TAMWORTH council’s Bruce Logan said the risk to Dungowan Valley landholders had only come to light now because of technology advances in the past three decades.
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The last Dungowan Dam Break assessment was completed in 1984, but 30 years on a far more accurate assessment of resident safety is possible.
“Since then technology has improved, allowing a more accurate survey of the valley and catchments, more detailed rainfall analysis and more powerful computer-based flood modelling,” Mr Logan said.
He said the study results had not come as a complete surprise to the council though.
“Council was aware that there were some residences that were close to the Dungowan Creek and may be at risk in significant flood events,” Mr Logan said.
“The latest study confirmed this and detailed the extent of the risk.”
Community information sessions are being held tomorrow and on August 28 at the Dungowan Hall between 2.30pm and 7pm to explain the findings of the study and help residents identify whether their property will require a flood refuge or not.
Mr Logan said council’s community consultation would continue over the coming year.