Planning matrix

We’ve added a matrix for the Hewitts Creek Catchment into Chapter E13 of the Wollongong Development Control Plan PDF, 1824.81 KB. This helps people understand flood risks when they’re planning new development in the area.

Black Diamond Place detention basin

We’ve modified the layout of the Slacky Flat detention basin at the eastern end of Black Diamond Place, Bulli. This included closing an old spillway and adding a making a new one to direct overflowing water away from Beacon Avenue and back into Slacky Creek.

The Esplanade overland flow path

We reshaped and lowered part of the open space between The Esplanade and Flanagans Creek in Thirroul. This helps overflowing water drain towards Flanagans Creek to reduce shallow flooding in the recreation area and nearby properties.

Lachlan Street culvert improvements

We’ve done improvement works on the culvert under the road at Lachlan Street, Thirroul. This was to reduce blockage from debris and reduce water flowing over the road and entering properties. Work included:

• Adding gabion walls along both creek banks on the northern side of Lachlan Street
• Adding a concrete apron and wingwalls on the upstream side of the culvert
• Lowering the culvert headwall on the southern side of Lachlan Street
• Adding a concrete wingwall on the downstream face of the culvert
• Installing safety handrails and landscaping.

Corbett Avenue levee

We looked into creating a levee on the northern banks of Hewitts Creek in the Corbett Avenue / Hamilton Road area. However, the costs of the project outweighed the expected flood benefits, so this project is not going ahead.

Tramway Creek railway culvert

The area immediately upstream of the railway line embankment and Allenby Parade at Bulli is prone to flooding because the existing culvert is too small and easily blocked with debris.

We prepared a detailed design to upgrade the culvert so it could handle more water and be less likely to block. However construction work did not go ahead as the costs far outweighed the expected flood benefits.

Voluntary purchase

Three properties in this catchment were earmarked for a voluntary purchase scheme. We have bought and cleared two of those properties.