Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) is continuing to work with Martens & Associates on the masterplan for Muttama Creek.
The creek was inspected by CGRC staff and personnel from the design team (including Martens) in late May to inspect the current creek condition (including its flow pattern), assess potential flood mitigation works within the creek corridor and discuss issues in relation to gaining permits from various government departments including The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Primary Industries, Crown Lands, NSW Office of Water, Department of Planning, Industry, Environment (DPIE), for the creek’s improvement.
Martens will continue to undertake flood modelling of proposed flood mitigation works aimed at reducing existing flood affectation and minimising any potential offsite flood impacts. The flood mitigation works will be detailed in a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) prepared for Council’s consideration. The location of services, stormwater flow and other influences involving the creek are currently being undertaken alongside the flood modelling.
CGRC called for early public submissions which were received by Martens’ Project Manager. The submissions overwhelmingly called for flood mitigation, other submissions requested that environmental factors be considered and recreational spaces to be implemented.
The flood mitigation works design and REF are expected to be completed in late-June. Once finalised, the masterplan, including flood mitigation works, and REF will be placed on public exhibition and an opportunity to provide comments will be provided.
Under a pre-existing approval by several NSW Government departments, Council has commenced cleaning out the creek 10 metres either side of culverts and bridges. Under this approval the maximum area that Council is permitted to maintain is 10 metres upstream and downstream of the structures.
Picture and caption:
CGRC teams have cleaned out Muttama Creek 10 metres either side of the Sheahan Bridge in Parker Street. This approved work will continue along Council structures. Cumbungi grass will be cut down low and removed. More work will be focussed on the area behind the Cootamundra Ex-Services Club.
