Finding flooding solution

" Council's Pas Silveri with Black Diamond Antique owner Don Stuart at Wharton's Creek, Bulli.

By Mick Roberts

WHEN the infamous 1998 floods inundated the northern suburbs, the floor of Don Stuart's Bulli business was covered in 6cms of water.

Unlike many other local businesses, he was lucky to have escaped major damage to his stock and premises.

Black Diamond Antiques sits on the banks of Whartons Creek, one of the catchments under scrutiny in a Wollongong City Council Floodplain Risk Management Study.

Businesses and residents in the northern suburbs are being asked to have their say as part the flood management initiative.

Council has endorsed a study and plan for the combined catchments of Whartons Creek, Collins Creek, Farrahars Creek, Bellambi Gully and Bellambi Lake.

The first phase of the study commences this week, with the distribution of questionaries and newsletters to homes and businesses in Woonona, Bulli, Russell Vale, Bellambi and Corrimal.

Council's acting manager of design Pas Silveri said the information collected through the surveys would be used to compile a database of historic flood information.

"We have a lot of information already, but we know there is a lot more information out there," Mr Silveri said.

"We are relying on local knowledge to build on the information already available," he said.

The primary objective of the study is to assess the nature and extent of flooding in the area and then determine options for reducing the impact of this flooding, he said.

The plan will guide future development surrounding the catchments as well as minimising the long term effects of flooding on the community by determining flood mitigation measures.

Mr Silveri said community consultation will form a significant part of the floodplain management study and residents will be invited to share their views by way of the questionnaire and a series of information sessions throughout the study period.

Mr Stuart has operated his Bulli antique business for 15 years and he said he was eager to offer suggestions to minimise flooding risks around his shop.

"I would be happy to offer my knowledge of the area to find answers to the problems of flooding," he said.