Muttama Creek in March 2023 after storms delivered 90 mm overnight. The resulting water level rises and flash flooding took the townspeople by surprise and now Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council has a three-pronged approach to mitigating further risk. Photo: Steph Cooke.
Major flooding in October 2022 and March 2023 has prompted Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council [CGRC] to push ahead with three projects focused on Muttama Creek in Cootamundra.
The projects, aimed at improving the town’s flood readiness, assessing future mitigation options and setting a long-term vision for the creek corridor, have been welcomed by the community in the wake of the 2024 local government election when it emerged as a hot button issue.
According to the council, many residents were caught off guard during the recent floods, prompting calls for better warning systems and clearer plans.
It say thes projects represent a coordinated response to those concerns and align with the council’s long-term approach to flood management and community safety.
The first project involves a comprehensive review of the Cootamundra flood warning system.
The review – designed to improve the system’s accuracy and timeliness and reduce the risk to life and property – will look at how warnings are developed and delivered, the use of rainfall and river data, flood mapping and how to better predict and communicate flood threats.
Consultants Water Technology have been appointed to carry out the work, which is being funded through a grant.
Residents and ratepayers are invited to attend a community consultation drop-in centre to review the current flood warning system for Cootamundra and recommend improvements for subsequent implementation.
The drop-in sessions will run from 3 to 6 pm on 13 August in the Stephen Ward Rooms at the Cootamundra Library.
The second project involves a feasibility study to assess potential flood mitigation infrastructure, including a levee or detention basin.
While funding is still to be secured for construction, council says grant funding was secured to conduct the study which it says is a critical first step in identifying what might be possible.
Cumulus Engineering has been engaged to carry out the assessment which will examine the technical, environmental and financial aspects of potential options.
Council says updates will be shared with the public as the study progresses.
The third project is the continuing development of a masterplan for Muttama Creek which will provide a long-term framework for managing the creek and its surrounds, balancing flood control, environmental health, recreation and future development.
Council is working with engineering firm Marten’s & Associates to develop the plan, with site inspections already underway.
Early public submissions have strongly called for flood mitigation to be prioritised, while others have highlighted the need to consider environmental factors and include recreational spaces.
Online questionnaires and further feedback opportunities will be rolled out in the coming months as part of continued community consultation.
Meanwhile council has already begun work on clearing the creek 10 metres either side of culverts and bridges with work either side of Sheahan Bridge in Parker Street already completed.
According to CGRC Mayor Abb McAlister this preapproved work, including the slashing and removal of highly invasive Cumbumgi grass, will continue along council structures with land behind Cootamundra Ex-Services Club now in its sights.
Cr McAlister said the creek had been a long-running issue for the town and urged locals to take part in shaping its future.
“The issue of Muttama Creek in Cootamundra has been contentious and, during flooding events, caused significant damage,” he said. “Council is taking a holistic approach to develop a complete masterplan for the creek that will provide a long-term overview and plan for future management and development.”
Cr McAlister said the upcoming drop-in sessions and future surveys were an important opportunity for the community to be involved.
Council is encouraging residents to attend the session in August and take part in future consultation to help shape decisions that will affect Cootamundra for years to come.
