COOTAMUNDRA LOCAL FLOOD PLAN

A SUB-PLAN OF THE LOCAL DISASTER PLAN (DISPLAN)

Chair, Local Emergency Local Controller, Management Committee Cootamundra SES

JUNE 2007 EDITION

TO BE REVIEWED NO LATER THAN JUNE 2012

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CONTENTS

DISTRIBUTION LIST ...... iv

AMENDMENT LIST...... v

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS...... vi

GLOSSARY...... vii

PART 1 - INTRODUCTION...... 1 1.1 Purpose ...... 1 1.2 Authority...... 1 1.3 Area Covered By the Plan ...... 1 1.4 Description of Flooding and Its Effects...... 1 1.5 Responsibilities...... 1 PART 2 - PREPAREDNESS ...... 9 2.1 Maintenance of This Plan ...... 9 2.2 Floodplain Management ...... 9 2.3 Development of Flood Intelligence ...... 10 2.4 Development of Warning Systems ...... 10 2.5 Public Education...... 10 2.6 Training ...... 10 2.7 Resources...... 11 PART 3 - RESPONSE...... 12 3.1 Control...... 12 3.2 Operations Centres ...... 12 3.3 Liaison ...... 12 3.4 Communications...... 12 3.5 Start of Response Operations...... 13 3.6 Flood Intelligence...... 13 3.7 Warnings...... 14 3.8 Information...... 15 3.9 Road Control ...... 16 3.10 Traffic Control...... 16 3.11 Flood Rescue ...... 16 3.12 Evacuations...... 17 3.13 Registration...... 18 3.14 Management of Evacuees’ Pets ...... 18 3.15 Essential Services ...... 18 3.16 Logistics ...... 18 3.17 Resupply of Isolated Communities...... 18 3.18 Resupply of Isolated Properties ...... 19 3.19 Assistance for Animals...... 19 3.20 Stranded Travellers...... 20 3.21 Areas Suitable for the Landing of Aircraft ...... 20 3.22 End of Response Operations...... 20 PART 4 - RECOVERY ...... 21 4.1 Welfare ...... 21 4.2 Recovery Coordination...... 21 4.3 Debriefing/After Action Review Arrangements...... 21

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ANNEX A - THE FLOOD RISK ...... A-1 Overview of Flood Problem ...... A-1 History and Nature of Flooding at Cootamundra ...... A-1 History & Nature of Flooding at Stockinbingal...... A-3 ANNEX B - DISSEMINATION OF SES FLOOD BULLETINS...... B-1

ANNEX C - TEMPLATE EVACUATION WARNING MESSAGE FOR COOTAMUNDRA..C-1

MAP 1 - COOTAMUNDRA LGA ...... I

MAP 2 - COOTAMUNDRA...... II

MAP 3 - STOCKINBINGAL...... III

MAP 4 - COOTAMUNDRA CATCHMENT...... IV

MAP 5 - STOCKINBINGAL CATCHMENT ...... V

MAP 6 - COOTAMUNDRA URBAN FLOOD...... VI

MAP 7 - STOCKINBINGAL FLOOD MAP ...... VII

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DISTRIBUTION LIST

Cootamundra SES Local Controller ...... 1 Cootamundra SES Unit...... 1 Murrumbidgee SES Region Headquarters...... 1 NSW SES State Headquarters ...... 1 Council Local Emergency Operations Controller ...... 1 NSW Police Force, Cootamundra Local Area Command ...... 1 Cootamundra Shire Council Local Emergency Management Committee Members.8 Cootamundra Shire Council Local Emergency Management Officer...... 1 Cootamundra Shire Council Local Emergency Operations Centre ...... 1 Cootamundra Shire Council Mayor...... 1 Cootamundra Shire Council General Manager...... 1 Cootamundra Shire Council Technical Services Department ...... 1 NSW Fire Brigades, Cootamundra ...... 1 Rural Fire Service, South West Zone ...... 1 Ambulance Service of NSW, Cootamundra ...... 1 Country Energy Electricity ...... 1 Telstra ...... 1 Department of Primary Industries, Cootamundra...... 1 Department of Community Services, ...... 1 Roads and Traffic Authority, Wagga Wagga ...... 1 Evacuation Centres ...... 2 Hospital...... 1 Schools...... 7 Council Library...... 1 Spare ...... 5 ...... ---- TOTAL ...... 43

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AMENDMENT LIST

Suggestions for amendments to this plan should be forwarded to:

The Local Controller Cootamundra State Emergency Service PO Box 15, COOTAMUNDRA NSW 2590

Amendments promulgated in the amendments list below have been entered in this plan.

Amendment List Date Amendment Date Number Entered By

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations have been used in this plan:

AAR After Action Review AEP Annual Exceedance Probability AHD Australian Height Datum ARI Average Recurrence Interval (Years) BOM Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology CBD Central Business District DISPLAN Disaster Plan DNR Department of Natural Resources DoCS Department of Community Services DPI Department of Primary Industries GIS Geographic Information System GRN Government Radio Network PMF Probable Maximum Flood RTA Roads and Traffic Authority SES State Emergency Service SEWS Standard Emergency Warning Signal UHF Ultra High Frequency VHF Very High Frequency

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GLOSSARY

Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP). The chance of a flood of a given or larger size occurring in any one year, usually expressed as a percentage. For example, if a peak flood level (height) has an AEP of 5%, there is a 5% chance (that is, a one-in-20 chance) of such a level or higher occurring in any one year (see also Average Recurrence Interval).

Assistance Animal. A guide dog, a hearing assistance dog or any other animal trained to assist a person to alleviate the effect of a disability (Refer to Section 9 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992).

Australian Height Datum (AHD). A common national surface level datum approximately corresponding to mean sea level.

Average Recurrence Interval (ARI). The long-term average number of years between the occurrence of a flood as big as, or larger than, the selected event. For example, floods reaching a height as great as, or greater than, the 20 year ARI flood event will occur on average once every 20 years.

Catchment (river basin). The land area draining through the main stream, as well as tributary streams, to a particular site. It always relates to an area above a specific location.

Design flood (or flood standard). A flood of specified magnitude that is adopted for planning purposes. Selections should be based on an understanding of flood behaviour and the associated flood risk, and take account of social, economic and environmental considerations. There may be several design floods for an individual area.

