An early flood warning system was listed as a priority in the plan which detailed a range of flood mitigation measures and the costs associated with them.

Part of the Deputy State Coroner’s recommendation made in September, following the inquest into the deaths arising from the April 2015 storm and flooding in Dungog, was that an automated flood warning system be commissioned.

On Friday, Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen MP announced the council had been successful in obtaining a $70,000 grant under the  NSW Government’s Floodplain Management grant program  for an early flood warning system.

The flood warning system will be developed for the Myall Creek and Williams River to warn of imminent flood events in Dungog, which will allow residents to prepare so that flood impacts can be minimised.

The total project is expected to cost $105,000. It will integrate factors such as rainfall, river flows and weather forecasts to predict the severity and timing of flooding then distribute warning messages.

The study and plan was put on public exhibition in June and July this year with the new councillors having a briefing session last month. The council adopted it at the ordinary meeting on Wednesday, November 15.

The study and plan was a $176,975 project largely funded under the NSW Flood Plain management Grants program. The council received a grant of $117,983 from the Office of Environment and Heritage with council’s share $58,992.

Last month the Office of Environment and Heritage approved an additional $20,000 funding for the project to enable some preliminary planning and design works for the early flood warning system.

Council’s Manager Environmental Services, Paul Minett, advised council in a report this month, that (pending the successful grant application) the project could start late this year and be completed by October next year