caravan parks that are located on flood liable land listed in Annex B
are encouraged to:
a. Prepare a Flood Management Plan for the Caravan Park.
b. Ensure that owners and occupiers of caravans are aware that the caravan park
is flood liable and what must done to facilitate evacuation and van relocation
when flooding occurs.
c. Ensure that occupiers are informed of Severe Weather Warnings (SWW) that
advise of flash flooding and when flood waters are rising.
d. Coordinate the evacuation of people and the relocation of moveable vans when
flood waters are rising and their return when floodwaters have subsided.
e. Inform the SES of the progress of evacuation and/or van relocation operations
and of any need for assistance in the conduct of these tasks.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
2.6 Childcare Centres and Preschools
a. Childcare centres should:
Liaise with the SES and arrange for the early release of persons in their
care whose travel arrangements are likely to be disrupted by flooding
and/or road closures.
Assist with coordinating the evacuation of preschools and child care
centres.
2.7 Community Services
a. Manage evacuation centres and coordinate relief agencies which support the
functional requirement.
b. Provide clothing, accommodation, food and welfare services for flood affected
people, including stranded travellers.
c. Provide a liaison officer if requested to do so.
2.8 Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW)
a. Provide technical advice to the SES regarding hydrological information for
streams and rivers in the Wollongong catchment areas.
b. Provide technical advice on coastal erosion/inundation related matters.
c. Advise the SES about conditions which may lead to coastal flooding or
retarded river drainage near the coast
d. Coordinate the collection of post event flood data, in consultation with the
SES
2.9 Department of Primary Industries
a. Coordinate the supply and delivery of emergency fodder.
b. Provide advice on dealing with dead and injured farm animals.
c. Provide financial, welfare and damage assessment assistance to flood affected
primary producers.
d. Coordinate the operation of animal shelter compound, facilitate for the
domestic pets and companion animals of evacuees.
2.10 Integral Energy
a. Provide advice to the Local SES Operations Controller of any need to
disconnect power supplies or of any timetable for reconnection.
b. Clear or make safe any hazard caused by power lines or electrical reticulation
equipment.
c. Assess the necessity for and implement the disconnection of customers‟
electrical installations where these may present a hazard.
d. Advise the public with regard to electrical hazards during flooding and to the
availability or otherwise of the electricity supply.
e. Inspect, test and reconnect customers‟ electrical installations as conditions
allow.
f. Assist the SES to identify infrastructure at risk of flooding for incorporation
into planning and intelligence.
2.11 Wollongong City Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON)
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
a. Monitor flood operations.
b. Coordinate support to the Local SES Operations Controller if requested to do
so.
2.12 Wollongong City Local Emergency Management Officer (LEMO)
a. Provide executive support to the LEOCON in accordance with the City of
Wollongong DISPLAN.
b. At the request of the Local SES Operations Controller, advise appropriate
agencies and officers of the activation of this plan.
2.13 Manly Hydraulics Laboratory (MHL)
a. Provide the Bureau of Meteorology and SES with real-time access to data
from stream and rain gauges.
b. Provide real-time offshore ocean data when storm surge conditions exist.
2.14 NSW Agriculture
a. Ensure immediate animal relief services and continuing rehabilitation
assistance to primary producers.
b. Provide animal care services for domestic and companion animals (pets) of
evacuees.
c. Provide damage assessment assistance to flood affected primary producers.
2.15 NSW Fire Brigades
a. Meet with the agreed arrangements described in the NSW SES/NSWFB MAA
b. Assist the SES with the warning and/or evacuation of at-risk communities.
c. Assist the SES with property protection tasks.
d. Provide resources for pumping flood water out of buildings and from low-
lying areas.
e. Assist with cleanup operations, including the hosing out of flood affected
properties.
f. Activate the Hazmat/CBR Emergency Sub Plan if required.
g. Consider the pre-deployment of fire protection resources, if access is expected
to be lost, to:
West Dapto area
h. Provide a liaison officer if requested to do so.
2.16 NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)
a. Monitor the effects of prolonged or intense rainfall in the Illawarra
Escarpment State Conservation Area with a view to closing public access to
management trails.
b. Close and evacuate at risk camping grounds in National Parks managed areas.
c. Warn and/or evacuate campers and walkers from flood prone areas within
National Park boundaries.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
d. Provide advice to the SES Operations Controller on rainfall gauge readings
that are not accessible to the SES through the internet.
e. At the request of the SES, provide vehicles and personnel for flood related
activities.
2.17 NSW Police Force - Wollongong & Lake Illawarra Local Area
Commands
a. Assist the SES with the warning and/or evacuation of at-risk communities.
b. Assist the SES with the monitoring / reconnaissance of flood prone areas.
c. Conduct road and traffic control operations in conjunction with council and/or
RTA.
d. Coordinate the registration of all evacuees
e. Secure evacuated areas.
f. Provide a liaison officer if requested to do so.
2.18 NSW State Forests
a. Warn and/or evacuate campers and walkers from flood prone areas within
State Forest boundaries.
b. At the request of the SES, provide vehicles and personnel for flood related
activities.
2.19 Rail Corporation (NSW)
a. Close and re-open railway lines as necessary and advise the Wollongong SES
Operations Controller.
b. Arrange trains for evacuations and/or commuting purposes.
2.20 Roads and Traffic Authority
a. Close and reopen roads that the RTA is responsible for when affected by
floodwaters and advise the Local SES Operations Controller.
b. Manage public information for road closures.
2.21 Rural Fire Service (RFS)
a. Provide personnel in the following rural communities and villages to inform
the SES about flood conditions and response needs and disseminate flood
information.
Wongawilli
Darkes Forest
b. Provide personnel and high-clearance vehicles for flood related activities.
c. Assist with the delivery of evacuation warnings.
d. Assist with the conduct of evacuations.
e. Provide resources for pumping floodwater out of buildings and from low-lying
areas.
f. Assist with the relocation of caravans from caravan parks threatened by
flooding.
g. Provide back-up radio communications.
h. Assist with clean-up operations including the hosing out of flood affected
premises.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
i. Consider the pre-deployment of fire control resources, if access is expected to
be lost, to:
West Dapto Area
j. Provide a liaison officer if requested to do so.
2.22 School Administration Offices (including Catholic Education Office -
Diocese of Wollongong, Department of Education & Training and Private Schools):
a. Liaise with the SES and arrange for the early release of students whose travel
arrangements are likely to be disrupted by flooding and/or road closures (or
where required, for students to be moved to a suitable location until normal
school closing time.)
b. Pass information to school bus drivers/companies and/or other school
principals on expected or actual impacts of flooding
c. Assist with coordinating the evacuation of the following schools if required:
Waniora Primary, Bulli
Bulli High School, Bulli
Dapto High School
d. Ensure that evacuation plans for flood liable schools have arrangements for
flood evacuations.
e. Provide space in the premises identified in the City of Wollongong DISPLAN
for Evacuation Centres and/or Assembly Points.
2.23 Service and Sporting Clubs, Service and Sporting Clubs, Lions
Club, Rotary Club, Bowling Club and Soldiers Club
Assist with:
a. Delivery of evacuation warnings.
b. Conduct of evacuations.
c. Lifting and/or moving household furniture and commercial stock.
d. Sandbagging.
e. Relocation of caravans
2.24 South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area Health Service
a. Manage the evacuations of patients from hospitals and nursing homes as
required.
b. Ensure aged care health facilities within the area have suitable and relevant
flood management and evacuation plans established that provide for their
respective needs during an event.
c. Develop a high risk register of people within the community who are home
based and in need of special medical support such as dialysis or disabled
access requirements.
d. Be prepared to provide a brief on logistical and medical support requirements
in order to assist in the evacuation of vulnerable members of the community.
e. Provide a liaison officer if requested to do so.
2.25 State Rail Authority
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
a. Coordinate the closure and re-opening of railway lines as necessary and advise
the Local SES Operations Controller.
2.26 Surf Life Saving Clubs
a. Assist the SES with the warning and/or evacuation of at-risk communities;
b. Assist the SES with flood rescue operations where resources and capability
allow.
2.27 Sydney Catchment Authority
a. Provide the SES with Dam Safety Emergency Plans including arrangements
for the notification of spills, releases and any potential failure.
2.28 Telstra
a. Provide additional telecommunications support for the Wollongong City SES
Local Headquarters as required.
b. Assist the SES to identify infrastructure at risk of flooding for incorporation
into planning and intelligence.
2.29 Transport Services Coordinator:
a. Arrange transport facilities for evacuations and/or commuting purposes.
2.30 Volunteer Rescue Association - South Coast Rescue Squad
a. Assist the Local SES Operations Controller with flood operations as requested.
2.31 Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW
a. Assist with the delivery of evacuation warnings.
b. Assist with the conduct of evacuations.
2.32 Wollongong City Council
a. Maintain a plant and equipment resource list for the Council area.
b. Maintain and operate flood mitigation works and advise the SES regarding
their operation
c. At the request of the Local SES Operations Controller, deploy personnel and
resources for flood, coastal erosion / inundation or tsunami related activities.
d. Close and reopen Council roads (and other roads nominated by agreement
with the RTA) and advise the Local SES Operations Controller, the Police and
people who telephone the Council for road information.
e. Assist with the provision of filled sandbags to urban and village areas in which
flooding is expected.
f. Ensure caravan parks maintain flood emergency evacuation plans as part of
the conditions of consent.
g. Assist with the removal of caravans from caravan parks.
h. In the event of evacuations, assist with making facilities available for the
domestic pets and companion animals of evacuees.
i. Provide for the management of health hazards associated with flooding. This
includes maintaining water supply and sewerage systems and removing debris
and waste.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
j. Ensure premises are fit and safe for reoccupation and assess any need for
demolition.
k. Establish and maintain floodplain and coastal risk management committees
and ensure that key agencies are represented on such committees.
l. Provide flood studies, floodplain risk management studies and coastal
management studies to the SES.
m. During periods of coastal erosion as a result of storms at sea:
Assist the SES with reconnaissance of coastal erosion trouble spots
Liaise with the SES Operations Controller to determine the need for
response actions by the SES such as evacuations.
Liaise with the Engineering Services Functional Area Coordinator
before constructing or allowing the construction of any unapproved
physical mitigation works to protect coastal property or other structures
n. Provide the SES with real-time access to information from Council owned
telemetered Gauges located within catchments in the Wollongong area.
o. Provide a liaison officer to the Wollongong City SES Operations Centre.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
PART 3 - PREPAREDNESS
3.1 Maintenance of this Plan
3.1.1 The Wollongong City SES Local Controller will maintain the currency of this plan
by:
a. Ensuring that all agencies, organisations and officers mentioned in it are aware
of their roles and responsibilities.
b. Conducting exercises to test arrangements.
c. Reviewing the contents of the plan:
After each flood operation.
When significant changes in land-use or community characteristics
occur.
When new information from flood studies become available.
When flood control or mitigation works are implemented or altered.
When there are changes that alter agreed plan arrangements.
3.1.2 In any event, the plan is to be reviewed no less frequently than every five years.
3.2 Floodplain and Coastal Risk Management
The Wollongong City SES Local Controller will ensure that the SES:
a. Participates in floodplain and coastal risk management committee activities
when those committees are formed.
b. Consults with the flood prone community about the nature of the flood and
coastal erosion/inundation problem and its management.
c. Informs the Illawarra South Coast SES Region Headquarters of involvement
in floodplain and coastal risk management activities.
3.3 Development of Flood Intelligence
3.3.1 Flood intelligence describes flood behaviour and its effects on the community. The
effects include:
a. Inundation (leading to a need for evacuation and/or property protection).
b. Isolation (creating a need for resupply and/or rescue).
c. Disruption to community activities (for example, disruptions brought about by
the loss of transport routes).
3.3.2 The SES will develop and maintain a flood intelligence system.
3.4 Development of Warning Systems
The SES will establish and/or maintain a flood warning system for areas affected by
flooding. This requires:
a. An identification of the potential clients of flood warning information at
different levels of flooding (i.e. who would be affected in floods of differing
severities).
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
b. Available information about the estimated impacts of flooding at different
heights.
c. Identification of required actions and the amounts of time needed to carry
them out.
d. Appropriate means of disseminating warnings to different clients and at
different flood levels.
3.5 Public Education
3.5.1 The Wollongong City SES Local Controller, with the assistance of the Wollongong
City Council, the Illawarra South Coast SES Region Headquarters and SES State
Headquarters, is responsible for ensuring that the residents of the Council area are
aware of the flood threat in their vicinity and how to protect themselves from it.
3.5.2 Specific strategies to be employed include:
a. Dissemination of flood-related brochures and booklets in flood liable areas.
b. Talks and displays orientated to community organisations and schools.
c. Publicity given to this plan and to flood-orientated SES activities through local
media outlets, including articles in local newspapers about the flood threat and
appropriate responses.