Essential services. Those services, often provided by local government authorities, that are considered essential to the life of organised communities. Such services include power, lighting, water, gas, sewerage and sanitation clearance.

Flash flooding. Flooding which is sudden and often unexpected because it is caused by sudden local or nearby heavy rainfall. It is sometimes defined as flooding which occurs within six hours of the rain that causes it.

Flood. Relatively high water level which overtops the natural or artificial banks in any part of a stream, river, estuary, lake or dam, and/or local overland flooding associated with drainage before entering a watercourse, and/or coastal inundation resulting from super-elevated sea levels and/or waves overtopping coastline defences.

Flood classifications. Locally defined flood levels used in flood warnings to give an indication of the severity of flooding (minor, moderate or major) expected. These levels are used by the State Emergency Service and the Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology in flood bulletins and flood warnings.

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Flood intelligence. The product of collecting, collating, analysing and interpreting flood-related data to produce meaningful information (intelligence) to allow for the timely preparation, planning and warning for and response to a flood.

Flood liable land. Land susceptible to flooding by the Probable Maximum Flood. (PMF) event. This term also describes the maximum extent of a floodplain which is an area of a river valley, adjacent to the river channel, which is subject to inundation in floods up to this event.

Flood of record. Maximum observed historical flood.

Flood Plan. A plan that deals specifically with flooding and is a sub-plan of a Disaster Plan. Flood plans describe agreed roles, responsibilities, functions, actions and management arrangements for the conduct of flood operations and for preparing for them.

Floodplain Management Plan. A plan developed in accordance with the principles and guidelines in the Floodplain Development Manual. Such a plan usually includes both written and diagrammatic information describing how particular areas of flood prone land can be used and managed to achieve defined objectives.

Floodway. An area where a significant volume of water flows during floods. Such areas are often aligned with obvious naturally-defined channels and are areas that, if partially blocked, would cause a significant redistribution of flood flow which may in turn adversely affect other areas. They are often, but not necessarily, the areas of deeper flow or the areas where higher velocities occur.

Geographic Information System (GIS). A computerised database for the capture, storage, analysis and display of locationally defined information. commonly, a GIS portrays a portion of the earth’s surface in the form of a map on which this information is overlaid.

Local overland flooding. Inundation by local runoff rather than overbank discharge from a stream, river, estuary, lake or dam.

Major flooding. Flooding which causes inundation of extensive rural areas, with properties, villages and towns isolated and/or appreciable urban areas flooded.

Minor flooding. Flooding which causes inconvenience such as closing of minor roads and the submergence of low-level bridges. The lower limit of this class of flooding, on the reference gauge, is the initial flood level at which landholders and/or townspeople begin to be affected in a significant manner that necessitates the issuing of a public flood warning by the Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology.

Moderate flooding. Flooding which inundates low-lying areas, requiring removal of stock and/or evacuation of some houses. Main traffic routes may be covered.

Peak height. The highest level reached, at a nominated gauging station, during a particular flood event.

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Probable Maximum Flood (PMF). The largest flood that could conceivably be expected to occur at a particular location, usually estimated from probable maximum precipitation. The PMF defines the maximum extent of flood prone land, that is, the floodplain. It is difficult to define a meaningful Annual Exceedance Probability for the PMF, but it is commonly assumed to be of the order of 104 to 107 (once in 10,000 to 10,000,000 years).

Runoff. The amount of rainfall which ends up as streamflow, also known as ‘rainfall excess’ since it is the amount remaining after accounting for other processes such as evaporation and infiltration.

Stage height. A level reached, at a nominated gauging station, during the development of a particular flood event.

Stream gauging station. A place on a river or stream at which the stage height is routinely measured, either daily or continuously, and where the discharge is measured from time to time so as to develop a relationship between stage and discharge or rating curve.

Watershed. A ridge of high land dividing two areas that are drained by different river systems.

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PART 1 - INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose

1.1.1 This plan covers preparedness measures, the conduct of response operations and the coordination of immediate recovery measures from flooding within the Cootamundra Shire Council area. It covers operations for all levels of flooding within the council area.

1.2 Authority

1.2.1 This plan is issued under the authority of the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 and the State Emergency Service Act 1989. It has been accepted by the Murrumbidgee SES Region Controller and the Cootamundra Shire Council Local Emergency Management Committee.

1.3 Area Covered By the Plan

1.3.1 The area covered by the plan is the Cootamundra Shire Council area

1.3.2 The council area and its principal rivers and creeks are shown in Map 1.

1.3.3 The council area is in the Murrumbidgee SES Region and for emergency management purposes is part of the Southern Highlands Emergency Management District.

1.4 Description of Flooding and Its Effects

1.4.1 The nature of flooding in the Cootamundra Shire Council area and the effects of flooding on the community are detailed in Annex A.

1.5 Responsibilities

1.5.1 The general responsibilities of emergency service organisations and supporting services (functional areas) are listed in the Local Disaster Plan (DISPLAN). Some specific responsibilities are expanded upon in the following paragraphs. The extent of their implementation will depend on the severity of the flooding.

1.5.2 Cootamundra SES Local Controller. The Cootamundra SES Local Controller is responsible for dealing with floods as detailed in the State Flood Plan, and will:

a. Control flood operations. This includes:

• Directing the activities of the SES units operating within the council area.

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• Coordinating the activities of supporting agencies and organisations and ensuring that liaison is established with them. b. Maintain a Local Headquarters at Fuller Drive Cootamundra in accordance with the SES Controllers’ Handbook and the SES Operations Manual. c. Ensure that SES members are trained to undertake flood operations in accordance with current policy as laid down in the SES Controllers’ Handbook and the SES Operations Manual. d. Develop and operate a flood intelligence system. e. Coordinate the development and operation of a flood warning service for the community. f. Participate in floodplain management initiatives organised by the Cootamundra Shire Council. g. Coordinate a public education program so that residents of flood prone areas can be made aware of the flood threat. h. Ensure that the currency of this plan is maintained. i. Activate this flood plan and begin operations. j. Identify and monitor people and/or communities at risk of flooding. k. Direct the conduct of flood rescue operations. l. Direct the evacuation of people and/or communities. m. Provide immediate welfare support for evacuated people. n. Coordinate the provision of emergency food and medical supplies to flood bound people and/or communities. o. Provide an information service in relation to:

• Flood heights and flood behaviour.

