Wolumla Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan

• Project typeFloodplain management
• Project value$180,000
• Project scheduleIn Progress

Background information

Bega Valley Shire Council is undertaking the second phase of a Floodplain Risk Management Study and Floodplain Risk Management Plan for the catchment areas of the Wolumla Creek, Frog’s Hollow Creek and Greendale Creek and their surrounding areas.

With the assistance of a grant from the NSW Floodplain Management grant program, Bega Valley Shire Council engaged consultants, Rhelm, to undertake a flood study, a floodplain risk management study (FRMS) and floodplain risk management plan (FRMP) for the Wolumla Creek catchment.

The study area and its history

Wolumla Creek is a tributary of the Bega River, and the floodplain and portions of the Wolumla Creek catchment can be subject to both mainstream and overland flow flooding.

The road network within the catchment has also been impacted by flood and storm events occasioning loss of access. 

The study area encompasses the Wolumla Creek catchment focusing on the localities of Wolumla, South Wolumla and Frog's Hollow and four areas that were previously part of a 2018 Wolumla Planning Proposal. The deferred matters identified as part of the Planning Proposal then have now since all been resolved.

Purpose of the study and plan

A detailed study of potential impacts of flooding and drainage is required to facilitate future strategic land-use planning, infrastructure planning and emergency response planning to ensure that impacts to future residents and public assets are managed.

The Wolumla Flood Study, endorsed on 23 July 2025, formed the initial phase of flood risk assessment to inform the subsequent development of the draft floodplain risk management study and plan for the Wolumla Creek catchment.

Once finalised and endorsed, the Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan will form the technical basis and strategic list of actions for mitigation of floodplain risk within the Wolumla Creek catchment.

This project is being undertaken in accordance with the NSW Flood Prone Land Policy, the NSW Flood Risk Management Manual (2023) and in close collaboration with the NSW State Emergency Services (SES), the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), and other agencies and stakeholders as required.

Funding

How is this funded?

Council received partial funding from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment under the NSW Government Floodplain Management Program to assist with the completion of the study.

• Total - $180,000
• NSW Government - $120,000
• Council contribution - $60,000

Community Strategic Plan (CSP)

This project aligns with Bega Valley Shire Council Community Strategic Plan through:

• Our Environment
  Strategy C.5: Lead climate change mitigation and adaptation through implementation of our Climate Resilience Strategy focusing on natural systems, preparing for natural hazards, liveable and connected places, safe, healthy and inclusive community, diverse and thriving economy, energy security and food security.
• Our infrastructure
  Strategy D.1: Plan for community infrastructure and services that will meet current and future needs.

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