3.6 Training
3.6.1 Throughout this document there are references to functions that must be carried out
by the members of the Wollongong City SES.
3.6.2 The Wollongong City SES Local Controller is responsible for ensuring that the
members are:
a. Familiar with the contents of this plan.
b. Trained in the skills necessary to carry out the tasks allocated to the SES.
3.7 Resources
The Wollongong City SES Local Controller is responsible for maintaining the condition
and state of readiness of SES equipment and the Wollongong City SES Local
Headquarters.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
PART 4 - RESPONSE
4.1 Control
4.1.1 The SES is the legislated Combat Agency for floods and is responsible for the
control of flood operations. This includes the coordination of other agencies
and organisations for flood management tasks. It also includes the planning for
and responding to tsunami, particularly for warning and evacuation.
4.1.2 The SES is the designated Combat Agency for damage control for storms.
This includes damage control for coastal erosion/inundation from storm
activity, specifically the protection of life and the coordination of the
protection of readily moveable household goods and commercial stock and
equipment. Details of these arrangements are in Annex H.
4.2 Operational Sectors
4.2.1 The follow Sectors have been pre-identified and the Operations Controller will
determine the alignment of these under the operational strategies.
Wollongong
Flood
Sector
Major Suburbs
1 A Stanwell Park, Stanwell Tops, Helensburgh
B Clifton, Scarborough, Wombarra, Coledale, Austinmer
2 Thirroul, Bulli
3 Woonona, Russelvale, Bellambi
4 Corrimal, Tarrawanna, East Corrimal
5
A Towradgi, Fernhill, Fairy Meadow
B Balgownie, Mt Pleasant, Mt Ousley, Keiraville
C North Wollongong, Gwynneville
6
A Mount St Thomas, Mangerton
B Mount Keira, West Wollongong, Figtree
C Kembla Heights, Mount Kembla, Cordeaux Heights,
Unanderra, Farmborough Heights
7
A Kembla Grange, Dombarton, Wongawilli, Horsley
B Brownsville, Kanahooka, Dapto, Koonawarra
C Huntly Avondale, Cleveland, Penrose, Tallawarra, Yallah
8 A
Lake Heights, Warrawong, Berkeley, Cringila, Port Kembla,
Kemblawarra
B Primbee, Windang
9 Port Kembla, Coniston, Springhill, Wollongong
Table 1: Flood Response Management Sectors
4.2.2 The Wollongong City Operations Controller may direct that other special
control arrangements apply for any particular flood operation.
4.3 SES Operations Centre
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
4.3.1 The Wollongong City SES maintains an Operations Centre at Montague
Street, Fairy Meadow.
4.3.2 The location and contact details of the Wollongong City Emergency
Operations Centre (EOC) can be found in the Wollongong Local Emergency
Management Committee Contact Directory.
4.4 Operational Management
4.4.1 The State Emergency Service is committed to the Australasian Inter-agency
Incident Management System AIIMS structure for operational management.
4.4.2 Operation management for the Wollongong City Local Government Area will
be controlled from the Wollongong City SES Operations Centre or as
determined by the SES Operations Controller.
4.4.3 The SES Operations Controller, in consultation, will determine the breakdown
of the area affected in accordance with the principles of the AIIMS.
4.4.4 The SES Operations Controller will determine the need to manage by use of
operational Divisions and Sectors for the purpose of flood response
management.
4.5 Liaison
4.5.1 The severity of flooding will determine whether flood response operations are
controlled entirely from the SES Local Headquarters, or whether the
Wollongong City Local Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is activated to
coordinate support to the SES.
4.5.2 The Wollongong Local SES Operations Controller will liaise with the
LEOCON early in a flood event, to make a decision regarding the activation of
the EOC.
4.5.3 At the request of the Wollongong Local SES Operations Controller, each
agency with responsibilities identified in this plan will provide liaison
(including a liaison officer where necessary) to either the SES Operations
Centre or to the EOC as instructed.
4.5.4 Liaison officers are to:
a. Have the authority to deploy the resources of their parent organisations at
the request of the Wollongong City SES Operations Controller
b. Advise the Wollongong SES Local Controller on resource availability for
their service, and
c. Be able to provide communications to their own organisations.
4.6 Communications
4.6.1 The primary means of office-to-office communications is by telephone, fax
and/or email.
4.6.2 The primary means of communication to and between deployed SES resources
is by SES tactical radio network through the Government Radio Network
(GRN).
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
4.6.3 All other organisations will provide communications as necessary to their
deployed field teams.
4.6.4 Back-up communications can provided as follows:
a. Mobile phones.
b. Satellite Phones
c. Rural Fire Service VHF radio network
d. Alternately all SES GRN radios have capability to operate on UHF
4.6.5 GRN Liaison channels may be requested to be utilised as determined by the
operational requirement.
4.7 Start of Response Operations
4.7.1 This plan is always active to ensure that preparedness actions detailed in this
plan are completed.
4.7.2 Response operation will begin:
a. On receipt of Severe Weather Warning for Flash Flooding.
b. On receipt of Severe Weather Warnings for damaging surf or storm tides.
c. On receipt of a dam failure alert.
d. When other evidence leads to an expectation of flooding and/or coastal
erosion/inundation within the council area.
4.7.3 Contact with the Bureau of Meteorology to discuss the development of flood
warnings will normally be through the Illawarra South Coast SES Region
Headquarters.
4.7.4 The following persons and organisations will be advised of the activation of
the plan regardless of the location and severity of the flooding anticipated:
a. Wollongong City SES Unit members.
b. Illawarra South Coast SES Region Headquarters.
c. Wollongong City Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON),
for transmission to members of the Local Emergency Management
Committee.
d. Wollongong City Local Emergency Management Officer (LEMO),
4.7.5 Other agencies listed in this plan will be advised by the LEMO on the request
of the Local SES Operations Controller and as appropriate to the location and
nature of the threat.
4.8 Flood Intelligence
4.8.1 Sources of flood intelligence during times of flooding are:
a. Bureau of Meteorology. The Bureau provides:
Weather Forecasts warning of potential storm activity.
Severe Weather Warnings for damaging surf and storm tide
conditions
Warning of flash flooding. These are contained within Severe
Thunderstorm Warnings (STW) and Severe Weather Warnings
(SWW)
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
b. Illawarra South Coast SES Region Headquarters. The Region
Headquarters provides information on flooding and its consequences,
including those in nearby Council areas.
c. Wollongong City Council. Information on known flood prone areas and
properties.
d. The department of Commerce‟s Manly Hydraulics Laboratory
automated river watch system funded by the Department of
Environment, Climate Change & Water. This system provides river
height and rainfall readings for a number of gauges as indicated in
Annex C. Recent data from this system is available on the Manly
Hydraulic Laboratory website: http://www.mhl.nsw.gov.au. A history
of area floods is also available upon request via the website.
e. Active Reconnaissance. The SES undertakes and coordinates the
monitoring of known problem areas.
4.9 Preliminary Deployments
4.9.1 When flooding is expected to be severe enough to cut road access within the
LGA, the Local SES Operations Controller will ensure that resources are in
place for medical requirements and fire protection to those areas that could
become isolated.
4.9.2 When access to West Dapto and Calderwood is expected to be cut, the Local
SES Operations Controller will advise appropriate agencies so that resources
(including sandbags, fire fighting appliances, ambulances, etc.) are deployed
to ensure that operational capability is maintained.
4.10 Warnings
4.10.1 Warning services operate according to the following arrangements:
a. The Wollongong City SES Local Headquarters will:
Provides advice to the Illawarra South Coast SES Region
Headquarters on current and expected impacts of flooding.
Advise LEOCON, LEMO and Wollongong City Council of the
receipt of a flood warning
Establish and maintain a flood warning system for areas affected by
flooding
Confirm evacuation actions with Region and LEOCON.
b. The Illawarra South Coast SES Region Headquarters issues warning
information in the form of Flood Bulletins to:
Media organisations and agencies listed in Annex D.
District Emergency Management Officer and other Emergency
Service Operations Centres
4.10.2 Warnings are provided as follows:
a. Bureau of Meteorology Severe Weather or Severe Thunderstorm
Warnings for Flash Flooding. Provides a warning of the possibility for
flash flooding as a result of intense rainfall. These warnings are issued
when severe weather is expected to affect land based communities within
6 to 24 hours. Severe weather warnings for flash flooding will be
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
incorporated into SES Flood Bulletins issued by the Illawarra South
Coast SES Region Headquarters
b. Bureau of Meteorology Severe Weather Warnings for Damaging
Surf and Storm Tide. Provides a warning of the possibility for damaging
surf as a result of rising seas
c. Warnings Regarding Coastal Erosion/Inundation. The SES will
advise of the potential for coastal erosion/inundation by radio, contacts
with local progress associations and doorknocks
d. Evacuation Warnings.
Evacuation warnings will advise „at risk‟ residents of the possibility
to evacuate. Evacuation warnings will provide instructions what to
do if advised to evacuate and include advice on location of
assembly areas, evacuation centres, authorised or recommended
evacuation routes, arrangements for children in schools (including
pre-schools), arrangements for the elderly or infirm residents and
the likely duration of the evacuation
Evacuation Orders will be issued when evacuation must take place.
It will advise residents where the evacuation centres are,
recommended evacuation routes, arrangements for children in
schools (including pre-schools), arrangements for the elderly or
infirm residents and the likely duration of the evacuation
e. Dam-Failure Warnings. There are no prescribed dams in the
Wollongong LGA that have a significant or high risk rating. In the event
flood conditions exacerbate the dam failure risk the agreed arrangements
as per the relevant DSEP will be initiated. Currently prescribed dams in
the Wollongong LGA are listed in ANNEX I.
f. Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS). This signal may be
played over radio and television stations to alert communities to
Evacuation Warnings, Special Warnings or Dam-Failure Warnings.
Approval to use the signal will be obtained from the Illawarra South
Coast SES Region Headquarters.
g. Emergency Alert. This may be activated to disseminate warnings via a
voice message on landline telephones and a text message on mobile
phones.
4.11 Information
4.11.1 The Illawarra South Coast SES Region Headquarters issues SES Flood
Bulletins to media outlets and agencies on behalf of all SES units in the
Region.
4.11.2 SES Flood Bulletins contain the following information relating to all Council
areas in which flooding is occurring:
a. Current warnings, together with indications of the likely impact of
flooding at any predicted heights.
b. Current flood behaviour.
c. Details of conditions and closures of main roads.
d. Advice on safety matters and means of protecting property. When
operations relating to coastal erosion/inundation are being undertaken,
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
SES Region Bulletins will contain information and advice about property
damage mitigation measures and evacuation in affected areas.
e. When operations relating to coastal erosion/inundation are being
undertaken, SES Region Bulletins will contain information and advice
about property damage mitigation measures and evacuation in affected
areas.
4.11.3 The SES provides a “phone-in” information service for the community in
relation to current warnings, flood behaviour, coastal erosion/inundation, road
conditions and closures of local and main roads and advice on safety matters
and means of protecting property.
4.11.4 The Local SES Operations Controller is to ensure that the Illawarra South
Coast SES Region Operations Controller is regularly briefed on the progress
of operations and on future resource needs.
4.12 Road Information
4.12.1 Collation and dissemination of road information is actioned as follows:
a. It is the road owner responsibility to manage public road information;
however the SES will work in conjunction with the road owners to
coordinate the sharing of information
b. The Local SES Operations Controller provides road status reports for
main roads in the council area to the Illawarra South Coast SES Region.
c. Road Information obtained will be shared with the Police Force, Council,
and RTA.
d. The Illawarra South Coast SES Region Headquarters distributes
information on main roads to SES units, media outlets and agencies as
part of SES Flood Bulletins.
4.13 Road Control
4.13.1 A number of roads within the council area are affected by flooding. Details
are provided in Annex B.
4.13.2 The council closes and re-opens its own roads and any road, which it closes
and reopens in its capacity as an agent for the RTA.
4.13.3 The RTA closes and re-opens its own roads unless authorising the
Wollongong City Council to do so as an agent.
4.13.4 The NSW Police has the authority to close and re-open roads but will normally
only do so (if the council or the RTA has not already acted) if public safety
requires such action.
4.13.5 When resources permit, the SES assists Council or the Police by erecting road
closure signs and barriers..
4.13.6 In the event of major flooding, the Local SES Operations Controller may
direct the imposition of traffic control measures. The entry into flood affected
areas will be controlled in accordance with the provisions of the State
Emergency Service Act, 1989 (Part 5, Sections 19, 20, 21 and 22) and the
State Emergency Rescue Management Act, 1989 (Part 4, Sections 60KA, 60L
and 61).
4.14 Flood Rescue
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
4.14.1 The Region Operations Controller is responsible for the control and
coordination of flood rescues within the Wollongong LGA.