• Road conditions and closures.

• Advice on methods of limiting property damage.

• Confirmation of evacuation warnings. p. Coordinate operations to protect property, for example:

• Arranging resources for sandbagging operations.

• Lifting or moving household furniture.

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• Lifting or moving commercial stock and equipment.

• Arranging (eg through DPI) for the moving of farm animals.

q. Arrange for support (e.g. through DoCS) for accommodation and meals for emergency service organisation members and volunteers assisting them.

r. If SES resources are available, assist with emergency fodder supply operations conducted by DPI.

s. If SES resources are available, assist the Police and Council with road closure and traffic control operations.

t. Exercise financial delegations relating to the use of emergency orders as laid down in the SES Controllers’ Handbook.

u. Ensure that the Murrumbidgee SES Region Controller is regularly briefed on the progress of operations and on future resource needs, including by submitting Situation Reports to the Murrumbidgee SES Region Headquarters and agencies assisting within the council area. These will contain information on:

• Road conditions and closures.

• Current flood behaviour.

• Current operational activities.

• Likely future flood behaviour.

• Likely future operational activities.

• Probable resource needs.

v. Keep the Local Emergency Operations Controller advised of the flood situation and the operational response.

w. Issue the ‘All Clear’ when flood operations have been completed.

x. Ensure that appropriate debriefings are held after floods.

y. Assist in the establishment and deliberations of the Recovery Coordinating Committee after floods.

1.5.3 Cootamundra SES Unit Members:

a. Undertake training in flood operations.

b. Assist with flood preparedness activities.

c. Carry out flood response tasks. These may include:

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• The management of the Cootamundra SES Local Headquarters Operations Centre.

• Gathering flood intelligence.

• Flood rescue.

• Evacuation.

• Providing immediate welfare for evacuated people.

• Delivery of warnings and information.

• Resupply.

• Sandbagging.

• Lifting and/or moving household furniture and commercial stock.

• Assisting with moving farm animals.

• Assisting with road closure and traffic control operations.

• Assisting with emergency fodder supply operations.

1.5.4 Cootamundra Shire Council Local Emergency Operations Controller:

a. Monitor flood operations.

b. Coordinate support to the Cootamundra SES Local Controller if requested to do so.

1.5.5 NSW Police Force, Cootamundra:

a. Assist with the delivery of evacuation warnings.

b. Assist with the conduct & coordination of evacuation operations.

c. Conduct road and traffic control operations in conjunction with council and/or RTA.

d. Ensure all evacuees are registered.

e. Secure evacuated areas.

1.5.6

1.5.7 Cootamundra Shire Council Local Emergency Management Officer:

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a. Provide executive support to the Local Emergency Operations Controller in accordance with the Cootamundra Shire Council Local Disaster Plan.

b. At the request of the Cootamundra SES Local Controller, advise appropriate agencies and officers of the activation of this plan.

1.5.8 Cootamundra Shire Council:

a. Maintain a plant and equipment resource list for the council area.

b. Contribute to the development and implementation of a public education program on flooding within the council area.

c. At the request of the Local SES Controller, deploy personnel and resources for flood related activities.

d. Close and reopen council roads (and other roads nominated by agreement with the RTA) and advise the Cootamundra SES Local Controller, the Police and people who telephone the council for road information.

e. Provide filled sandbags to urban and village areas in which flooding is expected.

f. Provide back-up radio communications where necessary.

g. Provide for the management of health hazards associated with flooding. This includes maintaining water supply and sewerage systems and removing debris and waste.

h. Ensure premises are fit and safe for reoccupation and assess any need for demolition.

1.5.9 Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM):

Provide Flood Watches for the Murrumbidgee and Basins.

1.5.10 NSW Fire Brigades, Cootamundra:

a. Assist with the delivery of evacuation warnings.

b. Assist with the conduct of evacuations.

c. Provide facilities for pumping flood water out of buildings and from low-lying areas.

d. Assist with clean up operations including the hosing out of flood affected buildings and the washing down of streets and footpaths.

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1.5.11 Rural Fire Service (RFS), South/West Zone:

a. Provide personnel in rural areas and villages to:

• inform the Cootamundra SES Local Controller about Gauge heights, flood conditions and response needs in their own communities, and

• disseminate flood information.

b. Provide personnel and high-clearance vehicles for flood related activities.

c. Assist with the delivery of evacuation warnings.

d. Assist with the conduct of evacuations.

e. Provide equipment for pumping flood water out of buildings and from low-lying areas.

f. Provide back-up radio communications.

g. Assist with clean up operations including the hosing out of flood affected buildings and the washing down of streets and footpaths.

h. At the direction of the Cootamundra SES Local Controller conduct evacuations in Stockinbingal.

i. Assist with the resupply of isolated properties.

1.5.12 Country Energy, Cootamundra:

a. Provide advice to the Cootamundra SES Local Controller of any need to disconnect power supplies or of any timetable for reconnection.

b. Clear or make safe any hazard caused by power lines or electrical reticulation equipment.

c. Assess the necessity for and implement the disconnection of customers’ electrical installations where these may present a hazard.

d. Advise the public with regard to electrical hazards during flooding and to the availability or otherwise of the electricity supply.

e. Inspect, test and reconnect customers’ electrical installations as conditions allow.

1.5.13 Telstra:

a. Maintain telephone services.

b. Repair and restore telephone facilities damaged by flooding.

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c. Provide additional telecommunications support for the Cootamundra SES Local Headquarters as required.

1.5.14 Department of Primary Industries, Wagga Wagga:

a. Coordinate the supply and delivery of emergency fodder.

b. Provide advice on dealing with dead and injured farm animals.

c. Provide financial, welfare and damage assessment assistance to flood affected farm people.

d. In the event of evacuations, coordinate animal shelter compound facilities for the domestic pets and companion animals of evacuees.

