2016-09-06 - Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

ATTACHMENT 2




Page 91 of 118

ATTACHMENT 2
                                                              PO Box 120 Coolum Beach Qld 4573
     Hydrology & Water                                        Mob 0405 1946
                                        .                     Email [email protected]
          Management Consulting                               Web www. hydrologyandwater.com.au
                                                              ABN 25 153 466 981 ACN 153 466 981

4" May 2016                                                          Our Reference: J00225Lt1V4

Noosa Council
By email:  [email protected]

   Effectiveness of Debris Removal in Relation to Property Protection at Noosa Parklands.

1.       INTRODUCTION

Hydrology and Water Management Consulting Pty Ltd (HWMC) has been commissioned to provide
Noosa Council with advice in relation to the effectiveness of removing debris from the Noosa
Parklands floodplain and creeks, specifically in relation the potential for protecting properties from
flooding.  For the purpose of this report, the term debris encompasses the range of naturally
occurring loose ‘woody’ material found on the floodplain and within creek banks. It covers materials
such as palm fronds, sticks, branches and fallen logs.
HWMC is a specialist hydraulic consultancy that has considerable experience carrying out flood
investigation for local governments and the development industry. We are based on the Sunshine
Coast and over the last few years we have carried out several flood investigations on behalf of
Noosa Council. This includes development of the Daintree Estate flood mitigation strategy situated
in the adjacent catchment to the north of Noosa Parklands.

2.       SCOPE OF WORK

This project has been carried out in accordance with the agreed scope of works which has included
the following key tasks:
    e   Review of background material
    e   Field visit to gain appreciation of catchment and floodplain.
    e   Analysis of historical rainfall
    e   Reporting

3.       BACKGROUND

Residents at Noosa Parklands have expressed concern about the frequency that flooding is
occurring through the Parklands. The community has expressed concern that the accumulation of
wooden debris and palm fronds across the floodplain and within the creek channels exposes their
homes to an increased flood risk.

In order to help understand this risk, Noosa Council have commissioned HWMC to carry out this
investigation which is being undertaken in combination with the Noosa Parklands Park Management
Plan.

Image 3-1 is a photo taken which shows the extensive covering of fallen palm fronds across the
forest floor.
Residents have also expressed concern over the planting of Lomandra within the floodplain. There
concerns are that the Lomandra plants hold back floodwaters and increase flood levels near their
properties.

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