4.14.2 A Flood Rescue Desk will be set up at the Region Headquarters.
4.14.3 A Flood Rescue Cell will be set up at the Wollongong Local SES
Headquarters and managed by the Local SES Rescue Officer.
4.14.4 The Primary Accredited Rescue Unit and SES resource will be deployed at the
same time to respond to flood rescues where resources allow.
4.14.5 Rescues will be assessed to determine the best possible method to undertake
the rescue without posing additional risk to rescuers where possible.
4.14.6 Rescues can be carried out utilising swift water rescue techniques, high
clearance vehicles, flood boats and (under some circumstances) helicopters.
4.14.7 Additional flood boats and aircraft can be requested through the Illawarra
South Coast SES Region Headquarters.
4.15 Evacuations
4.15.1 The nature of flooding experienced in the Wollongong area is that of flash
flooding so evacuations will typically be small in number and isolated but be
required at very short notice. While not as a direct result of flooding,
evacuations may also be required in the event of landslides triggered by
prolonged or intense rainfall.
4.15.2 Wollongong City SES will maintain a database of properties that are at high
risk of rapid inundation during flooding and where sheltering-in-place may
pose an unreasonable risk to life. In the event of impending flooding residents
at those locations will be advised to evacuate in order to protect life and
minimise the requirement for rescue.
4.15.3 Evacuations will be controlled by the Local SES Operations Controller.
4.15.4 Where possible residents requiring evacuation should do so using their own
transport. Should it be required, the Wollongong City SES Unit can carry out
evacuations using high clearance vehicles or flood rescue boats.
4.15.5 When evacuations may be required, the Local SES Operations Controller will
advise the LEOCON so that evacuation centres and welfare support can be set
up in timely fashion.
4.15.6 Some residents may make their own decision to evacuate and move to
alternative accommodation using their own transport. Such evacuees must be
advised via the media to inform the Police or the SES of their evacuation and
their temporary address.
4.15.7 Field teams will carry out evacuations as required. Field teams conducting
doorknocks will record and report back to the SES Operations Centre the
following information:
a. Addresses and locations of houses doorknocked and/or evacuated.
b. Number of occupants.
c. Details of support required (such as transport, medical evacuation,
assistance to secure house and/or property and raise or move belongings).
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
4.15.8 Details of persons and premises that have been evacuated will be passed to the
relevant station of the NSW Police Force.
4.15.9 On arrival at evacuation centres, evacuees will be registered, medically
checked if necessary and provided with their immediate welfare needs.
4.15.10 The expected duration of evacuations will dictate the welfare staff
requirement and need for facilities at evacuation centres. If evacuations are
expected to be of a short duration, evacuees may be provided with short-term
accommodation at the centres. However, if they are expected to last for
longer than 24 hours evacuees will be encouraged to leave the evacuation
centres if they have alternative accommodation to go to. Alternatively,
accommodation will be arranged for them in motels, hotels or by billeting.
4.15.11 Caravan parks known to be flood liable are listed in Annex G, along with
arrangements relating to the evacuation of residents and the removal of
caravans.
4.15.12 The Scout and Guide camps at Mt Keira may require evacuation during
periods of intense or prolonged rainfall if the NPWS formally close the
Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area.
4.15.13 Transport and storage of furniture from flood-threatened properties will only
be arranged if time and resources permit.
4.16 Management of Evacuees’ Pets
4.16.1 In the event of a large-scale evacuation, animal shelter compound facilities
will be set up for domestic animals and companion animals.
4.16.2 Assistance animals are to accompany and/or remain in the care of their owners
at all times. This includes transport and access into evacuation centres etc.
4.17 Essential Services
4.17.1 The Local SES Operations Controller will ensure that the providers of
essential services (electricity, water, sewerage, medical and public health) are
kept advised of the flood situation.
4.17.2 Essential service providers must keep the Local SES Operations Controller
abreast of their status and ongoing ability to provide those services.
4.18 Logistics
4.18.1 The Wollongong City SES Local Headquarters maintains a small stock of
sandbags, and back-up supplies are available through the Illawarra South
Coast SES Region Headquarters.
4.18.2 Motorised sandbag-filling machines are available from Moruya and
Wollongong. Alternatively, local concrete trucks may be used.
4.19 Resupply of Isolated Towns, Villages and Rural Properties
4.19.1 The SES is responsible for the coordination of the resupply of isolated
communities and properties.
4.19.2 Isolation of properties within Wollongong LGA is not expected to occur for
periods exceeding 48 hours.
4.19.3 Requirements to ensure fire control and medical needs are addressed will be
coordinated through the Local SES Operations Controller.
21
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
4.19.4 Table 2 outlines the estimated periods of isolation that may occur for some
properties in certain areas during these periods.
Area
Approx. period
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Mt Kembla 1-2 days
Horsley 1-2 days
Wongawilli 2 days
Cleveland 2 days
Avondale 2 days
Huntly 2 days
Kembla Grange 2 days
Darkes Forest 2 days
Table 2: Possible periods of Isolation - PMF
4.20 Aircraft Management
4.20.1 Aircraft can be used for a variety of purposes during flood operations
including evacuation, rescue, resupply, reconnaissance and emergency travel.
4.20.2 Air support operations will be conducted under the control of the SES Region
Headquarters, through the SES Aviation Manager which will allocate aircraft
as required.
4.20.3 The Local SES Operations Controller may request aircraft for flood operations
within their council area through SES Region Headquarters, if other transport
means are not available or not suitable.
4.20.4 Heliport. Is located on the corner of Port Kembla Road & Springhill Road,
Wollongong. The actual facility is outside the flood threat area but access may
be subject to flooding in major events.
4.20.5 Airport.
Illawarra Regional Airport
Location Lat: 34.56S Long: 150.78E
Elevation 9.45 m above mean sea level (31 ft)
Capacity 16-34 Runway (North-South) is 1820m long.
Secondary Runway (East-West) is 1400m long.
Surface 16-34 – sealed – 30m wide
Limitations 16-34 – is subject to flooding.
16-34 – maximum take-off weight (MTOW) = 25tonne
Owner Shellharbour City Council
Table 3: Airport location details
22
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
4.21 Assistance for Animals
4.21.1 Matters relating to the welfare of livestock, companion animals and wildlife
(including feeding and rescue) are to be referred to the Department of Primary
Industries.
4.21.2 Requests for emergency supply and/or delivery of fodder to stranded livestock,
or for livestock rescue, are to be passed to NSW Agriculture.
4.22 Stranded Travellers
4.22.1 The F6 Freeway is the major traffic route through Wollongong. It is likely that
during flood events that the highway will be closed.
4.22.2 The Princes Hwy is the second major route through Wollongong. It is likely
that during flood events that the highway will be closed at numerous locations
as identified in Annex C.
4.22.3 Travellers seeking assistance will be referred to DoCS for the arrangement of
temporary accommodation or other assistance if required.
4.23 Assistance with Emergency Travel
4.23.1 The Local SES Operations Controller will arrange for the transport of
emergency service and/or essential personnel as required.
4.23.2 During periods of prolonged flooding the SES will endeavour to provide
assistance with the transport of people to and from isolated properties or
communities in order to ensure the continuity of normal community functions.
Each request will be considered on its merit and the most appropriate form of
transport will be used.
4.24 All Clear
When the danger to life and property has passed, the Local SES Operations Controller
will issue an „All Clear‟ message signifying that response operations have been
completed. This message will also advise details of arrangements for evacuated
residents to return to their homes or indicate what longer-term accommodation
arrangements have been made for those unable to do so.
23
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
PART 5 - RECOVERY
5.1 Welfare
Community Services will provide for the long-term welfare of people who
have been evacuated.
5.2 Recovery Coordination
5.2.1 The Wollongong City Local SES Operations Controller will ensure that
planning for long-term recovery operations begins at the earliest opportunity.
This is to be done by briefing the chair of the Wollongong City Local
Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) on the details of the flooding
and assisting in the establishment of a Recovery Coordinating Committee.
5.2.2 The Recovery Coordinating Committee is to prepare an outline plan for
recovery operations and be prepared to recommend how such operations
would best be controlled and coordinated.
5.3 Arrangements for Debriefs/After Action Reviews
5.3.1 As soon as possible after flooding has abated, the Wollongong City SES Local
Controller will advise participating organisations of details of response
operation debriefing arrangements.
5.3.2 The Wollongong City SES Local Controller will ensure that adequate
arrangements are in place to record details of the debrief and each item
requiring further action is delegated to an organisation or individual to
implement.
5.3.3 Follow-up to ensure the satisfactory completion of these actions will be
undertaken by the Wollongong City LEMC.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
ANNEX A - THE FLOOD THREAT
LANDFORMS AND RIVER SYSTEM(S)
1. Flooding is common on the many short, steep streams that flow eastward from
the Illawarra Escarpment across the urbanized coastal plain. The escarpment
begins as a coastal cliff rising to 250 m elevation in Wollongong's northern
suburbs and rises to a height of 670 m to the west of Dapto at which point it is
about 20 km from the sea. East of the escarpment is a series of low ridges
divides the small, steep stream catchments. The coast proper is lined with sand
dunes, which impound small lagoons and swampy areas into which these creeks
discharge. To the south of the city is the 35 square kilometre Lake Illawarra, a
shallow tidal lake that occupies the area between plain and coastal dunes.
The council area has been divided into eight areas of study used by Flood
Management Committee (see Maps Section). The areas are also used in relation
to flood risk identification for the purpose of emergency response. These areas
are:
Area 1 – North from Flanigans Creek, Thirroul to Clifton
Area 2 – Includes Hewitts, Woodlands and Slacky Creek systems.
Area 3 – Extends from Bulli to Corrimal and includes Whartons, Collins,
Farrahars and Bellambi Gully Creeks systems.
Area 4 – Encompasses the Towradgi Creek system in the Corrimal area.
Area 5 – Centres on the central Wollongong area and includes Cabbage
Tree Creek and Fairy Creek catchments.
Area 6 – Covers the Mount Keira to Farmborough Heights areas
Area 7 – Covers the Mullet Creek catchment from Farmborough Heights
to Avondale.
Area 8 – Is devoted to a small region in the Lake Heights area.
There are also several minor creeks that flow westward from the escarpment
through unpopulated country to a series of water storage reservoirs. The more
important of these, and the storage's to which they feed, are:
Avon River and Gallahers Creek: to Lake Avon.
Cordeaux River and Kembla Creek: to Lake Cordeaux.
Rocky, Cataract, Bellambi and Allen Creeks: to Lake Cataract.
Waratah Rivulet: to Lake Woronora.
O'Hares Creek, a tributary of the Georges River, also flows west from the
escarpment.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
WEATHER SYSTEMS AND FLOODING
2. Flooding can occur at any time of the year, but in different seasons it is
triggered by different rain-producing mechanisms. There is a slight bias towards
the February-March period as well as August as far as flood occurrence is
concerned. Within this period the concentration is in the late summer and early
autumn months.
Table 4 - Flood Occurrences for Wollongong LGA by Month: 1950-1999 (Source: Wollongong City Council)
Floods may result from any of the five weather patterns summarized below:
a) Ex Tropical Cyclones: Rainfall and flooding that results from a cyclone
moving south and downgraded to a rain depression. Such weather systems
can produce prolonged heavily rainfall. Heavy rainfall originating from
these cyclones in the Illawarra can occur anytime between January and
May and have historically resulted in widespread and localised flooding
affecting dwellings.
b) Zonal Synoptic Patterns: This pattern occurs when the centre of a high
or low-pressure system is located south of New South Wales directing a
moist onshore flow onto the coast. These pressure systems often combine
with a low-pressure trough and/or upper air disturbances to create a state
of prolonged instability. In February 1984, moist air behind a front and a
high-pressure system centred southeast of Tasmania, along with small
surface low-pressure systems, resulting in extreme instability and intense
rainfall. Zonal synoptic patterns together with easterly lows account for
50% of the flooding in the Illawarra.
c) Inland Depressions: These inland depressions or low-pressure systems
originating from continental northern Australia that can dip down into
New South Wales and intensify over coastal areas. These often occur in
autumn, just after the northern monsoon season.
d) Easterly Lows: Defined as low-pressure troughs moving south from
Queensland, generally just off the NSW coastline, before heading in a
south-easterly direction. They occur predominately in the winter months.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Extreme Minor Serious Severe Very Severe
e) Continental Lows: Low-pressure systems, which move across the
continent towards the central NSW coastline. There is two types;
Lows originating from central and southern Queensland moving
south towards Sydney, intensifying as they near or cross the
coastline. Unlike inland depressions no trough structure is evident.
Where a low-pressure system moves eastwards across the southern
continental areas, before intensifying near the coastline, thereby
producing intense rainfall. East coast cyclones or lows as identified
by Bryant(1991) would also fit into this category (these are easterly
moving pressure systems, which develop into intense cyclonic
depressions when they pass over mountainous coastal terrain and a
warm poleward flowing current. Predominately occur in winter and
autumn.
f) Thunderstorms: Localised thunderstorms have caused localised flooding in
various areas, usually to only sections of a suburb at any one occasion.