1.5.15 Welfare Services, Coordinator: Department of Community Services (DoCS), Wagga Wagga:

a. Manage evacuation centres

b. Provide clothing, accommodation, food and welfare services for flood affected people, including stranded travellers.

1.5.16 Ambulance Service of NSW, Cootamundra:

a. Assist with the evacuation of elderly and/or infirm people.

b. Consider the deployment of ambulance resources to isolated areas based on requests from the SES.

1.5.17 Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA), Wagga Wagga:

Close and reopen and Olympic Highway when affected by flood waters and advise the Cootamundra SES Local Controller.

1.5.18 ARTC:

Close and re-open railway lines as necessary and advise the Cootamundra SES Local Controller.

1.5.19 Cootamundra Clubs (Apex, Rotary, Lions, Mens Shed and Salvation Army) Assist with:

a. Delivery of evacuation warnings.

b. Lifting and/or moving household furniture and commercial stock.

c. Sandbagging.

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d. Monitoring of creek heights.

e. Assist DoCS

1.5.20 School Principals:

a. The principals of the following schools are the points of contact for schools located in the area covered by this plan:

• Cootamundra High School

• Cootamundra Public School

• E.A. Southee Public School

• Sacred Heart Catholic School

• Elouera School

• Stockinbingal Public School

• Public School

b. The people holding these appointments will:

• Liaise with the Cootamundra SES Local Controller and arrange for the early release of students whose travel arrangements are likely to be disrupted by flooding and/or road closures.

• If the decision is made to release children early from school, arrange for their safe transportation home.

• Pass information to school bus drivers/companies and/or other school principals on expected or actual impacts of flooding.

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PART 2 - PREPAREDNESS

2.1 Maintenance of This Plan

2.1.1 The Cootamundra SES Local Controller will maintain the currency of this plan by:

a. Ensuring that all agencies, organisations and officers mentioned in it are aware of their roles and responsibilities.

b. Conducting exercises to test arrangements.

c. Reviewing the contents of the plan:

• After each flood operation.

• When significant changes in land-use or community characteristics occur.

• When new information from flood studies and Flood Plan Management Studies become available.

• When flood control or mitigation works are implemented or altered.

• When there are changes that alter agreed plan arrangements.

2.1.2 In any event, the plan is to be reviewed no less frequently than every five years.

2.2 Floodplain Management

2.2.1 Participation in floodplain management activities organised by the Cootamundra Shire Council produces the following emergency management benefits:

a. Sources of information for flood intelligence.

b. Development of Flood Warning Directive for Cootamundra Shire by the BOM in 2004

c. Development of warning services.

d. Development of strategies for flood mitigation.

e. Development of strategies to reduce damage through better design and location of present and future residential, commercial and community land uses.

2.2.2 The Cootamundra SES Local Controller will ensure that the SES:

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a. Participates in floodplain management committee activities when those committees are formed.

b. Consults with the flood prone community about the nature of the flood problem and its management.

c. Informs the Murrumbidgee SES Region Headquarters of involvement in floodplain management activities.

2.3 Development of Flood Intelligence

2.3.1 The SES maintains flood intelligence records, which details the effects of past floods.

2.3.2 Flood intelligence is obtained by the process of gathering and assessing information for the purpose of estimating the likely impacts of pending and future floods. It is used to facilitate operational decision making and the provision of warnings and information to agencies and the public.

2.4 Development of Warning Systems

2.4.1 The SES will establish and/or maintain a flood warning system for areas affected by flooding. This requires:

a. An identification of the potential clients of flood warning information at different levels of flooding (ie. who would be affected in floods of differing severities).

b. Available information about the estimated impacts of flooding at different heights.

c. Identification of required actions and the amounts of time needed to carry them out.

d. Appropriate means of disseminating warnings to different clients and at different flood levels.

2.5 Public Education

2.5.1 The Cootamundra SES Local Controller, with the assistance of the Cootamundra Shire Council, the Murrumbidgee SES Region Headquarters and SES State Headquarters, is responsible for ensuring that the residents of the council area are aware of the flood threat in their vicinity and how to protect themselves from it.

2.6 Training

2.6.1 Throughout this document there are references to functions that must be carried out by the members of the Cootamundra SES. The Cootamundra SES Local Controller is responsible for ensuring that the members are:

a. Familiar with the contents of this plan.

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b. Trained in the skills necessary to carry out the tasks allocated to the SES.

2.7 Resources

2.7.1 The Cootamundra SES Local Controller is responsible for maintaining the condition and state of readiness of SES equipment and the Cootamundra SES Local Headquarters.

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PART 3 - RESPONSE

3.1 Control

3.1.1 The SES is the legislated combat agency for floods and is responsible for the control of flood operations. This includes the coordination of other agencies and organisations for flood management tasks.

3.2 Operations Centres

3.2.1 The Cootamundra SES maintains an Operations Centre at Fuller Drive, Cootamundra.

3.2.2 The Cootamundra Shire Council has an Emergency Operations Centre which will be used during Flood events.

3.2.3 The SES will operate an after hours duty officer system whenever flood operations are not being conducted.

3.3 Liaison

3.3.1 At the request of the Cootamundra SES Local Controller, each agency with responsibilities identified in this plan will provide liaison (including a liaison officer where necessary) to the Cootamundra SES Operations Centre.

3.3.2 Liaison officers are to:

a. have the authority to deploy the resources of their parent organisations at the request of the Cootamundra SES Local Controller,

b. advise the Cootamundra SES Local Controller on resource availability for their service, and

c. be able to provide communications to their own organisations.

3.4 Communications

3.4.1 The primary means of office-to-office communications is by telephone, facsimile and email.

3.4.2 The primary means of communication to and between deployed SES resources is by SES UHF radio network and mobile phone.

3.4.3 All other organisations will provide communications as necessary to their deployed field teams.

3.4.4 Back-up communications are provided as follows:

a. Cootamundra Shire Council VHF radio network

b. Rural Fire Service UHF radio network.

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3.5 Start of Response Operations

3.5.1 Response operations will begin:

a. On receipt of a Bureau of Meteorology Flood Watch for potential flooding in the Lachlan River or Catchments.

b. On receipt of a severe weather warning indicating the likelihood of flash flooding in the Cootamundra Shire Council area.

c. When other evidence leads to an expectation of flooding within the council area, for example rising local creeks or localised flooding.

