The New South Wales Government has announced $16.18 million in grants for floodplain management across the state.

 

The grants are being issued to 98 local councils and other authorities for priority projects to mitigate the risks and impacts of future flooding. The funding comes from the 2011-12 round of two programs, the NSW Floodplain Management Program and the Floodplain Risk Management Grants Scheme.

 

The New South Wales Government’s Floodplain Management Program aims to reduce the impact of flooding on communities while reducing the private and public losses resulting from floods.

 

The Floodplain Risk Management Scheme, which forms part of the Natural Disaster Resilience Program, aims to enhance local communities’ resilience against flooding, with a particular aim to reduce loss of life and property.

 

The risk management scheme is jointly funded by State and Federal Governments, and includes the following new funding:

 

• $500,000 to Hunter/Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority for flood mitigation works in the Hunter.
• $100,000 to Blacktown City Council for the Eastern Creek Floodplain Management Planning Study.
• $468,571 to Coonamble Council for investigation and design of a new levee for the town and to repair the High River Bank damaged during recent floods

 

Eligible councils will also be able to access a $1.5 million pool of funds for projects to purchase or raise properties that have been identified to be in areas of high flood risk.