FLOOD HISTORY
3. Average annual rainfall in the council area varies from less than 1,100 mm in
the Dapto, Windang and Kemblawarra area to more than 1,600 mm along the
escarpment southwards from Mt Keira. About 60-70 per cent of this falls in the
summer and autumn quarters most of it in February, March and April. Rainfall
of more than 50mm in a day is recorded, on average, about eight times a year
somewhere in the council area. Such rainfall frequently produces flooding,
particularly when catchments are already wet. Very high daily falls (200 mm or
more) almost always produce flooding, much of it severe.
Table 5 – No of Floods by Severity:1950-1999 (Source : Wollongong City Council)
In recent decades, flooding has tended to occur frequently in some periods and
then to become less common. Floods were common in the 1950-52, 1958-61,
1973-78, 1983-84, 1991-92 and 1998-99 with periods but much less so in the
intervening periods. Severe floods are more common in the February-March
period and in August than in other months.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
CHARACTERISTICS OF FLOODING IN THE WOLLONGONG
COAST CATCHMENT AREAS
4. The dominant feature of flooding in the council area is that it is usually 'flash'
flooding. The streams respond quickly to high-intensity rainfall and flooding
can begin very soon after the beginning of heavy rains. Due to the nature of the
topography rainfall can be concentrated within one catchment area without
effecting other or neighbouring catchments.
Except for their headwaters, most of the catchments are heavily urbanised; a
feature which increases the speed of rises in creek levels. Floodplain areas are of
relatively limited size, and during periods of flooding only small proportions of
total flow are carried within creek channels. The result is substantial floodplain
inundation, often to considerable depths. Velocities of flow are usually high
(often more than 2 metres per second) and flooding is characterised by very
rapid rises and falls in water level. As it is common in urban catchments, flood
peaks usually occur at night time. Overbank flows occur frequently, even in the
less severe events of approximately 20-50% AEP (that is, floods that occur on
average every 2 to 5 years).
Most of the creeks have been significantly modified by human intervention, and
the construction of buildings near the watercourse can sometimes divert flows
over areas some distance from the creeks themselves.
Filling of land in the lower reaches of catchment causes water that would
otherwise have remained within the banks of the streams to break out and in
severe events upstream flood levels can be significantly higher than would
previously have been the case.
The north-south orientation of the road and rail links means that all the creeks
are interrupted by culverts and bridges which have limited flow capacity that are
prone to blockage by debris, worsening these effects. Few road culverts are
capable of passing events more severe than those of about 10 % AEP without
overtopping. Inadequate waterway capacity or blockages are a frequent cause of
flooding.
Most of the creeks discharge into small coastal lakes, lagoons or swamps before
reaching the sea. The mouths are prone to closure through build-up of sand at
their outlets. This causes flood levels in the lakes and in the lower stream
reaches to rise in the early stage of a flood before the flood waters scour the
outlet. High velocities are often experienced at the outlets as the sand bars
collapse.
Previously observed flooding behaviour in watercourses in the area have
generally been characterised by:
Peak flood discharges significantly greater than the capacity of the
watercourses.
Rapid rise and fall of flood levels.
High flood velocities resulting in extensive damage to creek bank
vegetation and erosion of creek beds and crossings.
Large quantities of flood debris. At a number of locations the quantity of
flood debris appeared to exacerbate upstream flooding by blocking culvert
and bridge waterways.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
The design capacity of the urban stormwater drainage system in the area of
interest is understood to be based on a 10 year or smaller Average Recurrence
Interval (ARI) storm event. Hence, some properties have been flooded by
surcharging of the stormwater drainage system and/or the inability of local
runoff to enter the stormwater drainage system independent of, or in
combination with mainstream flooding.
Because of the short catchment response times, it is extremely difficult to
accurately determine the timing and contribution of local flooding to overall
flooding at a given built-up location in the study area. Thus, the determination
of the likelihood and contribution of stormwater flooding requires some
subjective assessment.
Northern Suburbs Catchment
Response times from rainfall to effect on ground can be as low as 15 minutes. The
short distance from the steep catchment of the escarpment to the outflow at the ocean
means the flood flows are of high velocity. This increases risk of scouring of creek
banks, overflow onto roads and public access areas and undermining of properties. All
creek systems run through culverts or under bridges that are prone to debris blockage.
Resultant blockage causes overflow of flood waters onto roads and through
properties. This increases the risk to life for exposed people.
Hewitts Creek Catchment Catchment area is 7.5km
2 with average annual rainfall being around 1500mm on the
escarpment and 1300mm at the coast. Most flows are contained within the creek
banks in upper reaches of the catchment but the rapid rise and high velocities
increases the risk of scouring of the creek banks and undermining of properties.
Filling of land in the lower reaches of some of the catchment has significantly reduced
the pre-existing storage capacity of the floodplain. Many culverts and bridges have
been constructed within the creek system in the lower reaches which are vulnerable to
blockage from debris.
Ocean conditions contribute to back up of flood waters unable to expel into the ocean.
Also sand build up at the ocean outlets can restrict flow.
There are a number of known “hot spots” located upstream of the railway line and
along north-south orientated roadways and embankments.
Collins Creek Catchment
The upper reaches of the catchment are fed by runoff which originates in the
escarpment. The outlets for the creeks in this catchment flow into a coastal estuary
environment which is subject to entrance filling as a result of wave action. This may
result in reduced ability for outflows and also effects outflows during storm surge
periods. Flows quickly spill out of the creek banks east of Princes Hwy in a 20%
AEP.
Flooding within the catchment has been reasonably frequent. The Catchment has
experienced significant flood events in October 1987, April 1988 and August 1998.
Towradgi Creek Catchment
The Towradgi Creek catchment drains an area of about 7.2km2 through the northern
Wollongong suburbs of Tarrawanna, Corrimal, Towradgi and Fernhill. About 50% of
the catchment is steep and forested and forms part of the Illawarra Escarpment. The
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
lower half of the catchment is much flatter and mostly urbanised. Towradgi Creek
flows into the Pacific Ocean at Corrimal Beach.
The Towradgi Creek catchment has suffered regular flooding with 24 instances of
flooding occurring in the district from 1958 to 1989. On 17 August 1998 the largest
flood on record was experienced within the catchment. At least 40 houses and units
were flooded above floor level and the retail area in Corrimal was severely damaged.
Vehicles were swept off flooded roadways and some residents battled very hazardous
conditions whilst evacuating their flooded properties.
Analysis of this flood showed that the peak flood flow of the August 1998 flood was
smaller than the 100 year flood in the upper and middle parts of the catchment and
just larger than the 100 year flood in the lower part of the catchment.
Fairy and Cabbage Tree Creek Catchments
Fairy Creek is located immediately north of Wollongong. The four main branches of
the creek rise high upon the slopes of the Illawarra escarpment east of Mount Keira.
The Fairy Creek catchment occupies an area of approximately 7.6 square kilometres
to the confluence with Cabbage Tree Creek. The catchment area is subject to rainfalls
of high intensity and is characterised by steep slopes and a high degree of
urbanisation. The confluence of Fairy and Cabbage Tree Creeks (catchment area 10.5
square kilometres) occurs at a tidal lagoon just upstream of the Squires Way Bridge.
There have been 37 floods since 1945. The area worst affected by flooding is at North
Wollongong between the Illawarra Railway and the Cabbage Tree Creek confluence.
Significant floods causing damage and/or transport interruptions occurred in 1949,
1950, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1959, 1961, 1964, 1974, March 1975, 1977, 1978 and March
1983.
Allans Creek Catchment
Flooding within the catchment has posed a high hazard to the residents living in close
proximity to major watercourses. Major transport links and local roads have been
inundated by flood waters making evacuation and emergency access difficult. There
have been recorded flood rescues occurring in this catchment.
Flooding within the catchment has been reasonably frequent. Allans Creek has
experienced significant flood events in March 1975, March 1978, March 1983,
October 1983, February 1984, June 1991, August 1998 and October 1999.
The rate of flood waters for a 1% AEP has been calculated to approximate 7.8m/hr.
Time to flood peak can be less than 1 hour in some areas with some overbank
flooding in the upper reaches of the catchment occurring within 15min of heavy
rainfall. The lower reaches will have greater warning time with possibly 60-90 minutes.
Mullet Creek Catchment
The study area comprises two catchments, Mullet Creek and Brooks Creek, which
drain areas of about 72 km2 and 5 km2, respectively. Both watercourses discharge
separately to Lake Illawarra.
Has a small and steep catchment which regularly experiences very heavy rainfall. Due
to the proximity of the escarpment and rapid descent from headwaters to floodplain
floods tend to be in the flash flood category with rapid rises and falls. Response times
from rainfall to effect on ground are typically in the order of less than 6 hours.
The last major flood in this catchment occurred in 1984 where numerous flood
rescues occurred. Access to West Dapto is regularly lost in lesser events that can
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
isolate the area for the period of rainfall plus a number of hours after cessation of
rainfall.
The levels in Lake Illawarra can contribute to the effects of flood around the lake
foreshore and into the floodplain.
Minnegang Creek Catchment
The Minnegang Creek catchment is located 8.5km south of Wollongong. The steep
catchment rises from the northern shore of Lake Illawarra to the intersection of Lake
Heights Road and Flagstaff Road. Approximately 80% of the catchment is developed,
mostly with low density residential housing, with the remaining 20% being
recreational area or cleared open space.
There have been several large flood events in the catchment within the last twenty
years, the most significant being: 14 December 1985, 23 October 1987, December
1990, 17 August 1998 and 24 October 1999. There is limited information regarding
the nature of these flood events aside from the August 1998 storm event, which had a
recurrence interval of approximately two years in the vicinity of Minnegang Creek
catchment.
Over much of the catchment there is little difference between the flood extents for
events of different AEP, including the PMF extent. The peak flows and flood levels
along Minnegang Creek occur after approximately 40 minutes in the upper parts of
the catchment. In smaller events, such as the 20% AEP event, the peak flows
downstream of the Barina Park detention basin occur approximately one hour
following the start of the storm event. Along the tributaries and minor branches of the
creek, the time to peak flow is approximately 20-30 minutes. Due to the contained
nature of the flood flows within the catchment, only a relatively small number of
properties within the catchment are affected by flooding.
Lake Illawarra
Lake Illawarra is a shallow coastal lagoon located on the undulating coastal plain
between the ocean and the cliffs of the Illawarra Escarpment. The Lake Illawarra
Catchment has an area of 760 km2, rising from sea level to an elevation of 760m at
Mount Murray. Several surrounding water courses feed in to the Lake. These being
Macquarie Rivulet, Mullet Creek, Brooks Creek, Hooka Creek, Duck Creek and,
Horsley Creek..
The catchment is largely rural, with some residential and commercial land uses
located mainly in the lower catchment. In times of flood, the water levels of Lake
Illawarra are heavily reliant on whether the headlands of the catchment system are
open or not.
The catchment has suffered regular flooding with 13 instances of historical events
recorded ranging from 1919 till August 1998. Key flooding events occurred in 1975,
1977, 1984 and 1998.
COASTAL FLOODING
5. Along the coast proper, sea conditions can have a pronounced effect on flood
character. High tides, wave set-up and storm surge can all be influential.
Storm surge is an increase in the sea water level at the coast. The principal
factors in the generation of a storm surge are:
a. The wind stress on the sea surface, piling up water.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
b. The atmospheric pressure reduction in the storm area raising sea water
level.
c. The net water transport shoreward due to waves and swell breaking in the
shallows.
d. The local surge modification due to bottom topography, abnormally heavy
rainfall and the presence of currents, tides and natural oscillations.
In addition to wind and barometric set-up there is an additional rise in water
level on the beach due to wave set-up. The wave set-up occurs between the
zone of breaking waves and the beach, and can be as much as 10 to 20 per cent
of the incident wave height.
The maximum water levels from a combination of high tides, wave set-up and
storm surge could be greater than 2.0 metres AHD. Of this, high tide levels and
wave set-up would account for much more than storm surge, which is estimated
to be able to contribute only about 0.4 metres.
Causes of flooding in coastal lakes and estuaries
Flooding within coastal catchments may be caused by:
a. An elevated lake level due to intense rainfall over the catchment. The
lake level rises when runoff inflow into the basin is greater than outflow
into the sea from the lake.
b. Elevated water levels within individual creeks as a result of intense
rainfall over local catchments.
c. Local runoff over a small area accumulating in low spots.
d. Elevated ocean levels. Frequently elevated ocean levels are caused by
storm surge.
e. Local wind conditions generating waves and setup across the fetch of the
lake.
