Drainage questions answered

Questions about funding for Peninsula and Pretty Beach Drainage works have been answered in a report to Gosford Council.

Cr Vicki Scott had asked the Council's director of city services Mr Stephen Glen when funds, including $1 million earmarked for Peninsula drainage works and $100,000 for Pretty Beach drainage works, would be made available for the "badly needed drainage works in these areas".

The funds had previously been redirected to trunk drainage at Terrigal.

Mr Glen stated in a report that the money earmarked for the Peninsula drainage works was for works in the vicinity of Rawson Rd.

"Work has been delayed until completion of an investigation into the use of water sensitive urban design (WSUD) principles in the catchment," Mr Glen said.

"This investigation is proposed under a flood study and a floodplain risk management plan for the area, collectively referred to as the management plan.

"WSUD involves managing flooding and drainage issues with more natural techniques, like stormwater infiltration, and is expected to result in significant savings in drainage infrastructure costs."

Mr Glen said a grant had recently been obtained from the State Government to prepare a management plan covering this part of the Woy Woy Peninsula.

Mr Glen said the plan was expected to be completed by the middle of next year by the environment and planning directorate which was responsible for developing the floodplain management plans within the Gosford local government area.

Mr Glen also stated that the ongoing floodplain management study and plan for the Pretty Beach area was expected to be completed soon.

Preparation of the study and plan was funded jointly by the State Government and council.

"The plan will determine the exact nature of the options and measures required to manage flooding and drainage in the area," Mr Glen said.

"All physical mitigation measures provided in the plan will require detailed design and construction with the assistance of government grants."

A recent funding offer from the State Government of $200,000 had been accepted for the construction works.

Mr Glen said council funds of $100,000 would be required to match the grant offer prior to work commencing, and a recommendation on a suitable source of funding would be made to council.

Mr Glen said construction work was expected to commence later this year.

Council agenda Q.128, January 10