Flood Risk Management Working Group

Established by committee: Environment and Sustainability Committee – 2 September 2025
Functional alignment: Works and Civil

Purpose

In general terms, this group oversees the development and implementation of Clarence Valley Council's Flood Risk Management Studies (FRMS) and Plans (FRMP).

The objective of a FRMS is to identify and assess flood risk management options in consideration of the social, ecological and economic factors relating to flood risk. Following the FRMS, a FRMP is prepared to document the preferred options and implementation will follow after the FRMP has been publicly exhibited and adopted by Council.

The working group will assist and provide strategic advice to Council on the development and implementation of flood risk management studies, plans and related policies within the Clarence Valley LGA, in accordance with the New South Wales Flood Risk Management Manual 2023. It will consider a variety of viewpoints on flood risk management matters, which are representative of the broader community, and distil them into the development and implementation of flood risk management studies and plans. The group will also provide an effective link between Council, other government agencies, industry and community on flood risk management study and plan matters.

Alignment to Community Strategic Plan (CSP)

"The Clarence 2035" 

Theme: Infrastructure – Infrastructure and facilities that are safe, accessible and serve the needs of the Clarence.

Relevant objectives:

• A safe, connected and accessible road network
• Floodplain and drainage infrastructure are maintained in a way that improves amenity and liveability.
• Impact of natural disasters and environmental conditions on infrastructure is minimised.
  
  

Membership

The membership of the Working Group should be a balanced representation of stakeholders including agencies, groups and/or individuals affecting, affected by or coordinating flood risk management. The following voting membership shall be sought:

(i) One (1) Clarence Valley Councillor (as nominated by Council) who will be the Chairperson of the Working Group.

(ii) Up to eight (8) community and industry representatives of the Clarence Valley. Representatives shall be sought from a variety of geographic areas of the Clarence Valley catchment area. Community representatives may include relevant industry bodies (e.g. Chambers of Commerce), environmental groups, or flood affected residential and business landholders.

(iii) Up to two (2) representatives from NSW State Emergency Service (SES).

(iv) Up to three (3) First Nations representatives. Representatives shall be to be sought from across the three nations – Yaegl, Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr.

Members will be appointed based on their representation, experience, expertise and awareness of flooding and the principles and issues of flood risk management. Voting members must submit an expression of interest to be appointed to the Working Group.

Meeting Schedule

The Working Group will meet at least twice per year.

Governance 

• Terms of Reference(PDF, 111KB)
• Code of Conduct
  
  

Want to join the working group?

If you're interested in joining the Flood Risk Management Working Group and have any questions, please contact executivesupport@clarence.nsw.gov.au.