3.5.2 On activation, contact with the Bureau of Meteorology to discuss warnings will normally be through the Murrumbidgee SES Region Headquarters.

3.5.3 The following persons and organisations will be advised of the start of response operations regardless of the location and severity of the flooding anticipated:

a. Cootamundra Shire Council Local Emergency Operations Controller (for transmission to the NSW Police Local Area Command Headquarters).

b. Cootamundra SES Unit.

c. Murrumbidgee SES Region Headquarters.

d. Cootamundra Shire Council Local Emergency Management Officer (for transmission to appropriate council officers and departments).

e. Cootamundra Shire Council Mayor.

3.5.4 Other agencies listed in this plan will be advised by the LEMO on the request of the Cootamundra SES Local Controller and as appropriate to the location and nature of the threat.

3.6 Flood Intelligence

3.6.1 Sources of flood intelligence during times of flooding are:

a. Bureau of Meteorology. The Bureau provides:

• Flood Watches, which give an early appreciation of developing meteorological situations that could lead to flooding. These are normally provided on a whole-catchment basis for the Murrumbidgee and/or Lachlan River Catchments.

• Note: No height-time flood predictions are given with the council area

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b. Murrumbidgee SES Region Headquarters. The Region Headquarters provides information on flooding and its consequences, including those in nearby council areas.

c. Cootamundra Shire Council. Provides information on the status of roads.

d. Active Reconnaissance. The SES monitors the following problem areas:

• Low-lying areas in Cootamundra

• Stockinbingal

e. Gauge readers. Volunteers will monitor four manual gauges for rain and creek levels on the Wattle, Jindalee, Muttama and Bland creeks, if the existing electronic system fails.

3.7 Warnings

3.7.1 There are manual flood gauges on Jindalee Creek (410112), Wattle Creek (412134) and Muttama Creek at Dinyah, but no formal flood warnings are provided by the Bureau of Meteorology for these gauges. The best warning of flooding within the council area comes from observing the rain which causes it and the BOM has developed a flash Flood Warning Directive for Cootamundra Shire based on rainfall in the catchments. Gauges used are upstream of Stockinbingal at Sunnydale (73150), upstream of Cootamundra at Jindalee and Dinyah, and the Cootamundra Daily Rain gauge managed by the BOM.

3.7.2 Warning services operate according to the following arrangements:

a. The Cootamundra SES Local Headquarters:

• Provides advice to the Murrumbidgee SES Region Headquarters on current and expected impacts of flooding.

• Coordinates the delivery of warnings to the community by door- knocking, telephone, mobile public address systems, local radio stations and two-way radio.

b. The Murrumbidgee SES Region Headquarters issues warning information in the form of SES Region Flood Bulletins to Media organisations and agencies listed in Annex B.

3.7.3 Warnings are provided as follows:

a. SES Livestock and Equipment Warnings. Following heavy rain or when there are indications of significant creek or river rises (even to levels below Minor Flood heights), the Cootamundra SES Local

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b. Controller will advise the Murrumbidgee SES Region Headquarters which will issue SES Livestock and Equipment Warnings to radio stations as indicated in Annex B.

c. Bureau of Meteorology Flood Watches. Flood Watches will be incorporated in SES Flood Bulletins released to radio stations by the Murrumbidgee SES Region Headquarters.

d. SES Local Flood Advices. The Cootamundra SES Local Controller may issue SES Local Flood Advices when flooding is likely. These are issued in SES Region Flood Bulletins.

e. Evacuation Warnings.

• A template guide to the content of evacuation warning messages is at Annex C. These are disseminated as follows:

♦ Using public address systems from Police and other emergency service vehicles.

♦ By door-knocks by Police and other emergency service personnel.

♦ By telephone.

♦ By two-way radio.

♦ By direct access to community radio.

♦ In Murrumbidgee SES Flood Bulletins. f. Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS). This signal may be played over radio and television stations to alert communities to Evacuation Warnings. Approval to use the signal will be obtained by the Cootamundra SES Local Headquarters from the Murrumbidgee SES Region Headquarters.

3.8 Information

3.8.1 The Murrumbidgee SES Region Headquarters issues SES Flood Bulletins to media outlets and agencies on behalf of all SES units in the Region. SES Flood Bulletins contain the following information relating to all council areas in which flooding is occurring:

a. Current warnings, together with indications of the likely impact of flooding at any predicted heights.

b. Current flood heights and flood behaviour.

c. Details of conditions and closures of main roads.

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d. Advice on safety matters and means of protecting property.

3.8.2 The Cootamundra SES Local Headquarters provides a “phone-in” information service for the community in relation to current warnings, river heights, flood behaviour, road conditions and closures of local and main roads and advice on safety matters and means of protecting property.

3.8.3 Collation and dissemination of road information is actioned as follows:

a. The Cootamundra SES Local Controller provides road status reports for main roads in the council area to the Murrumbidgee SES Region Headquarters Road Information Cell and to the Cootamundra Police Local Area Command Headquarters.

b. The Murrumbidgee SES Region Headquarters distributes information on main roads to SES units, media outlets and agencies as part of SES Flood Bulletins.

c. The Road Information Cell also provides a “phone-in” service to the public.

3.9 Road Control

3.9.1 A number of roads within the council area are affected by flooding. Details are provided in Annex A.

3.9.2 The council closes and re-opens its own roads.

3.9.3 The RTA closes the Burley Griffin Way and Olympic Highway.

3.9.4 The NSW Police Service has the authority to close and re-open roads but will normally only do so (if the council or the RTA have not already acted) if public safety requires such action.

3.10 Traffic Control.

3.10.1 In the event of major flooding, the Cootamundra SES Local Controller may direct the imposition of traffic control measures. The entry into flood affected areas will be controlled in accordance with the provisions of the State Emergency Service Act, 1989 (Part 5, Sections 19, 20, 21 and 22) and the State Emergency Rescue Management Act, 1989 (Part 4, Sections 60KA, 60L and 61).

3.11 Flood Rescue

3.11.1 The Cootamundra SES Local Controller controls flood rescues, which are carried out using high clearance vehicles, flood boats and (under some circumstances) helicopters.

