Flood studies and management plans help to understand and effectively address the risks associated with flooding in a given area. These studies and management plans serve several crucial purposes:

1. Risk Assessment: A detailed assessment of flood hazards, including the analysis of historical flood data, topography, hydrology, and hydraulic modeling. This information helps identify flood-prone areas and the potential impact of different flood scenarios.
2. Public Safety: Understanding flood risks is paramount for ensuring the safety of residents and communities. By identifying high-risk areas, councils can develop strategies to minimize the threat to public safety during flood events.
3. Infrastructure Planning: Help in the planning and development of critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, utilities, and drainage systems. Designing infrastructure that can withstand or mitigate flood impacts is crucial for long-term community resilience.
4. Land-Use Planning: Inform land-use planning and development regulations. Zoning and construction guidelines can be adjusted to prevent or minimize building in high-risk flood areas, reducing property damage and potential loss of life.
5. Emergency Response Planning: Contribute to more effective emergency response planning. Authorities can prepare evacuation plans, establish emergency shelters, and ensure that emergency services are well-equipped to handle flood-related situations.
6. Environmental Protection: Understanding the impact of flooding on local ecosystems is important for preserving the environment. Floodplain management studies can suggest ways to minimize environmental damage during floods.
7. Community Awareness: Council shares these documents with the public to raise awareness about flood risks. Informed residents are better prepared and more likely to take preventive measures.
8. Funding and Grants: Many grants and funding opportunities from government bodies or agencies require updated floodplain management studies and plans as part of the application process.
9. Legal and Regulatory Requirements: There are many laws and regulations in place to ensure responsible and sustainable development. Council’s Flood Studies, Floodplain Studies, and Floodplain Risk Management Plans have been created to comply with NSW State Government policies.