We are reviewing flood mitigation options in the adopted North Byron Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan (2020).
In 2022, flooding caused extensive damage to many properties in the north of the Byron Shire, especially in the Marshalls Creek catchment that includes:
- Ocean Shores
- Billinudgel
- New Brighton
- South Golden Beach.
With a grant from the Local Government Flood Recovery Fund, specialist consultants JBP Pacific are undertaking a review of floodplain management with a focus on the north of the Byron Shire.
Flood mitigation measures
The community has strong views about reducing flood risk with measures such as:
- new ocean outfalls
- dredging of creek systems
- modification of the Brunswick River training walls
- bund structures.
Independent experts have previously not supported these as viable.
However, we are revisiting options in the adopted North Byron Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan (2020) to give the community an opportunity to put forward their views on floodplain management.
Next steps
Feedback closed 1 December 2023.
- Feedback will be handed to JBP for investigation and evaluation.
- This will be reported to Council’s Floodplain Management Advisory Committee for consideration and discussion before agreeing on what happens next.
- Findings will be made available to the community, and we will work with residents to increase their understanding for flood management and how to be more prepared for future weather events.
Why are we reviewing current flood management plans and studies?
The North Byron Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan (2020) were developed using best practice hydrology and hydraulic floodplain models.
The current plan and all prior adopted plans and studies for the northern region will now be reviewed as part of this project.
We want to make sure that the process and measures that we implement to manage flood risk are based on best practice and the best data.
Why aren't other areas of the shire included in the review?
Mullumbimby is not a part of this project because the pattern of flooding in the town is very different to those areas closer to the coast.
Separate funding has been obtained to investigate flooding issues for other areas of the shire including:
- Mullumbimby
- Bangalow
- Suffolk Park
- updated Flood Risk Management Study and Plans for both Belongil and Tallows Creek catchments.