Great Lakes Council is undertaking a comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan for North Arm Cove in conjunction with Consultant BMT WBM of Newcastle. The study area is shown below.
The village is situated on an historic subdivision designed in 1917 by Walter Burley Griffin of Canberra fame. In the past strategic planning and development has been impeded by factors including government policy, transport, infrastructure, and social and environmental conservation considerations.
The natural beauty of North Arm Cove is an important resource for local residents and people of the Great Lakes generally. A positive conservation approach to the village is reflected in the diversity of organisations that serve a range of community interests.
Village layout is generally conducive to stormwater management; however the initial land release process provided little investigation or subsequent investment in stormwater. This situation was very evident during particularly intense storm events in February & March this year.
Lack of stormwater investigation in the past, means stormwater flows down from the ridge line are quite poorly managed. Problems include overloaded table drains and driveway crossings, as well as overland sheet flows through private property. Similarly, discharge from unsealed roads and eroding table drains presents problems for water quality management when discharging into Port Stephens.
BMT WBM (Consultant) will undertake stormwater investigation using a high resolution hydraulic model (TUFLOW). This will provide reliable representation of overland flows and culvert/ table drain performance. It will directly identify and evaluate major overflow ‘hotspots’.
This study will also develop a schedule for future investment in stormwater upgrading and a rational basis for stormwater risk management. It will promote realistic levels of service recognising various stages of improvement during the residential infill process. The Plan is to incorporate best practice in quality and quantity management by utilising concepts and standards from industry and Council documents and policies.
COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSION
The Consultant has completed initial investigation and modelling and is now keen to gain information and photographs, if possible from local residents.
An informal ‘Drop-In Session’ has been arranged for Thursday, 26 September 2013 (from 4:00pm to 6:00pm) at the North Arm Cove Community Centre on The Ridgeway. Staff from Council and BMT WBM will be on hand to assist the public with questions relating to the study.
Great Lakes Council greatly values public input to community improvement projects such as this. Interested parties are invited to come in to discuss, provide comments, and share anecdotes and any additional information that may be available.
Geoff Love
Investigations Engineer
Design & Investigation Branch
Engineering Services Division
Great Lakes Council