These factors may occur in isolation or in combination with each other. In particular,
the combination of elevated ocean levels, strong winds and peak inflows into the
basin are considered to be particularly hazardous.
IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
6. Climate change modelling suggests that there are likely to be reductions in
average annual rainfall, but an increase in the intensity of rainfall events when
they do occur. Hence, creating a future rainfall regime characterised by longer
dry spells interrupted by heavier rainfall events.
The frequency of coastal flooding may increase as a consequence of sea level
rise and the potential increased frequency of storm surge events
Storage Dams
There are no prescribed dams that are recorded as extreme or high category so no
specific arrangements are contained within this plan.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
ANNEX B - EFFECTS OF FLOODING ON THE
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY PROFILE
Census Description LGA
Total Persons 184 213
Total Dwellings 77 025
Total persons aged 65 years and over 28 746
Total persons aged below 15 years 35 458
Total persons with a need for assistance
(profound / severe disability) 9 195
Total persons of indigenous origin 3 120
Total persons using Internet 39 008
Single parent families 8 340
Persons living alone 1 7696
Total persons who do not speak English
as primary 4 733
Total persons who lived at a different
address 5 years ago 53 562
Households without vehicles 8 982
Total persons residing in caravans,
cabins or houseboats 1 121
Mean household size 2
Table 6: Australian Bureau of Statistics (2006)
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
AREA 1 – NORTHERN SUBURBS
Population in Catchment Area 4,338
Flood Affected
Properties
Over-floor Inundation Grounds Inundation Only
10% AEP 21 57
5% AEP 77 72
2% AEP 98 64
1% AEP 105 66
PMF 136 83
Affected Suburbs
Coledale
Clifton
Scarborough
Wombarra
Coledale
Austinmer
Major
Watercourses
Unnamed Creek
Horse Creek
Stockyard Creek
Hicks Creek
Flanigans Creek
Gauges
Name Owner Type
Scarborough Fire
Brigade WCC Pluviometer
Possible Isolation
Access regained within 1-2 hours of cessation of rainfall. Possible causes
of prolonged access problems include debris obstructions or landslips
along Lawrence Hargrave Drive or arterial roadways
Critical Storm
Duration: 70mm rainfall in 3 hours
Possible Road
Closures: Lawrence Hargrave Drive
General Monash St, Wombarra is a known problem area.
Other:
Coledale Hospital can become cut off for short periods. Major landslips
or road inundation north and south of its location may affect ability to
obtain supplies or maintain functional operations in the short term.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
AREA 2 – HEWITTS CREEK CATCHMENT
Population in Catchment Area 10,994
Flood Affected
Properties
Over-floor Inundation Grounds Inundation Only
20% AEP 11 15
5% AEP 75 32
2% AEP 91 144
1% AEP 97 148
PMF 125 188
Affected Suburbs Thirroul
Bulli
Major
Watercourses
Hewitts Creek
Slacky Creek
Thomas Gibson Creek
Tramway Creek
Woodlands Creek
Gauges
Name Owner Type
Rixons Pass Pluviometer
Hewitts Creek
Entrance MHL Height Recorder
Hewitts Creek MHL Height Recorder
Possible Isolation
Access regained within 1-2 hours of cessation of rainfall. Possible
causes of prolonged access problems include debris obstructions south
of the junction of Lawrence Hargrave Drive and Princes Highway
Critical Storm
Duration: 100mm / 8hrs
Possible Road
Closures:
Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul (between Hewitts Ave & Phillip
St)
Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul (Cnr Railway Parade)
Princes Hwy, Bulli (Bottom of Bulli Pass)
Princes Hwy, Bulli (Cnr Hobart St)
Princes Hwy, Bulli (Between Point St & Black Diamond Place)
Blackall St, Bulli (At Slacky Creek)
General
Known trouble spots exist in George and Lachlan Streets and Hewitts
Ave, Thirroul. The Princes Hwy and Lawrence Hargrave Drive at the
bottom of Bulli Pass and the highway near Bulli Trotting Track in this
area have suffered damage in previous events.
Other: Any tidal surge in excess of 1.4m will directly affect flood outflows.
B-4
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
AREA 3 – COLLINS CREEK CATCHMENT
Population in Catchment Area 16,341
Flood Affected
Properties
Over-floor Inundation Grounds Inundation Only
10% AEP
Study in progress at time of publication.
No Information Available
5% AEP
2% AEP
1% AEP
PMF
Affected Suburbs
Bellambi
Bulli
Corrimal
Corrimal East
Russell Vale
Woonona
Major
Watercourses
Whartons Creek
Collins Creek
Farrahars Creek
Bellambi Gully Creek
Gauges
Name Owner Type
Popes Rd - Woonona Pluviometer
Russel Vale 2 MHL Pluviometer
Possible Isolation
Access regained within 1-2 hours of cessation of rainfall. Possible causes
of prolonged access problems include debris obstructions or landslips
along Lawrence Hargrave Drive to the north or arterial roadways.
Critical Storm
Duration: 130mm rainfall
Possible Road
Closures:
Birch Crescent, Bellambi (Northern End)
Carrington Street, Woonona (Cnr Lawrence St)
Culgoa Road, Woonona (Between Kareela Rd & Campbell St)
Campbell Street, Woonona (Between Northern Distributor & Robert
St)
Cawley Street, Bellambi (Between Connaghan Ave & Rothery St)
Farrell Road, Bulli (Cnr Trinity Road)
Gahans Lane, Woonona (Eastern end)
Hollymount View, Woonona
Northern Distributor, Corrimal (Between Rothery St & Bellambi Ln)
Pioneer Road, Bellambi (Between Bellambi Lane & Lismore St)
Pioneer Rd, East Corrimal (Between Coolgardie St & Owen Park Rd)
Princes Hwy, Bulli (Between Hopetoun & Organs Road)
Princes Hwy, Woonona (Between Gray St & Hillcrest Ave)
Princes Hwy, Woonona (Between Alfred St & Hale St)
Princes Hwy, Russel Vale (Outside Golf Course)
Princes Hwy, Russel Vale (Between Broker & Moreton Sts)
Princes Hwy, Russel Vale (Between Albert St & Bellambi Lane)
Princes Hwy, Corrimal (Between North of Rothery Road)
Railway Parade, Woonona East (Southern End)
Rothery Street, Corrimal (
Stanhope Street, Woonona
Ursula Road, Bulli
B-5
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
Schools Waniora Primary
Bulli High
Caravan Parks Bulli Beach Tourist Park
General
Nicholson Rd, Woonona, and Lismore & Ellen Sts, Bellambi are
known problems in this area as well as the area about and including the
Northern Bowl in Bellambi Lane.
The area between the Illawarra Railway line and Bellambi beach also a
common flood zone.
Other:
Bulli Hospital is in the Whartons Creek Catchment. Access to hospital
can be lost on Princes Hwy intersection at a 5% AEP.
Railway line may become compromised due to scouring, culvert
blockage and inundation.
B-6
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
AREA 4 – TOWRADGI CREEK CATCHMENT
Population in Catchment Area 11,047
Flood Affected
Properties
Over-floor Inundation Grounds Inundation Only
20% AEP 84 175
5% AEP 132 195
2% AEP 153 231
1% AEP 183 259
PMF 551 203
Affected Suburbs
Corrimal
Tarrawanna
East Corrimal
Towradgi
Fernhill
Major
Watercourses Towradgi Creek
Gauges
Name Owner Type
Towradgi Creek DS MHL Height Recorder
Towradgi creek US MHL Height Recorder
Bellambi Pluviometer
Russel Vale MHL Pluviometer
Possible Isolation Access regained within 1-2 hours of cessation of rainfall.
Critical Storm
Duration: 90 mm rainfall
Possible Road
Closures:
Bellambi St, Tarrawanna (Southern End)
Collins Street, Corrimal
Lake Parade , East Corrimal
Meadow St, Tarrawanna (Between Caldwell Ave & Keira St)
Meadow St, Tarrawanna
Northern Distributor, Corrimal (At Railway St & to the south)
Pioneer Road, east Corrimal (Between Sturdee St & Lake Parade)
Princes Hwy, Corrimal (Between Towradgi Rd & Thurston Cres)
Princes Hwy, Corrimal (Cnr Tarrawanna Rd)
Princes Hwy, Corrimal (Between Railway St & Russell st)
Railway St, Corrimal (Between Harbinger St & Gilbert St)
Underwood St, Corrimal (At The Avenue & Francis St intersection up
to Russell St)
Caravan Parks Corrimal Beach Tourist Park
Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort
General
In a 1% AEP flood, the majority of residential properties flooded above
floor level would be located in Towradgi Creek, Parker Creek, North
Corrimal Creek and Carr Creek proximity.
In North Corrimal Creek there would be 12 residential properties and 9
business properties flooded above floor level in a 20% AEP flood.
The maximum depth of flooding above floor level of residential
properties would be 1.4m in a 5 year flood, 1.7m in a 20 year flood,
1.8m in a 50 year flood, 2.0m in a 100 year flood, and 3.2m in a PMF.
Other:
B-7
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
AREA 5 – FAIRY & CABBAGE TREE CATCHMENT
Population in Catchment Area 26, 157
Flood Affected
Properties
Over-floor Inundation Grounds Inundation Only
Study in progress at time of publication.
Affected Suburbs
Fernhill
Towradgi
Balgownie
Fairy Meadow
Mount Pleasant
Mount Ousley
North Wollongong
Gwynneville
Keiraville
Wollongong
West Wollongong
Major
Watercourses
Towradgi Arm
Cabbage Tree Creek
Fairy Creek
Gauges
Name Owner Type
Balgownie Reservoir WCC Pluviometer
Glennifer Brae WCC Pluviometer
Russel Vale MHL Pluviometer
Cabbage Tree Creek MHL Height Recorder
Fairy Creek MHL Height Recorder
Possible Isolation Access regained within 1-2 hours of cessation of rainfall.
Critical Storm
Duration: 120mm rainfall
Possible Road
Closures:
Flinders Street (Between Bourke and Ajax Sts), North Wollongong
Princes Hwy, Fairy Meadow various locations
Junction of Mt Ousley rd and Princes Hwy
Mount Ousley
Ajax Ave, North Wollongong
Squires way, Fairy Meadow
Cabbage Tree Lane
Balgownie Road
Murphys Avenue, Keiraville
Gipps Road, Keiraville
Foleys Rd, Gwynnevillle
Vulnerable
Facilities
Braeside Close (50 self-care units)
General
Chalmers St culvert a regular flood area.
Major damage has occurred in Anama St, Fairy Meadow, Montague St,
Nth Wollongong with Campus East and Brandon Park also subject to
flooding.
Porter St, North Wollongong west of the railway line has suffered
flooding and then downstream water inundation occurs in Ajax and
Exeter St‟s.
Other:
B-8
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
AREA 6 – ALLANS CREEK CATCHMENT
Population in Catchment Area 32, 124
Flood Affected
Properties
Over-floor Inundation Grounds Inundation Only
10% AEP 87 208
5% AEP 280 294
2% AEP 333 305
1% AEP 381 292
PMF 641 310
Affected Suburbs
Mount Keira
West Wollongong
Mangerton
Figtree
Mount Kembla
Cordeaux Heights
Unanderra
Mount St Thomas
Major
Watercourses
Byarong Creek
Brandy & Water Creek
American Creek
Branch Creek
Allans Creek
Gauges
Name Owner Type
Byarong Creek MHL Height Recorder
Byarong Creek (US) MHL Height Recorder
American Creek MHL Height Recorder
Allans Creek MHL Height Recorder
Figtree Reservoir WCC Pluviometer
Possible Isolation Access regained within 1-2 hours of cessation of rainfall.
Critical Storm
Duration: 90mm rainfall
Possible Road
Closures:
Cordeaux Road, Figtree
F6, Figtree (Near Masters Road)
Five Islands Road (between F6 and Springhill Road)
Gibsons Road, Figtree
O‟Briens Road, Figtree
Princes Hwy, Figtree (Between London Dr and The Avenue)
Princes Hwy, Unanderra (between Cordeaux Rd & Farmborough Rd)
Springhill Road, Springhill
Uralba Street, Figtree (At Byarong Creek)
Caravan Parks Figtree Gardens Caravan Park
General
Major flooding in this area is in Wallawa St and Arrow Ave, Figtree then
crossing through Figtree Shopping Centre. O‟Brien‟s Rd, Unanderra
flooding regularly with traffic disruptions to Springhill Rd at times.
Other:
Most significant rain events results in reports of persons stuck in
vehicles in flood waters at the junction of Five Islands Road and the F6
off ramp.
High density of population located within the Westfield Figtree
shopping complex. Temporary sheltering on roof top available on site.