3.11.2 Flood boats and crews can be requested through the Murrumbidgee SES Region Headquarters.

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3.12 Evacuations

3.12.1 During severe flooding in the Cootamundra Shire council area evacuations may become necessary. Severe flooding in the Cootamundra Shire may require the evacuation of up to 170- 220 properties (1750-2200 people) from Cootamundra and Stockinbingal (a community of 200 people) and numerous rural properties adjacent to creeks.

3.12.2 Evacuations will be controlled by the Cootamundra SES Local Controller and conducted by SES, NSW Police, NSW Rural Fire Service, Ambulance Service of NSW and NSW Fire Brigades personnel.

3.12.3 At the direction of the Cootamundra SES Local Controller the NSW Rural Fire Service is to conduct evacuations in Stockinbingal.

3.12.4 When evacuations are possible, the Cootamundra SES Local Controller will advise relevant welfare services functional area personnel so that evacuation centres and welfare support can be set up in timely fashion.

3.12.5 Some residents may make their own decision to evacuate and move to alternative accommodation using their own transport. Such evacuees must be advised via the media to inform the Police or the SES of their evacuation and their temporary address.

3.12.6 Evacuees are to be encouraged to move using their own transport where possible. The Cootamundra Shire SES Local Controller will arrange transport for those without their own vehicles.

3.12.7 Field teams conducting doorknocks will record and report back to the Operations Centre:

a. Addresses and locations of houses doorknocked and/or evacuated.

b. Number of occupants.

c. Details of support required (such as transport, medical evacuation, assistance to secure house and/or property and raise or move belongings).

3.12.8 The NSW Police will provide security for evacuated areas.

3.12.9 Evacuees will be taken to or advised to go to the nearest accessible evacuation centre, which may initially be established at the direction of the Cootamundra SES Local Controller but which will be managed as soon as possible by the Welfare Services Functional Area. Any or all of the following sites may be used as evacuation centres:

a. Cootamundra Showgrounds, Pinkerton and Berthong Streets

b. Stockinbingal Bowling Club, Burley Griffin Way.

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3.12.10 On arrival, evacuees will be registered, medically checked if necessary and provided with their immediate welfare needs.

3.12.11 Transport and storage of furniture from flood-threatened properties will (if possible) be arranged as time and resources permit.

3.12.12 Discussion on Evacuation requirements using the SES Intelligence card and BOM Flood Warning Directive will occur within the LEMC, time permitting.

3.13 Registration

3.13.1 NSW Police will ensure that all evacuees are registered on arrival at evacuation centres and details of registrations (once consent given) are sent to the Police State Operations Centre by the quickest means available.

3.14 Management of Evacuees’ Pets

3.14.1 In the event of a large-scale evacuations, animal shelter compound facilities will be set up for domestic animals and companion animals. These facilities will be operated by NSW Department of Primary Industries.

3.14.2 Assistance animals are to accompany and/or remain in the care of their owners at all times. This includes transport and access into evacuation centres etc.

3.15 Essential Services

3.15.1 The Cootamundra SES Local Controller will ensure that the providers of essential services (electricity, water, sewerage, medical and public health) are kept advised of the flood situation. Essential service providers must keep the Cootamundra SES Local Controller abreast of their status and ongoing ability to provide those services.

3.16 Logistics

3.16.1 The Cootamundra SES Local Headquarters maintains a small stock of sandbags, and back-up supplies are available through the Murrumbidgee SES Region Headquarters. A motorised sandbag-filling machine is available from the Murrumbidgee SES Region Headquarters. Alternatively, local concrete trucks may be used.

3.16.2 The Cootamundra SES Local Controller may task aircraft for flood operations within the council area if other transport means are not available or not suitable. During floods affecting more than one council area, aircraft will normally be tasked centrally by the Murrumbidgee SES Region Controller. .

3.17 Resupply of Isolated Communities

3.17.1 Stockinbingal can become isolated for short periods of time with little warning.

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3.17.2 The SES is responsible for the coordination of the resupply of isolated communities.

3.17.3 When isolation occurs, storekeepers will be expected to place orders on suppliers where they have a line of credit and to instruct those suppliers to package their goods and deliver them to loading points designated by the SES.

3.17.4 Where practicable the Cootamundra SES Local Controller will arrange for the delivery from normal suppliers of essential foodstuffs, fuels or urgent medical supplies required by an isolated property or community. This may be done using high clearance vehicles, floodboats or, on occasions, aircraft.

3.17.5 Where supplies are not available within the council area, the Cootamundra SES Local Controller may request them through the Murrumbidgee SES Region Headquarters. The Region Headquarters will usually arrange for them to be delivered to the Cootamundra SES Local Controller for further distribution within the council area.

3.18 Resupply of Isolated Properties

3.18.1 Farm properties in the Cootamundra Shire Council area may become isolated for short periods of time.

3.18.2 Property owners may call their suppliers direct or place their orders with the Cootamundra SES, through the welfare services functional area, or through their friends.

3.18.3 The principles to be applied when planning for the resupply of isolated properties are:

a. The SES will coordinate resupply and establish a schedule.

b. The Welfare Services Functional Area will liaise with the SES concerning property holders who place orders with them. They will include people in dire circumstances who receive resupply at no cost. The welfare services functional area has a well developed system for this situation, including a standard list of approved resupply items.

c. If a property holder seeks resupply from the SES and claims to be, or is considered to be, in dire circumstances, he/she is to be referred to the welfare services functional area.

d. Local suppliers will liaise with the SES regarding delivery of resupply items to the designated loading point.

e. Local suppliers are responsible for packaging resupply items for delivery.

3.19 Assistance for Animals

3.19.1 Matters relating to the welfare of livestock, companion animals and wildlife (including feeding and rescue) are to be referred to NSW DPI.

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3.19.2 Requests for emergency supply and/or delivery of fodder to stranded livestock, or for livestock rescue, are to be passed to NSW DPI.

3.20 Stranded Travellers

3.20.1 Flood waters are unlikely to strand travellers at Cootamundra. In the event of this occurring travellers seeking assistance will be referred to the Welfare Services Functional Area for the arrangement of temporary accommodation.

