The issue
Narrandera has faced significant challenges due to severe flooding, particularly the events of August and September 2022, where the flood reached the major height category, peaking at 8.495m. The highest flood recorded is 8.996m in 1974, followed by 8.989m in 2012. The flooding in Narrandera caused extensive damage to infrastructure, farmlands and residential properties. The community’s resilience was tested, and the need for effective flood management and recovery strategies again become evident.
The Landcare NSW People Led prevention project allowed Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc. to actively engage the community in conversations on resilience against natural disasters. This co-designed workshop aimed to understand and explore the challenges faced by households and landowners in preparing for flood disasters.
The solution
Landcare NSW and NSW Reconstruction Authority provided funding through the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund which allowed Murrumbidgee Landcare Incorporated to host a flood resilience workshop. Multiple organisations were part of the workshop, including:
- NSW State Emergency Service provided a demonstration of utilising sandbags effectively. This included the positioning of the sandbags, the amount of sand required for a sandbag and utilising plastic to reinforce the barrier.
- Riverina Local Land Services shared knowledge about Wetland and Land management.
- Charles Sturt University discussed riparian vegetation, its benefits, how to assess what riparian vegetation may be on a property and ways it can be protected, enhanced or revegetated.
- Soil Conservation Service provided information on river rehabilitation, and the importance of erosion control.
The impact
Landowners were provided with techniques and acquired knowledge that enhances their preparedness and resilience against flooding.
Participants are equipped flood risk management measures like stabilising creek banks, revegetation, and habitat restoration.
Participants were taught effective sandbagging skills; sandbagging for risk mitigation includes physical preparation and correct placement to enhance the function of sandbags.
The organisations and participants involved have increased their network and showcased their respective strengths and resources in preparing for flood events.
Case Study 1-9 An Autumn workshop on flood preparedness and bank stabilisation at Allandale