Flood hazard on the Central Maitland flood plain, Lower Hunter Valley, NSW

Abstract

In the past a major characteristic of human response to floods has been the attempt to control flood flows by the construction of flood mitigation works. This solution when implemented in isolation without adequate reference to other adjustments and social considerations, can lead to an aggrevation of the flood problem by encouraging further invasion onto the floodplain. This impact of flood mitigation works is examined by a case study of the structural works designed to protect the urban area of Central Maitland in the Lower Hunter Valley, New South Wales. These structures are the most sophisticated set or flood mitigation works in Australia. The pattern of flood mitigation expenditure, flood damage and floodplain occupance in Central Maitland is examined from the early 1950’s to the present. Using data from aerial photographs, the census, landuse planning reports and a survey administered in the study area it is shown that the flood damage potential of the Central Maitland floodplain is rising as a result of the accumulation of material wealth, improvements to existing floodplain properties and new and expanded business development on the floodplain. An attempt is made to relate this encroachment to the increased public confidence generated by the flood mitigation works. Generally speaking the floodplain residents and businessmen with positive attitudes to the levees have also undertaken improvements to their floodplain properties, however, more research is required to completely validate this conclusion. The impact of floodplain encroachment in the residential area has been reduced by floodplain landuse zoning restrictions. The Central Maitland community’s perception and attitudes to the flood hazard and other flood adjustments to protect their area are also evaluated using the data from a large scale survey of residents and businessmen. The study is set within a framework of comprehensive adjustments to floods for the Central Maitland area and is one of the few areas in Australia that has almost the complete range of adjustments to deal with this problem. An outline of the present flood mitigation policy and the policy implications of the study completes the project. Show more