3.21 Areas Suitable for the Landing of Aircraft

3.21.1 The following are areas suitable for the landing of helicopters

a. Cootamundra Local Headquarters Fuller Drive

b. Showgrounds Stockinbingal

c. Cootamundra Hospital (Heli-pad)

d. Showgrounds Cootamundra

3.22 End of Response Operations

3.22.1 When response operations have concluded other agencies and the community will be advised by the SES Local Controller.

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PART 4 - RECOVERY

4.1 Welfare

4.1.1 The Welfare Services functional area will provide for the long-term welfare of people who have been evacuated.

4.2 Recovery Coordination

4.2.1 The Cootamundra SES Local Controller will ensure that planning for long- term recovery operations begins at the earliest opportunity. This is to be done by briefing the chairman of the Cootamundra Shire Council Local Emergency Management Committee on the details of the flooding and assisting in the establishment of a Recovery Coordinating Committee.

4.2.2 The Recovery Coordinating Committee is to prepare an outline plan for recovery operations and be prepared to recommend how such operations would best be controlled and coordinated.

4.2.3 The Recovery Coordinating Committee will be established in accordance with the State DISPLAN.

4.3 Debriefing/After Action Review Arrangements

4.3.1 As soon as possible after flooding has abated, the Cootamundra SES Local Controller will advise participating organisations of details of response operation debriefing/AAR arrangements.

4.3.2 The Cootamundra SES Local Controller will ensure that adequate arrangements are in place to record details of the debrief/AAR and each item requiring further action is delegated to an organisation or individual to implement.

4.3.3 Follow-up to ensure the satisfactory completion of these actions will be undertaken by the Cootamundra Shire Council Local Emergency Management Committee.

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ANNEX A - THE FLOOD RISK

Overview of Flood Problem

1. The Cootamundra Council area is made up of undulating terrain straddling the watershed between the catchments of the Lachlan and Murrumbidgee Rivers. Most of the council area is drained by the tributaries of the Lachlan.

2. The council area has an annual rainfall of 500-600mm, the majority of it falling in winter and spring which is when most of the flooding occurs. Flooding can also occur at other times of the year, including summer when flooding results from high intensity, short-duration convective thunderstorms and on rare occasions from the intrusion of depressions moving south from tropical regions. Warning times are invariably short; that is, in the order of a few hours at most and less in the case of thunderstorms.

3. The following roads may experience inundation.

a. Burley Griffin Way at Stockinbingal

b. Rodeo Drive at Cootamundra

c. Temora Road at Cootamundra

d. Road at Muttama

e. Olympic Way at the / Railway Line underpass

History and Nature of Flooding at Cootamundra

4. The most significant recent flood occurred in 1974. Cootamundra was also flooded in 1885, 1903, 1919, 1952, 1956, 1983 and 1984.

There has been previous debate regarding the severity of the 1956 flood in comparison with the 1974 flood with some claims that it was higher than the 1974 flood. While local records suggest that this was not the case it appears that the 1956 and 1974 floods were of similar magnitude.

The 1903 and 1919 floods reached the highest levels documented in the business area; the construction of a dam on Jindalee Creek just outside the town and channel works in Muttama Creek in 1956 appears to have reduced flooding of the business centre.

5. Jindalee Creek, Muttama Creek and Cootamundra Creek

Flooding in Jindalee Creek and Muttama Creek at Cootamundra falls into two broad regimes upstream and downstream of Wallendoon Street.

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6. Downstream of Wallendoon Street

Downstream of Wallendoon Street to the confluence of Muttama Creek and Cootamundra Creek, flood flows in Muttama Creek in events up to the 100 yr ARI flood are contained within the channel and the adjacent banks and/or open reserves except in three locations:

• At the caravan park where shallow flow occurs across the land; • Opposite the former Hospital, Mackay Street, where water backs up an open drain; and • At Novell Street where low lying land can be inundated.

While flooding in Cootamundra Creek was not assessed in the flood study it is anticipated that a similar regime occurs in more frequent floods up to around the 100 yr ARI flood.

If rain falls fairly uniformly across both the Muttama Creek and Cootamundra Creek catchments then flooding in Cootamundra Creek will peak earlier than in Muttama Creek. For example in a 100 yr ARI event, Cootamundra Creek will peak around 2 hours earlier than in Muttama Creek. However, the predominant rural land use in both catchments means that the catchments are slow to generate runoff and that the flood hydrographs have broader peaks than runoff from urban areas in Cootamundra. Consequently, the effect of the 100 yr ARI flows in Muttama Creek and Cootamundra Creek peaking at the same time at their confluence would be to increase the peak flow by 3% only. The simultaneous peaking of flood flows in Cootamundra Creek and Muttama Creek would only lead to small increases in flood levels in Muttama Creek in the vicinity of the confluence i.e. the effect on flood levels is dissipated well downstream of the Main Southern Railway.

In extreme floods beyond the 100 yr event up to the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) flood the Muttama Creek floodplain is progressively inundated. Downstream of the Main Southern Railway floodwaters breakout of Muttama Creek and Cootamundra Creek and the intervening floodplain between the two watercourses is progressively inundated. In a PMF flood the floodwaters extend from the left bank (looking downstream) of Muttama Creek to the right bank of Cootamundra Creek (refer Figure 5).

7. Upstream of Wallendoon Street

Upstream of Wallendoon Street, flooding is widespread but shallow in most areas except the Adams Street / Culter Avenue area (refer Figure 5).

On the flatter areas upstream of Adams Street including the Airstrip and Jindalee Creek floodplain the inundation of the overbank areas commences in more frequent storms eg. 2 to 5 yr ARI events. As the severity (average recurrence interval) of the floods increase so too does the extent of inundation.

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8. Southee Circle

Flooding problems experienced in the Southee Circle area were raised at the Inception Meeting held with the Floodplain Management Committee on the 17th February 1999. It was indicated that Southee Circle has experienced flooding due to the limited capacity of the existing piped drainage system that causes runoff to pond around Southee Circle and to discharge overland to Muttama Creek (primarily along existing roads). While rising floodwaters in Muttama Creek may reduce the capacity of the local drainage system to convey local runoff it was indicated that this problem was viewed as a local flooding problem rather than backwater flooding from the Muttama Creek.

