Wollongong City Council would need to spend at least $25 million to implement measures to reduce the impact of flooding on residential properties and businesses within the Fairy Creek and Cabbage Tree Creek flood plain.A flood plain risk management study and plan has been prepared for the catchment, which covers 10 suburbs from Towradgi and Fairy Meadow to North Wollongong and Keiraville. Up to 7000 people live in the 20sq km catchment in almost 3000 dwellings.
EDITORIAL: Flood risk plan costly but critical Storm widow remembers flood tragedyThe study reveals that as many as 599 houses and 206 businesses would be flooded above floor level during a one-in-100-year flood, causing damage worth an estimated $94 million.The proposed strategies would reduce the number of houses likely to be flooded above floor level in an extreme flood by almost one-third from 599 to 423.The study recommends the council purchase 49 houses and units, at an estimated cost of $15.6 million. The voluntary purchase of Cabbage Tree Motel in Anama St, Fairy Meadow - where most flood-affected properties have already been purchased by the council - could also be considered. The report suggests the "risk to life during flooding is very real" at the motel, particularly if guests were unfamiliar with the threat. Anama St was one of the worst affected areas during the August 1998 floods. Water rose about 2m from floors to ceilings in 30 minutes, wrecking 50 cars and severely damaging 21 homes.In other parts of the catchment, the floods dumped about 1.5m deep coal waste in Keiraville backyards and caused millions of dollars damage to the University of Wollongong and Campus East at Fairy Meadow. There was $5 million in damage to the Fraternity Club after 1m of water swept through the club. The North Wollongong PCYC was also severely damaged.The flood plain plan suggests a further $3.1 million should be spent on raising the height of up to 52 houses, with government subsidies of up $60,000 per house.The council has presented the study to Neighbourhood Forum 5, which covers half the catchment area."The forum noted all the work the council has undertaken on this study and report," convenor Felix Bronneberg said. "The council is keen to establish better communication with groups in the affected areas and we are urging residents to nominate to become part of the consultative process. All the residents in the study area should have a good look at the proposals."Comments can be submitted to council until April 21.