B-9
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
AREA 7 – MULLET CREEK CATCHMENT
Population 28,872
Flood Affected
Properties (Does not include
industrial or
commercial properties)
Over-floor Inundation Grounds Inundation Only
10% AEP 4 1
5% AEP 31 1
2% AEP 41 1
1% AEP 60 1
PMF 60 1
Affected Suburbs
Kembla Grange
Wongawilli
Huntley
Avondale
Brownsville
Kanahooka
Horsley
Cleveland
Dapto
Penrose
Major
Watercourses Mullet Creek
Gauges
Name Owner Type
Kembla Grange Golf
Course WCC Pluviometer
Wongawilli WCC Pluviometer
Dombarton Loop WCC Pluviometer
Huntley Colliery WCC Pluviometer
Mullet Creek MHL River Height
Possible Isolation Up to 2 days after cessation of rainfall for the community of Horsley and
rural properties in Cleveland, Avondale and Marshall Mount.
Critical Storm
Duration: 70mm rainfall
Possible Road
Closures:
Princes Hwy at Kembla Grange
West Dapto Road at Dapto Creek and junction at Sheaffes Road
Darkes Road
Bong Bong Road from Princes Highway to Parkdale Avenue
Cleveland Road
Avondale Road
General
The major tributary for Lake Illawarra. Extensive flooding in this area
covers Kembla Grange and vast areas of the West Dapto and isolates
the Horsley community for short periods.
Other:
Rural properties with livestock are located at the base of the escarpment.
Illawarra Racecourse and numerous stable facilities and properties
located at Kembla Grange.
Existing coal operations may be interrupted or impacted due to flood
events resulting in some economic loss due to delayed rail and truck
movements. Coal wash stockpiles and runoff dams located at
Wongawilli and Kembla Grange may require monitoring by owner.
Flooding may cause pipe failure to Sydney water assets in area. This
B-10
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
could impact on water supply to Bluescope Steel resulting in a loss of
steel production.
Possible loss of water supply to approx. 15,000 people for up to 5 days
including Dapto High School.
Possible loss of sewerage services to approx 2000 properties for up to 5
days and approx 4000 properties for up to 2 weeks
Railway line at Kembla Grange, near Darkes Road and near McCabe
Street.
B-11
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
AREA 8 – MINNEGANG CREEK CATCHMENT
Population 2,922
Flood Affected
Properties
Over-floor Inundation Grounds Inundation Only
10% AEP 0 0
5% AEP 11 29
2% AEP 12 29
1% AEP 17 30
PMF 19 38
Affected Suburbs Lake Heights
Major
Watercourses Minnegang Creek
Gauges Nil
Possible Isolation Nil
Critical Storm
Duration: Unknown
Road Closures:
Denise Street
Karrabah Street
Mirrabooka Road
Northcliffe Drive
Ranchby Avenue
Trevor Avenue
Weringa Avenue
General No Notes
Other: No Notes
B-12
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
Lake Illawarra
The catchment is 760 km2 and the body of the lake has an area of approximately 35km
2. The lake
has an average depth of approximately 1.7m with the maximum depth being around 4m.
The floodplain lies within both the Wollongong City Council and the Shellharbour City Council
local government areas. The Lake is generally open to the sea through an entrance channel that is
affected by ocean storms, wave action, floods and tides.
The main contributing tributaries are Mullet Creek, in the Wollongong LGA, and the Macquarie
Rivulet, in the Shellharbour LGA.
A number of properties adjacent to the Lake are susceptible to above-floor flooding in the 1%
Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) and the Extreme Flood/Probable Maximum Flood (PMF)
events.
FLOOD HISTORY
Date Entrance State
Daily
Rainfall
Total (mm)
Comments on Comparison
19-May-43 Lake Opened By
Council
345.4 Significant but not very strong winds
Jan-48 Lake Opened By
Council
42.7 Fairly strong winds
1959 Major Flood
(>1.5 mAHD)
(no date assigned)
274.3 There were three significant rainfall events in
1959 - all had fairly strong winds associated
with them 144
171.7
Apr-74 Major Flood (>1.5
mAHD)
Difficult to tell when event occurred, no
significant rainfall recorded. Variable wind
direction during April.
Mar-75 Major Flood (1.8m) 189 No high winds correspond with this event.
Mar-77 Major Flood (1.8m) 81 Of note, but not particularly strong winds.
Mar-78 Major Flood (1.6m) 136 This data is the peak rainfall and corresponding
wind speed. However, in the two days prior
there rainfall in the order of 30-50mm and
winds in the order of 40-60km/h (roughly).
Feb-84 Major Flood (1.9m) 104.1 Extended rainfall over the period 18th – 22nd
February contributed to the total.
Apr-88 Major Flood (1.5m) 194 No high winds correspond with this event.
Aug-90 Moderate Flood (1.4m) 118 Of note, but not particularly strong winds.
Jun-91 Major Flood (1.8m) 202 Of note, but not particularly strong winds.
May-95 Lake Opened by LIA 144 Of note, but not particularly strong winds.
28-Jul-98 Lake Opened by LIA 29.6 No significant rainfall events this month, may
have opened the lake for water quality reasons
Aug-98 Moderate Flood
(1.2mAHD)
239.6 No high winds correspond with this event
15-May-03 Lake Opened by LIA 64.4 No high winds correspond with this event
CHARACTERISTICS OF FLOODING
Floodwaters within the lake body usually have slow velocities. Floodwaters accelerate into the
entrance channel out to the Tasman Sea. The rate and depth of flooding of the lake and its
foreshores are controlled not only by the rate of catchment runoff but also to a large extent by the
size and degree of shoaling of the lake entrance channel and the ocean level.
B-13
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
LAKE ILLAWARRA
Flood Affected
Properties
Over-floor Inundation Caravans Flooded
10% AEP 1 0
5% AEP 10 0
2% AEP 45 48
1% AEP 157 458
PMF 627 644
Affected Suburbs
Kemblawarra
Warrawong
Lake Heights
Berkeley
Kanahooka
Koonawarra
Yallah
Windang
Primbee.
Tributaries
Wollongong LGA
Minnegang Creek
Budjong Creek.
Hooka Creek
Mullet Creek
Brooks Creek
Yallah Creek
Shellharbour LGA
Duck Creek
Wollingurry Creek
Marshall Mount Creek
Macquarie Rivulet
Frazers Creek
Albion Creek
Horsley Creek
Oakey Creek.
Gauges
Name Owner Type
Windang Bridge Height
Cudgeree Island Height
Griffins Bay Height
Tarrawarra Power Station Height
Critical Response
Trigger
0.9m – First alarm threshold
1.2m – Warning Advice to caravan park residents
1.5m - Commence Evacuations
Road Closures:
King Street, Warrawong (Intersection of Hoskins Ave)
Windang Road, Windang (Between the suburbs of Primbee & Lake
Illawarra)
Northcliffe Drive (between First Ave & Denise St)
Northcliffe drive (Intersection of Wilkinson St, eastern end)
Lakeside Drive (Between Edgeworth Ave & Wallabah Way)
Caravan Parks
Oasis Resort
Windang Beach Tourist Park
Oaklands Village
Lake Illawarra Village
General The severity of flooding in the lake is controlled by the catchment
runoff, entrance channel condition and ocean level.
Other: Caravan Parks located around the Lake have in place flood emergency
evacuation plans.
C-1
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
ANNEX C - ROAD CLOSURES
STATE HIGHWAYS AND MAJOR ROADS
ROAD NEAREST
SUBURB
USUAL POINT OF
CLOSURE
COMMENTS/
IMPLICATIONS
Princes Hwy
Bulli Bulli Pass Can be closed for periods
exceeding 24 hours due to rain
related mudslides and road
undermining. Not unusual for
closure of over 1 week
Junction of Lawrence Hargrave
Drive
Depths may exceed 1.5m
Cnr of Hobart St
Between Point St and Black
Diamond Place. Slacky Creek
crossing
Depths may exceed 1.5m
Between Hopetoun & Organs
Road
Can reach approx. 0.7m depth.
Corrimal North of Rothery Road Can reach depths of approx.
0.9m
Between Towradgi Rd &
Thurston Cres
Cnr Tarrawanna Rd
Between Railway St & Russell
St
Fairy
Meadow
Figtree Junctions of Bellevue Rd, The
Avenue, O‟Briens Road and
Gibsons Road
High velocity with depths
recorded at over 0.8m in some
locations
Kembla
Grange
Near racecourse entrance Water stays for up to a week if
lake levels are high. In major
flooding only suitable for high
clearance vehicles.
North
Wollongong
Russel Vale Outside Golf Course Can reach depths exceeding
0.6m.
Between Albert St & Bellambi
Lane
Bellambi Creek crossing. Can
reach depths of approx. 0.6m
with high velocity.
Between Broker & Moreton Sts Nuisance flooding. Remains
passable.
Tallawarra Duck Creek Culvert/Bridge
Unanderra Between of Cordeaux Road and
Farmborough Road
C-2
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
STATE HIGHWAYS AND MAJOR ROADS
ROAD NEAREST
SUBURB
USUAL POINT OF
CLOSURE
COMMENTS/
IMPLICATIONS
Princes Hwy Woonona Between Gray St & Hillcrest
Ave
Can exceed depths of 1.0m at
Woonona shopping precinct.
Between Alfred St & Hale St Can exceed depths of 1.0m
F6 At Cataract Creek crossing
Figtree Between Masters Road on and
off ramp both directions
Recorded depths of over 1m
Unanderra Approx 200m south of Masters
Rd off ramp
Depths reported at 300-500mm
Mount
Ousley
Water velocity travelling down
roadway makes it unusable
Northern Distributor Corrimal Junction of Railway Street and
to the south
Between Rothery St & Bellambi
Lane
Can reach depths of approx.
0.5m south of Rothery St.
LOCAL ROADS
ROAD NEAREST
SUBURB
USUAL POINT OF
CLOSURE
COMMENTS/
IMPLICATIONS
Ajax Ave North
Wollongong
Junction of Montague Street
Avondale Road East and west of South
Avondale Road
Low point between Oakhurst
Cres and dale Street
Depths >1m can be reached.
Mullet Creek bridge Can reach depths of over 1.5m
Bellambi St Tarrawanna Southern End
Birch Cres Bellambi Northern end
Blackall Street Bulli At Slacky Creek
Bong Bong Road Dapto Near Hamilton and Burringbar
Sts
Can reach depths of >1.5m. May
be impassable for over 24hours
Boundary Road Windang Near Windang Road
Brompton Road Bellambi
Campbell Street Woonona Between Northern Distributor &
Robert St
Carrington Street Woonona Cnr Lawrence St
Carters Lane Pioneer Road Junction
Cawley Street Bellambi Between Connaghan Ave &
Rothery St
Cleveland Road Dapto For 1km west from railway line
and at Mullet Creek crossing
near junction of Avondale Road.
May exceed 1m
Collins Street Corrimal At both intersections
Cordeaux Road Various locations from Gibsons
Road to Mount Kembla
Depths may reach 300-500mm
but includes high velocity
C-3
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
LOCAL ROADS
ROAD NEAREST
SUBURB
USUAL POINT OF
CLOSURE
COMMENTS/
IMPLICATIONS
Culgoa Road Woonona Between Kareela Rd &
Campbell St
Darkes Road Rail line and creek crossings Depths calculated to exceed 2m
Farrell Road Bulli Cnr Trinity Road New drainage has been installed
and may alleviate past flooding
problems
Five Islands Road Unanderra Junction of Princes Hwy and
Five Islands Rd,
and
On and Off ramps from F6
and
Roundabout at junction of
Glastonbury Avenue
Regular reports of vehicles
trapped in flood waters at this
location
Fowlers Road Junctions of Rink Rd and
Julianne St
Can reach depths of over 1.5m
Gahans Lane Woonona Eastern end
Gibsons Road
Figtree Where road crosses American
Creek.
Hobart Street From Princes Hwy to approx
200m west of Haig Road
Reports of depths exceeding 2m
Hollymount View Woonona At both intersections
King Street Warrawong Intersection of Hoskins Ave
Lady Carrington Dr Hacking River
Lake Parade East
Corrimal
Total closure to whole road One of two egress routes from
Corrimal beach Tourist Park
Lakeside Drive Between Edgeworth Ave &
Wallabah Way
Affect known to remain for over
48 period or until lake able to
release to ocean.
