Council is committed to the philosophy of total catchment management and the principles of floodplain management. This process enables Council and the community to understand flood behaviour and impact. It provides for evaluation of strategies and formulation of plans that achieve effective floodplain risk management outcomes accounting for social, economic, ecological and cultural factors, together with community aspirations for the use of flood prone land.
Council’s Floodplain Management Committee is advisory in nature, as the responsibility for planning matters lies within Council as a whole. The Committee reports directly to Council and its principal objective is to assist Council in the delivery of the floodplain management process, in particular the development and implementation of floodplain risk management plans for the Cessnock local government area. This committee has representation from Council (elected members and staff), State Emergency Service, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Hunter Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority and Community Representatives.
Council is responsible for ensuring that the stormwater drainage network is constructed and maintained in a safe and usable condition. To ensure this, Council will implement and review Council’s Storm Water Management Plans for urban areas throughout the City; and continue to research and implement effective environmental and stormwater controls on drainage systems and works.
The Cessnock LGA Flood Book was officially launched on 14 August 2009. The book was developed via a grant from the Hunter Community Recovery Fund and in partnership with the community of the Cessnock LGA.
The aim of the book was to assist in the healing process after the traumatic events experienced by many of our local communities during the June 2007 floods by bringing together stories, poems and photographs. The book also serves as a significant testament to the bravery and courage of the residents of the affected communities.
Council received contributions for the book from residents from many of the townships that were affected by the floods, namely Wollombi, Greta/Branxton, Abermain/Weston and South Cessnock. In addition, newspaper articles were received from the Cessnock Advertiser, Branxton Greta Vineyards News and Weston News. Also, an account of the flood is included from the point of view of local emergency services.
A total of 1,400 copies have been printed and distributed to the community. The book is available to borrow from Cessnock and Kurri Kurri libraries or to download electronically by clicking on this link.
