Wollongong City Council has begun work this week at the Barina Park Detention Basin as part of our commitment to improving flood and stormwater infrastructure.
Council has invested significantly in flood strategies and stormwater infrastructure. We have undertaken a range of studies and applied cutting-edge knowledge and technology to decrease the city's risk of flooding during significant storm events.
As part of our ongoing work, there have been several detailed assessments of the condition of the Barina Park Detention Basin. While we are developing a long-term plan to improve the flood risk in this area, the assessments have indicated remediation works on the detention basin would be valuable. This work will lower the risk of damage to the detention basin embankment if the basin was to experience a significant rain event.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that Wollongong is a naturally flood prone area due to our city's unique geography.
"Thanks to the geography of the mountains and sea, many areas within the Wollongong Local Government Area are predisposed to flash flooding. This means that during big rain events, water can travel quickly down the escarpment towards the ocean," Cr Bradbery said.
"Council has, over a number of years, undertaken measures to reduce the impact of flooding on our community. This includes flood and floodplain management studies to look at how flood waters behave and how they affect the community.
"We also take practical measures such as building, upgrading and maintaining stormwater infrastructure, maintaining waterways, setting planning rules on new development as well as purchasing eligible properties that have a high flood risk."
From Monday 23 August, Council has been carrying out embankment scour protection and stormwater infrastructure replacement work at Barina Park Detention Basin. Works on this project is anticipated to finish by the end of October 2021, pending weather forecasts.
"We look after many sportsgrounds and parks across our city and Council will continue to invest in recreational facilities to meet the needs of our community. The current works on the Basin will have no impact on the long-term sporting capability of Barina Park," Cr Bradbery said.
"While work is underway on the Basin, there will be temporary access to allow vehicles to move between Barina Avenue and the construction area.
"Barina Park will also remain open during construction, but we ask you to follow safety signs, warnings and directions by construction staff when accessing this area. As always, please continue to follow the Public Health Order and stay COVID-safe when out and about in the community."
