Dungog Shire Council wants community feedback on the available options for a flood warning system for the township of Dungog.
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The design and implementation of a custom-built flood warning system was a recommendation of the NSW Coroner after the inquest into the deaths of three people in the devastating April 2015 flood.
According to the council’s Manager Environmental Services, Paul Minett, the design of a flood warning system can be simple or complicated. A technical group made up of representatives from the council, Office of Environment and Heritage, SES and the Bureau of Meteorology have been meeting to come up with options. The council has appointed a specialist consultant for the project, Manly Hydraulics.
“What we need to do now is to present these options to the community to get a feel for what type of flood warning system will be acceptable and appropriate to those affected so that we can finalise the design and move on to commissioning the final agreed solution,” said Mr Minett.
The flood warning options to be explored include infrastructure to improve the warning network such as additional rain and water level gauges, sirens and high level alarms.
Communication such as automated text messages, social media alerts and community education are also being considered.
“In the design of the system, we have been conscious of the cost/benefit of each component,” said Mr Minett.
“It’s no use installing a ‘Rolls Royce’ system at great cost to the community if it has no real advantage over a simpler system in respect to protecting life and property.
“Our system also needs to be practical and accepted by the Dungog community.”
Residents are invited to hear the options and give feedback on the Dungog Flood Warning system at an information session on Thursday, February 28 at the Doug Walters Pavillion between 4pm and 6pm.