Lawrence Hargrave
Drive
Various locations where creeks
cross roadways
May close for a number of days
post rain event due to landslips
or road undermining
Thirroul Between Hewitts Ave & Phillip
St,
and
Cnr Railway Parade
Liddle Street Woonona
Meadow Street Tarrawanna Between Caldwell Ave & Keira
St,
and
North of Kendall St,
and
Between Tarrawanna Rd &
Karen Pl
Montague Street North
Wollongong
From Ajax Ave to road rise at
Para Ck bridge
SES HQ flooded
C-4
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
LOCAL ROADS
ROAD NEAREST
SUBURB
USUAL POINT OF
CLOSURE
COMMENTS/
IMPLICATIONS
Northcliffe Drive Warrawong Between First Ave & Denise St
and
The intersection of Wilkinson St
(eastern end)
Old Port Road Near railway over-bridge
O‟Briens Road Figtree Between Princes Hwy and
Murray Park Road,
and
East of Church of Christ
Depths of over 600mm recorded
Otford Road Otford Hacking River
Pioneer Road Bellambi Between Bellambi Lane &
Lismore St
East
Corrimal
Between Coolgardie St & Owen
Park Rd,
And
Between Sturdee St & Lake
Parade
Railway Parade Woonona
East
Southern End
Railway Street Corrimal Between Harbinger St & Gilbert
St
Rothery Street Corrimal
Squires Way Overflowing Sewer
Springhill Road Springhill Various locations at and
between Masters road and Five
Islands Road
Have recorded depths of 2.0m
Stanhope St Woonona At both intersections
Thompson Street At Collins creek bridge
Underwood St Corrimal At The Avenue & Francis St
intersection up to Russell St
Uralba Street Figtree At Byarong Creek Depths of over 1.2m recorded.
Ursula Road Bulli At both intersections
West Dapto Road Dapto All creek crossings and low
lying areas.
Junction of Sheaffes Road
Can reach depths of >0.6m
Windang Road Windang Between the suburbs of Primbee
& Lake Illawarra
D-1
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
ANNEX D - GAUGES MONITORED BY THE SES
AUTOMATIC RAINFALL RECORDERS
Gauge Name Owner Catchment
Balgownie Reservoir WCC Cabbage Tree Creek
Bellambi Bellambi Creek
Berkeley (Northcliffe Dr) Harbour Creek
Cleveland Road Mullet Creek
Dapto Bowling Club Mullet Creek
Darkes Road Mullet Creek, Robins Creek
Dombarton Loop Mullet Creek, Robins Creek, Forest
Creek
Figtree Reservoir WCC Brandy and Water Creek/American
Creek
Glennifer Brae WCC
Huntley Colliery Mullet Creek
Kembla Grange Golf
Course WCC Mullet Creek
Mount Kembla American Creek
Mount Pleasant Cabbage Tree Creek
Port Kembla
Rixons Pass Collins Creek
Hewitts Creek
Russell Vale MHL
Collins Creek
Towradgi Creek
Cabbage Tree Creek
Scarborough WCC
Wollongong (AWS)
Wollongong City Council J.J. Kelly
Wongawilli Colliery WCC Mullet Creek, Robins Creek
Wongawilli Reservoir WCC Mullet Creek
Woonona (Popes Rd) Collins Creek
Notes:
In addition to these gauges active reconnaissance of known trouble spots is also carried
out by Wollongong City SES members during operations involving flooding and heavy
rainfall.
D-2
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
AUTOMATIC RIVER HEIGHT RECORDERS
Gauge Name AWRC No Stream Owner Response
Trigger
Levels
Allans Creek 10004 Allans Creek MHL 0.7m
American Cree 10005 American Creek MHL
Bellambi Creek (DS) 10112 Bellambi Creek
Bellambi Creek (US) 10350 Bellmabi Creek
Berkeley 10021 Lake Illawarra
Byarong Creek (F6) 10069 Byarong Creek MHL
Cabbage Tree Creek 214405 Cabbage Tree Creek MHL 5.3m
Cudgeree Bay 214416 Lake Illawarra
Dapto High School 10114 Mullet Creek
F6 (Near Uni) 10142 Fairy Creek MHL
Foothills Road 10147 Cabbage Tree Creek
Hewitts Creek Entrance Hewitts Creek MHL
Hewitts Creek Hewitts Creek MHL 11.4m
Kaloona Ave 10195 Byarong Creek
Kanahooka Point 214415 Lake Illawarra
Koonawarra 10206 Mullet Creek
Lake Entrance 214417 Lake Illawarra
Lake Illawarra Village 10211 Lake Illawarra
Mullet Creek 214200 Mullet Creek MHL 3.0m
Pioneer Road 10297 Towradgi Creek
Princes Hwy No 3 214404 Fairy Creek
Prince Hwy No 4 10454 Mullet Creek
Robsons Road 10331 Fairy Creek
Tallawarra Power Station 10362 Lake Illawarra
Towradgi Creek DS Towradgi Creek MHL 1.3m
Towradgi Creek US Towradgi Creek MHL
Notes:
Some of these, e.g. Cudgeree Bay, are configured to generate proactive warnings when pre-determined
levels are reached. In addition to these gauges active reconnaissance of known trouble spots is also
carried out by Wollongong City SES members during operations involving flooding and heavy rainfall.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
ANNEX E - DISSEMINATION OF SES FLOOD
BULLETINS
The Illawarra South Coast SES Region Headquarters distributes SES Flood Bulletins
and other flood related information (including Flood Warnings) to the following regional
media outlets:
Television Stations: Station Location
Win TV Wollongong
Prime TV Wollongong
Southern Cross Ten Wollongong
SBS Crows Nest
ABC TV Sydney
Radio Stations:
Station Location Frequency
Wave FM Warrawong 96.5
ABC Illawarra Wollongong 97.3
i98 FM Coniston 98.1
Power FM Nowra 94.9
VOX FM Wollongong 106.9
Living Sound FM Coniston 94.1
Newspapers: Name Location
Illawarra Mercury Wollongong
Wollongong Advertiser Wollongong
Northern Leader Corrimal
Lake Times Shellharbour
F-1
ANNEX F - EVACUATIONS ARRANGEMENTS
Arrangements
1. Control. During floods evacuations will be controlled by the NSW SES.
Small-scale evacuations will be controlled by the Wollongong City SES
Operations Controller. Should the evacuations operations escalate beyond the
capabilities of local resources control may be handed over to the Illawarra
South Coast SES Region Operations Controller.
2. Conduct. Evacuations will be controlled by the SES Operations Controller
and conducted with assistance from the NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Police,
NSW Fire Brigade, Ambulance of NSW and service club personnel.
3. Evacuations will be controlled by the SES and conducted in four phases:
Phase 1 - Warning.
Phase 2 – Withdrawal.
Phase 3 – Shelter.
Phase 4 – Return.
Decision to Evacuate
4. The responsibility for issuing any general evacuation order during flooding
rests with the Local SES Operations Controller who exercises his/her authority
in accordance with section 22 (1) of The State Emergency Service Act 1989.
During the possibility of large-scale evacuations the decision to evacuate will
usually be made after consultation with the Wollongong City LEOCON and
the Illawarra South Coast Region Operations Controller.
5. When evacuations should occur. As far as possible, evacuations will be
carried out before inundation occurs. Due to the flash flood nature of flooding
in the Wollongong LGA this may not be able to occur.
The SES will retain intelligence that identifies “hot spots” that lie within high
hazard areas. These areas are identified at the end of this section.
6. What to consider. When deciding to evacuate the following should be
considered.
a. Predicted flood level and rate of rise.
b. Rainfall situation and rainfall predictions.
c. Condition of evacuation routes.
d. Characteristics of the at risk population.
e. Time of day.
f. Likely duration of evacuation operations and time available to conduct
evacuations.
g. Likely duration of any isolation and preparedness of the community to
cope with isolation.
h. Condition of essential services
7. Voluntary Evacuations. Some people will make their own decision to
evacuate earlier and move to alternative accommodation using their own
transport. These evacuees will be advised, via the media, to inform the Police
or SES of their evacuation and their temporary address. Where possible, people
F-2
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
will be given the opportunity to evacuate voluntarily at an early stage of a
potentially severe flood. Elderly people and mothers with young children will
especially be encouraged to evacuate voluntarily under such circumstances.
8. Evacuation triggers.
a. Failure of Essential Services. The failure of public utilities such as
sewerage, power, telephones and water pose a significant health risk to
residents on the floodplain or in flood affected areas. In the event of any
or all of these systems failing or potentially failing, the need for
evacuations will be discussed with the members of the LEMC.
b. Flooding affecting properties. Evacuations are to occur, if it is likely
properties will be flooded. (See Community cards for Trigger
levels/rainfall)
c. Isolation of properties. Persons who are not prepared for isolation or
unsuited due to medical conditions etc, should be encouraged to
evacuate
d. Dam Failure. Evacuations are to occur when advised of Imminent Dam
failure
Groupings and Tasks
9. Operational Sectors. For the purpose of managing flood response operations
and evacuations during severe floods the Wollongong Local Government Area
will be divided into operational sectors based on the flood plain management
areas.
10. Tasks. Tasking will align with the agreed responsibilities as outlined in
Part 2 – Responsibilities.
Phase 1 – Warning
11. Evacuation Warnings. On receipt of flash flood warnings or observations
predicting rainfall that may result in flooding, public health concerns or
prolonged isolation, the Local SES Operations Controller will consult as
necessary to determine the level of the threat and the need to consider
evacuations. As soon as possible after the decision to evacuate is made, the
Local SES Operations Controller will issue evacuation warnings to the „at risk‟
residents, indicating what people should do before evacuating and when
actually doing so.
12. Content of Evacuation Warnings/Orders will include:
a. The rainfall situation and the state of tributaries.
b. The condition of transport routes.
c. Location of evacuation shelters
13. Dissemination of Evacuation Warnings. These are disseminated via:
a. The radio and TV stations listed in Annex E.
b. Door-knocks by emergency service personnel.
c. Public address systems from emergency service vehicles.
d. Telephone.
e. SES Flood Bulletins.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
Phase 2 – Withdrawal
14. Introduction. Withdrawal involves the actual removal of the
community/individuals from dangerous or potentially dangerous areas to safer
areas.
15. Movement. Evacuees are to be encouraged to move using their own transport
where possible. The Local SES Operations Controller will arrange transport
for those people without their own vehicles. This may include the provision of
buses. Evacuees will be taken or advised to go to the nearest accessible
Assembly Point or Evacuation Centre. Evacuees who cannot reach an
evacuation centre unaided will be transported from their homes or from
designated assembly points nearby.
16. Phasing/Priority. In evacuations priority will be given to assist in the
movement and management of people. These priorities will be determined at
the time of the operations and are dependent upon many circumstances.
17. Traffic Control. When large-scale evacuations are likely, evacuation routes
are to be secured by the NSW Police and kept clear by the following means:
a. Denying access to all traffic except for emergency vehicles (including
buses and private vehicles being used for the purposes of evacuation).
b. Keeping one lane clear at all times for use by emergency vehicles.
c. Positioning a tow truck or similar vehicle at appropriate entry points,
road blocks and exit points along the evacuation routes.
18. Evacuation routes. Most roads within the Illawarra become quickly inundated
from creek overflows as well as storm water drain spill. Due to the possibility
of storm water drain spill occurring in any area it is difficult to pre-define
evacuation routes within this plan. Therefore evacuation route advice will be
provided according to intelligence gathered at the time of the event.
19. Special Needs Groups. A large number of elderly persons and tourists reside
in urban areas of the Wollongong Local Government Area. When evacuations
are ordered Ambulance Service personnel will be deployed to assist with the
safe evacuation of these people.
20. Animals. Evacuees with their own transport will be encouraged to take their
pet such as cats, dogs and horses with them as they evacuate. These animals
will therefore be transported by car, truck or horse float along the evacuation
routes designated in this plan. Animals so shifted will be collected from their
owners at evacuation centres and taken to pre-arranged facilities. Due to safety
restrictions, it may not be possible to allow animals to accompany their owners
when being transported via aircraft or flood rescue boats. In these cases,
provision will be made for animals to be picked up as the people are evacuated.
Arrangements will also be made to pick up animals that are left behind.
Assistance animals (guide dogs, hearing assistance animals, etc), however, will
remain in the care of their owners throughout the evacuation. This includes
transport and access into evacuation centres.
21. Doorknocking. Field teams conducting doorknocks will record and report
back the following information back to the Operations Centre:
a. Addresses and locations of houses doorknocked and/or evacuated.
b. The number of occupants.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
c. Details of the location evacuees are intending to present at.
d. Details of how the evacuees will register.
e. Details of support required (such as transport, medical evacuation,
assistance to secure house and/or property and raise or move
belongings).
f. Details of residents who refuse to comply with the evacuation order.
22. Properties, which have been doorknocked, should be marked with survey tape.
Written on the survey tape should be the name of the doorknocking unit and
the time of doorknock.
23. Refusal to Evacuate. Field teams should not dedicate additional time dealing
with people who are reluctant or refuse to comply with any evacuation order.
These cases should be referred to the Local Emergency Management
Operations Controller who will arrange for Police to ensure their evacuation.
24. Security. The NSW Police will provide security for evacuated premises.
Details of evacuated premises are to be passed to the Wollongong and Lake
Illawarra Police stations.
25. Transport and storage. Transport and storage of furniture from flood
threatened properties will be arranged as time and resources permit.
