Dee Why Flood Management
Dee Why Town Centre and areas of the Dee Why catchment are prone to flooding during rare and severe storms. The Dee Why Town Centre flooded in 1947 and 1953.
Warringah Council is working on plans to upgrade the stormwater system to minimise flooding during such an event.
We can’t stop floods but we can try to reduce their impact.
Flood Notations
Sections of Dee Why, Narraweena, Cromer, Ingleside, Brookvale and Oxford Falls may be flooded during rare and severe storms.
On 25 July 2011, Council voted to include this information on property planning certificates. The Section 149 (5) notations keep all residents informed about the possible risks while Council carries out further investigations to improve the stormwater system.
Flood Studies – Dee Why Lagoon South Catchment
Council is carrying out a Flood Study, a Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan for the Dee Why Lagoon South Catchment.
Preliminary modelling by engineering consultants confirmed the risks to the CBD and upper catchment during severe floods.
The modelling found roads at particular risk include Redman Road, Pittwater Road, Oaks Avenue, Howard Avenue, the pathway between Oaks and Howard Avenue, Dee Why Parade, Avon Road and the open channel downstream of Dee Why Parade.
The modelling also found that flooding could be more severe when the potential effects of climate change are taken into account.
The range of studies currently being undertaken by Council are needed to clarify the risks and find the most effective and feasible methods of protecting residents and their properties.
Warringah Council is committed to a value for money, environmentally responsible, sustainable and compliant solution.
Stormwater Detention
Several major drainage lines converge at Beverley Job Park in Narraweena. Therefore, investigations will look into the feasibility of using the park for the temporary detention of stormwater.
Using the park to slow stormwater from the upper catchment would reduce the severity of floods downstream and help protect people’s safety.
Many parks across Sydney are currently used to temporarily detain floodwater – without adversely affecting the park’s users such as sporting groups.
Possible Impact
Council is considering a number of options to improve the stormwater system across the Dee Why catchment. This may include works to reduce the risk of property damage and personal injury during severe storms.
If and when these works are carried out they may create some temporary inconvenience for residents, property owners, businesses and motorists around Dee Why and Narraweena.
The community will be consulted over the coming months as part of the flood studies and will have the opportunity to get more information as well as register their thoughts and concerns.
For more information, call Customer Service on 9942-2111
