Flooding and Stormwater

Page Updated: June 11, 2009

Flood sign Namona Street, Narrabeen 1942 South Creek overtops the weir
One of the special things about living in Warringah is its natural bushland, geography and waterways. Some of these waterways are naturally prone to flooding.

Flooding

Warringah Council uses flooding predictions for the one-in-100 year storm to identify flood affected land and plan for future development. The State Government has developed the NSW Flood Policy which helps Council manage flood affected land, provides financial assistance to help alleviate some existing problems and provides specialist technical advice.

Council’s key planning document is the Warringah Local Environment Plan (2000) and under this plan, new development on flood affected land must meet three requirements:

Floor levels must be built 500mm above the predicted one-in-100 year flood level
Development must not restrict the flow of floodwaters or take away area that could store floodwaters
Development must be constructed from flood compatible materials.

The intention of the NSW Flood Policy is not to block development in the floodplain but ensure the development is protected from floodwaters and built in a way that doesn’t make flooding worse for other people in the floodplain.

For information on whether you are affected by flooding call Warringah Council Catchment Management on 9942 2111 or email council@warringah.nsw.gov.au

For emergency help in floods and storms call the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500.

NSW State Emergency Services (SES)

SES workers The State Emergency Service is responsible for responding to floods in NSW. This includes planning for floods and educating people about how to protect themselves and their property. During floods the SES provides flood information, safety advice and arranges for delivery of essential supplies to people isolated by floodwater. If appropriate, the SES will conduct evacuations and flood rescues.

Bureau of Meteorology

Map of Australia

Severe Weather Warnings, Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, Flood Watches and Flood Warnings are issued by the Bureau of Meterology. They are broadcast over radio and the Bureau's website.

Stormwater

Council is responsible for managing stormwater runoff in the Warringah area. This includes providing and maintaining stormwater drainage infrastructure and managing flood-affected land. These activities are primarily funded through Council’s Environment and Stormwater Special Rate (ESSR), Infrastructure Levy and grant funding from the State and Federal Government.

Council has a large infrastructure network of over 15,000 stormwater pits and 315km of stormwater pipes and channels. This network collects rainwater that falls on roads, roofs and gardens in small to moderate storm events. Council also maintains 107 water quality devices - gross pollutant traps that remove pollution before it reaches our waterways.

Northern Beaches Stormwater Management Plan (entire document)
(PDF, 70MB)