Overview
Waratah-Wynyard Council is undertaking stormwater system flood study work during 2026 to improve our understanding of stormwater behaviour and flood risk in parts of the municipality.
This work will focus on Sisters Beach, Boat Harbour and Somerset, and will help inform a prioritised Stormwater System Management Work Plan for Council.
Background
Council maintains a Stormwater System Management Plan in accordance with the Urban Drainage Act 2013. Council’s Urban Stormwater System Development Policy and Urban Stormwater Guidelines also provide the framework for how stormwater systems are planned and managed across the urban area.
This study forms part of Council’s broader, municipality-wide approach to understanding stormwater constraints, reducing flood risk and planning future improvements.
Why now
Council is updating the information it uses to understand how local stormwater networks perform, validate known flood issues and identify any additional flood risk areas.
Undertaking this work now will help Council make evidence-based decisions, better plan future works and prioritise investment where it will have the greatest benefit for the community.
Upcoming work
This year, Council has engaged specialist consultants to carry out survey and flood modelling work.
Survey activity will begin in Sisters Beach in the week starting Monday 23 March 2026, with similar work to follow in parts of Boat Harbour and Somerset during April and May 2026.
What residents can expect
Not all properties will need to be surveyed, and survey work does not mean a property is subject to flooding.
Surveyors may need access to property grounds and outside floor levels, but they will not require entry inside homes. Where possible, surveyors will knock on doors to advise of their presence and to seek any specific access permissions if needed.
What the study will deliver
The study will help Council to:
- Understand and resolve the suitability of existing Council stormwater/flood data;
- Validate, by modelling, known flood issues and highlight additional flood risk;
- Prepare flood maps, concept design flood solution maps and order of costings; and
- inform a Stormwater System Management Work Plan
Contact
For enquiries about the survey work, please contact Council.