9. Flood Affected Properties

In accordance with the strategy identified in the 1986 Flood Study by the then Department of Land and Water Conservation, the majority of Muttama Creek though Cootamundra is well maintained in a park like fashion with mown grass and scattered trees. This maintenance has contributed to the good hydraulic performance of the creek. Consequently it is estimated that only two residential properties in Cootamundra experience over-floor flooding in a 20 yr ARI flood. This increases to 23 residential properties that are estimated to experience over-floor flooding in a 100 yr ARI flood. It was further estimated that no commercial or industrial properties experience over-floor flooding in a 100 yr ARI flood.

In a PMF flood, however, the overall number of residential and commercial and industrial properties that are broadly estimated to be inundated grows to around 1,750 - 1,950 and 170 - 200 respectively. (BOM 2004)

History & Nature of Flooding at Stockinbingal

10. The village of Stockinbingal has some 255 residents and is situated approximately 20km north-west of Cootamundra. The village is located on the combined floodplain of Bland and Dudauman Creeks. Dudauman Creek joins downstream of the village, at which point the combined catchment is some 210km2. Bland Creek runs through the eastern side of the village, and Dudauman Creek runs through the western side, refer to Figure 2. Other major tributaries of Bland Creek include Powder Horn Creek, Dry Creek and Lagoon Creek. Powder Horn Creek joins Bland Creek just upstream of the village limit.

In the past Bland and Dudauman Creeks have both caused flooding in the village. The two most significant events occurring in 1956 and 1974. Flooding of properties has resulted from water passing through the village from Dudauman Creek towards Bland Creek and from high water levels in Bland Creek inundating land along its banks. Flow from Dudauman Creek generally enters the village from the West/Wood Streets intersection and there is a major outflow at the Geraldra Street road crossing.

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In 1987/88 flood mitigation works were constructed along Dudauman Creek between West Street and O'Brien Street. Works included artificial levees, channel enlargement and augmenting the culvert under Geraldra Street. To date these works have controlled flooding but are yet to tested by a major flood.

There are a number of residential properties in Stockinbingal that may experience over-floor flooding during major floods, as summarised in Table Sl. Identification of flooded structures is based on results from the Flood Study.

Table Al - Expected number of flood affected properties in Stockinbingal

Flood Dudauman Bland and Total Commercial/ Event Creek and Powderhorn Residential others (AEP) flow through Creeks Properties village (Residential) Flooded (Residential) 10% 9 3 12 0 5% 11 4 15 0 2% 14 4 18 0 1% 17 4 21 0 0.5% 18 4 22 0 PMF 60 18 78 5

SOURCE: (BOM 2004)

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ANNEX B - DISSEMINATION OF SES FLOOD BULLETINS

The Murrumbidgee SES Region Headquarters distributes SES Flood Bulletins and other flood related information (including Flood Warnings) to the following regional media outlets:

Television Stations: Station Location Prime Wagga Wagga Win Wagga Wagga Capital Wagga Wagga SBS Canberra

Radio Stations: Station Location Frequency Modulation 2WG Wagga Wagga 1152 AM STAR FM Griffith 99.7 FM STAR FM Wagga Wagga 93.1 FM STAR FM Young 107.7 AM 2LF Young 1359 AM ABC Radio Wagga Wagga 102.7 FM

Newspapers: Name Location Daily Advertiser Wagga Wagga Temora Independent Temora Cootamundra Herald Cootamundra

Other Agencies: • Cootamundra Shire Council • Cootamundra Shire Council Local Emergency Operations Controller • NSW Police Service, Cootamundra • NSW Fire Brigade, Cootamundra • NSW Rural Fire Service, South West Zone • Country Energy, Cootamundra • Telstra, Wagga Wagga • Department of Primary Industries, Cootamundra • Department of Community Services, Wagga Wagga • Ambulance Service of NSW, Cootamundra • Roads and Traffic Authority, Wagga Wagga • ARTC

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ANNEX C - TEMPLATE EVACUATION WARNING MESSAGE FOR COOTAMUNDRA

Evacuation Warning for [ ]

Date/Time of Issue: [ ]

Authorised By: [ ]

Heavy rainfall over the last [enter duration] in the Cootamundra area has resulted in flooding.

It is recommended that you prepare to evacuate/for evacuation within the next [ ] hours. If you leave it later, the roads may be congested or closed.

To prepare for evacuation, you should:

• Raise belongings by placing them on tables, beds and benches. Put electrical items on top. Some items may be able to be placed in ceilings. • Gather medicines, personal a`nd financial documents and mementos together to take with you. • Listen to radio stations [ ] for further information and to confirm this warning. • If possible, check to see whether your neighbours need help. • Make arrangements for care of pets or companion animals.

If evacuation is necessary:

• Turn off the electricity, gas and water. • Take three days’ supply of clothes with you. • If you have a car, drive to the evacuation centre at [ ] (specify route if appropriate). • If you don’t have a car, special transport can also be provided on request if necessary, telephone [ ]. • So that you can be accounted for, it is important that you register at the evacuation centre. • After registering, you may go to the house of a friend or relative. Alternatively, accommodation will be arranged for you. • The Police will provide security for your property while you are away.

Cootamundra Local Flood Plan June 2007, a Sub-Plan of the Cootamundra Local Disaster Plan

I MAP 1 - COOTAMUNDRA LGA

Cootamundra Local Flood Plan June 2007, a Sub-Plan of the Cootamundra Local Disaster Plan

II MAP 2 - COOTAMUNDRA

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III MAP 3 - STOCKINBINGAL

Cootamundra Local Flood Plan June 2007, a Sub-Plan of the Cootamundra Local Disaster Plan

IV MAP 4 - COOTAMUNDRA CATCHMENT

Cootamundra Local Flood Plan June 2007, a Sub-Plan of the Cootamundra Local Disaster Plan

V MAP 5 - STOCKINBINGAL CATCHMENT

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VI MAP 6 - COOTAMUNDRA URBAN FLOOD

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MAP 7 - STOCKINBINGAL FLOOD MAP

Cootamundra Local Flood Plan June 2007, a Sub-Plan of the Cootamundra Local Disaster Plan