Types of flooding that may be experienced in our community include:
- River or stream flooding
- Overland flows – sheet flows from adjacent lands
- Stormwater systems overflows – due to blockage or capacity limitations
- Localised flooding on property – due to blocked pipes or capacity limitations in internal plumbing
Flooding can and does occur in both the Rural and Urban areas of the municipality.
The steep and undulating topography of the municipality and its main population centres, Burnie and Ridgely, means that generally flood events pass relatively quickly following a rain event.
As such the flood type can generally be called “Flash Flooding”
Generally past flooding histories provide knowledge of where a flood event may occur, however this knowledge may not adequately describe the extent of flooding.
Council has built a record over time of past flood events and has also undertaken a range of flood studies in the urban areas as means of improving its knowledge of flood risk and developing plans to reduce the level of risk to the community.
Floods studies have been carried out for the following catchments
- Romaine and Alexander creeks
- Whalebone creek
- Shorewell and Stoney creek
- Cooee creek
- Ocean vista drainage study
- Emu River flood study
- Ridgley Township drainage study
If you live is an area that is potentially impacted by flooding and wish further information contact council, or search for flood studies on The Australian Flood Risk Information Portal.
If you live close to a creek, river, major storm water drain or in a low‐lying area, you may be at risk from floods.
Even if your property is not inundated by floodwater you could become isolated, access to other areas might be cut and you could lose access to power and/or water.
Floods can pose a risk to your life. The major cause of death during floods is by people entering floodwater, that is driving, riding or walking through floodwater and also children playing in floodwater.
Floods also disrupt business and can affect communities.
If you live in an area prone to flooding it is important to prepare your family and property now before floods arrive.
If you have concerns about flooding refer to the Emergency Management page for information.
We’d like to clear up some common misunderstandings about water management:
Gully Pits and Heavy Rain: Gully pits are meant to handle "normal" rain. So, during heavy downpours, they might overflow. If your home is in a low-lying area, it's normal for water to overflow onto your property occasionally. It’s part of living in such areas, and as a landowner, it’s important to plan for this.
Rural Drainage Practices: In rural areas, it’s standard and legally permitted to direct drainage from the road to nearby properties. This is a typical part of rural living.
Groundwater Behavior: Groundwater, like a creek, flows naturally and can’t always be controlled. As landowners, it’s essential to consider this in your planning and design to ensure your drainage and structures work harmoniously with nature.
Understanding these aspects can help you better prepare and manage your property during different weather conditions. We're here to help if you have any questions or need advice!