Barellan residents will be better protected from flood risks thanks to $77,000 in grant funding from the NSW Government, Cootamundra MP Steph Cooke announced today.
Ms Cooke said Narrandera Shire Council had been awarded the grant that will allow them to examine in detail the levee options that have been developed for Barellan in the floodplain risk management process.
This important next step will help determine a final option to progress to detailed design.
“Barellan felt the impact of flood when heavy rains burst the Mirrool Creek back in 2012,” Ms Cooke said.
“I’m pleased that both the community and Council have taken action to ensure this beautiful village is as prepared as they can be in the case of future flooding.
“The last thing anyone wants to see is the loss of a life, or damage to property or infrastructure as a result of a major flooding event.
“Levees are an important and effective mitigation strategy to help control the dangers of flooding.
“But the best plans are those informed by the best research, and that’s why this study is an important first step to improve safeguards in the community.
“With summer now underway, this is a timely opportunity to fortify our future by protecting our local residents, properties and infrastructure moving forward.”
The Government has provided $1.8 million in 2018-2019 to fund a number of projects, including the plan for Narrandera Shire Council, as part of the Floodplain Grants Scheme.
Both the NSW Office of Emergency Management and the Commonwealth Government provide funding for the Scheme, which supports local councils and other government bodies in their efforts to strengthen flood protection plans in their communities.
A further $5.1 million is also allocated for the NSW Government Floodplain Management Program that also enables government bodies with floodplain risk management responsibilities to undertake priority projects.
Further information is available via http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/coasts/Floodgrants.htm