Phase 3 – Shelter
26. Evacuation Centres. The usual purpose of evacuation centres is to meet the
immediate needs of victims, not to provide them with accommodation.
Evacuees will be advised to go to or be taken to the nearest accessible
evacuation centre, which may initially be established at the direction of the
Local SES Operations Controller but managed as soon as possible by the
Welfare Services. Any of the following sites may be suitable as evacuation
centres:
27. Action on arrival. On arrival, evacuees will be:
a. Registered;
b. Medically checked, if necessary; and
c. Provided with their immediate welfare needs.
28. Registration. The NSW Police are responsible for the registration of
evacuees.
Phase 4 – Return
29. Once it is considered safe to do so, the Local SES Operations Controller will
authorise the return of evacuees to their normal or alternative place of
residence. This decision will be made in consultation with appropriate.
30. The return will be controlled by the Local SES Operations Controller and may
be conducted, at his/her request, by Welfare Services
Evacuation Areas (“Hot Spots”)
The following locations will be monitored by SES as to determine if evacuations will
be required. Only in extreme rainfall events will SES consider evacuations.
F-5
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
AREA 1 NORTH FROM THIRROUL TO CLIFTON
No data available at time of publication
AREA 2 HEWITTS CREEK CATCHMENT
Suburb No of properties Creek
Thirroul 50 Hewitts Creek
Thirroul 15 Thomas Gibson
Thirroul 5 Woodlands
AREA 3 COLLINS CREEK CATCHMENT
No data available at time of publication
AREA 4 TOWRADGI CREEK CATCHMENT
Suburb No of properties Creek
Bellambi 2 Towradgi Creek
Bulli 10 Tramway Creek
Corrimal 240 Towradgi Creek
East Corrimal 1 Towradgi Creek
Fernhill 5 Towradgi Creek
Tarrawanna 15 Towradgi Creek
Towradgi 125 Towradgi Creek
F-6
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
AREA 5 FAIRY & CABBAGE TREE CREEKS CATCHMENT
Suburb No of properties Creek
Fairy Meadow TBC
North Wollongong TBC
AREA 6 ALLENS CREEK CATCHMENT
Suburb No of properties Creek
Cordeaux Heights 7 Allens Creek
Farmborough Heights 2 Allens Creek
Figtree 299 Allens Creek
Mangerton 26 Allens Creek
Mt Keira 2 Allens Creek
Port Kembla 5 Allens Creek
Unanderra 104 Allens Creek
West Wollongong 37 Allens Creek
AREA 7 MULLET CREEK CATCHMENT
Suburb No of properties Creek
Berkeley 5 Mullet Creek
Brownsville 1 Mullet Creek
Dapto 19 Mullet Creek
Dapto 27 Brooks Creek
Horsley 2 Mullet Creek
Horsley 1 Robins Creek
Kanahooka 9 Brooks Creek
Koonawarra 4 Brooks Creek
AREA 8 MINNEGANG CREEK CATCHMENT
Suburb No of properties Creek
Lake Heights 8 Minnegang Street
LAKE ILLAWARRA
No data available at time of publication
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
ANNEX G - ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE
EVACUATION OF CARAVAN PARKS AND THE
RELOCATION OF CARAVANS
General
1. The following caravan parks are flood liable:
a. Corrimal Beach Tourist Park
b. Oasis Caravan Park
c. Lake Illawarra Village
d. Oaklands Village
e. Figtree Gardens, Prince Hwy, Figtree
Advising Procedures
2. Caravan Park proprietors will be encouraged to ensure that the owners and
occupiers of caravans are:
a. Made aware that the caravan park is flood liable by:
Handing a printed notice to occupiers taking up residence.
The notice should indicate that the caravan park is liable to flooding
and outline the evacuation and van relocation arrangements as
detailed in this Annex.
b. Displaying this notice prominently in each van. Made aware that if
they are expecting to be absent from their vans for extended periods,
they can:
Provide the manager with a key; in a sealed envelope; to the van.
Provide a contact address and telephone number.
Inform the manager if a vehicle will be required to relocate the van
during flood time.
Leave any mobile van in a condition allowing it to be towed in an
emergency (ie: tyres inflated, jacks wound up, personal effects
secured and annexes and lines for water, sewer, electricity and gas
readily detachable).
c. Informed when a flood is rising. At this time, occupiers will be advised
to:
Ensure that they have spare batteries for their radios.
Listen to a local radio station for updated flood information.
Prepare for evacuation and van relocation.
3. The Local SES Operations Controller will ensure that the managers of caravan
parks are advised of flood warnings and the details of any evacuation order.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
Evacuation of Occupants and Relocation of Vans
4. Caravan park proprietors will be encouraged to install flood depth indicators
and road alignment markers within their caravan parks.
5. When an evacuation order is given:
a. Occupiers of non-movable vans should:
Secure their vans by tying them down to prevent flotation.
Isolate power to their vans.
Collect personal papers, medicines, a change of clothing, toiletries
and bedclothes.
Lift the other contents of their vans as high as possible within the
van.
Move to a designated evacuation centre if they have their own
transport, or move to the caravan office to await transport.
b. Where possible, vans that can be moved will be relocated by their
owners. Park managers will arrange for the relocation of mobile vans
whose owners do not have a vehicle. Council and SES personnel may
assist if required and may be able to provide additional vehicles.
6. Occupants of vans that are being relocated should go to a designated
evacuation centre if they have their own transport. Those without their own
transport are to report to the caravan park office.
7. Caravan park managers should:
a. Ensure that their caravan park is capable of being evacuated within the
following times.
Corrimal Beach Tourist Park – 3 hours
Oasis Caravan Park – 6 hours
Lake Illawarra Village – 6 hours
Oaklands Village – 6 hours
Figtree Gardens – 3 hours
b. Advise the Local SES Operations Controller of:
The number of people requiring transport.
Details of any medical evacuations required.
Whether additional assistance is required to effect the evacuation.
c. Check that no people remain in non-removable vans that are likely to be
inundated.
d. Inform the Local SES Operations Controller when the evacuation of the
caravan park has been completed.
e. Provide the Local SES Operations Controller with a register of people
that have been evacuated.
8. Caravan parks south of the Wollongong Catchment, due to the short warning
time available, should concentrate on the evacuation of persons rather than
vans.
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
9. The Local SES Operations Controller, using Council resources as necessary,
will advise when it is safe for the caravan parks to be re-occupied.
Return of Occupants and Vans
10. Vans will be towed back to the caravan parks by van owners or by vehicles and
drivers arranged by the park managers. Again, Council and SES personnel
will assist if available.
H-1
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
ANNEX H - THE MANAGEMENT OF COASTAL
EROSION
Background
1. The Wollongong City Council area is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the
east. There are three main types of beach units within the LGA‟s boundaries:
compartmentalised, sheltered, and exposed. The coastal areas are subject to
natural coastal processes and resultant coastline hazards that include coastal
erosion, oceanic inundation, and shoreline recession.
2. The coastal erosion/oceanic inundation problem in the Wollongong City LGA
takes two forms:
a. Undercutting of dunes on their seaward sides, threatening the collapse of
dwellings and other infrastructure
b. The potential breaking through of the dunes by sea water, causing
flooding and isolation of property on the landward side of the dunes
3. The most severe problems of coastal erosion/inundation occur as a result of
oceanic storm conditions associated with the passage of ex-tropical cyclones
and temperate-zone low-pressure systems. These storms may cause temporary
sea level rises with large associated waves. The worst erosion/inundation is
likely when severe weather conditions occur in conjunction with high tides
At Risk Beaches
4. The following are classified as “Hot Spots” for coastal erosion within the
Wollongong City LGA:
Beach Name Risk Beach Name Risk
Stanwell Park Extreme Cliffs between Stanwell Park & Coalcliff Medium
Coalcliff Extreme Coledale Beach Medium
Thirroul Extreme Sandon Point Beach Medium
Bellambi Point Extreme Bellambi Point Medium
Flagstaff Point Extreme North Wollongong Beach Medium
Wollongong (South Beach) Extreme Belmore Beach Medium
Wollongong Extreme Red Point Medium
Sharkey Beach High
Port Kembla Harbour High
Table 7: Erosion risk levels of beaches
Concept of Operations
5. Control. The SES is the designated combat agency for damage control from
storms, including coastal erosion from storm activity.
6. Evacuation arrangements for Wollongong City LGA are contained in Annex F.
7. Within this role and as specified under the State Storm Plan the SES is
responsible for the following during and in the period immediately prior to a
storm event occurring out at sea:
H-2
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
a. Advising the community at risk of the likely problem and actions they
should take;
b. The protection of life through the warning and evacuation of residents at
risk; and
c. The coordination of the lifting and/or relocation of readily movable
household items and commercial stock and equipment.
8. The role of the SES as the combat agency for storms does not include coastal
erosion and inundation caused by astronomical high tides when severe weather
is not actually developing or occurring.
9. The SES is not responsible for controlling or conducting any physical
mitigation works to protect properties or structures at risk from coastal
erosion/inundation, either during or outside the period of storm activity. This
includes, but is not limited to:
a. The placement of rocks or other materials on beaches or foreshore areas
b. The construction of temporary walls made of sandbags, geo-technical
tubes, or other material
10. DECC will provide ongoing advice to local councils and coastal zone
management committees on the formulation and implementation of coastal
zone management plans including procedures for addressing coastal processes,
coastline hazards and risks, management options and coastal policies.
11. BoM will issue Severe Weather Warnings.
I-1
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
ANNEX I - PRESCRIBED DAMS IN THE
WOLLONGONG LGA
1. Wollongong City Council has 10 Dams Prescribed under the NSW Dams
Safety Committee:
Edgewood - Woonona
Foothills Estate 1&2 - Tarrawanna
Foothills Estate 3 – Tarrawanna
Brokers Road - Balgownie
Foothills Road - Mount Ousley
Wollongong High School – North Wollongong
Nyrang Park – Gwynneville
Gunyah Park – Keiraville
Gannet Avenue – Berkeley
Dapto Heights
2. The emergency Management Sub Committee of the NSW Dams Safety
Committee has not rated these dams as having either a significant or a high
risk ranking so no specific dam details are outlined in this plan. Current
arrangements outlined in the relevant DSEP will be implemented should it be
required.
I-2
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
DAM OWNER/OPERATOR ISSUESWHITE / AMBER / RED ALERT
SES State OperationsCommunications Centre
(OCC)Ph: 1300 737 326
Duty Officer, StateEmergency Operations
Centre (SEOC)Ph: 1300 677 677
Confirms appropriate support
being arranged
NSW SES Region HQOperations Controller /After Hours Duty Officer
NSW SES LocalControllers
Response Controlledthrough Local Flood Plan/swith reference to DSEP forpotential inundation area
District EmergencyManagement Officer/s
(DEMO/s) ConfirmsLEOCON/s aware of damfailure warning and SES is
combat agency
Local EmergencyOperations Controller/s
(LEOCON/s)
Confirms message received
and that appropriate support
being arranged
Confirms message received
and that appropriate support
being arranged
Activation of the Local Flood Plan
includes notification to the LEOCON and
activation of supporting arrangements
within the Local DISPLAN
NOTE: dam owners should take every attempt to call SES State Operations in the first instance and only use the SEOC if
the SES cannot be contacted
The ‘000’ emergency contact number is not the preferred method of contacting the NSW Police in the context of dam
failure. It is likely that the ‘000’ operators will have difficulty dealing with the very unusual case of potential or actual dam
failure. If ‘000’ is used, the caller must give the details of the incident to the ‘000’ operator before asking to be transferred to
the duty Operations Inspector (DOI).
Notification Arrangements for Potential Dam Failure
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Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
ANNEX J - EVACUATION RECORDING SHEET
House
No Street Suburb
Number of
Occupants
Evacuating to:
(Tick as
appropriate)
Registration by:
(Tick as
appropriate) Type of Support Required
(Tick as appropriate)
Notes
Private
address
Evac
Ctr Phone
Evac
Ctr Transport Medical Animal Other
I
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
MAP 1 - WOLLONGONG LOCAL GOVERNMENT
AREA
II
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
MAP 2 - AREA 1: NORTHERN SUBURBS CATCHMENT
IV
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
MAP 3 - AREA 2: HEWITTS CREEK CATCHMENT
V
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
MAP 4 - AREA 3: COLLINS CREEK CATCHMENT
VI
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
MAP 5 - AREA 4: TOWRADGI CREEK CATCHMENT
VII
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
MAP 6 - AREA 5: FAIRY & CABBAGE CREEK
CATCHMENT
VIII
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
MAP 7 - AREA 6: ALLANS CREEK CATCHMENT
IX
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
MAP 8 - AREA 7: MULLET CREEK CATCHMENT
XI
Wollongong City Local Flood Plan, June 2010, Sub-Plan of Wollongong City Local Disaster Plan
MAP 9 - AREA 8: MINNEGANG CREEK CATCHMENT