Seaford rail (lower Onkaparinga River)
floodplain mapping project
The Seaford rail (lower Onkaparinga River)
catchment includes parts of the suburbs of Old
Noarlunga, Port Noarlunga, Port Noarlunga
South, Seaford, Seaford Meadows, Seaford
Heights and Seaford Rise. The catchment of the
Onkaparinga River extends upwards into the
Mount Lofty Ranges up to Birdwood. This study
focusses on the portion of the catchment and
floodplain from Old Noarlunga and downstream.
The Seaford rail (lower Onkaparinga River) flood
plain mapping study shows the one in one
hundred (1:100) year and one in twenty (1:20)
year floodplain for the major watercourses of the
Seaford rail (lower Onkaparinga River)
catchment. The maps reflect the estimated
extent and behaviour of potential floods arising
in the Seaford rail (lower Onkaparinga River)
catchment.
This will assist property owners, government
and council to better prepare for and manage
floods.
What is a floodplain?
A floodplain is an area of land subject to flooding
from creeks. Land along creeks is typically liable
to flooding. The floodplain can extend for a
considerable distance either side of creeklines.
One in one hundred (1:100 ARI) or 1% AEP
flood
The 1:100 year flood is an internationally
recognised statistical measure of extraordinary
flooding expected to occur, on average, once
every 100 years. The frequency (regularity) of
such a flood is expressed either as the average
recurrence interval (ARI) or likelihood per year
or years, or also as the percentage "chance" of
such a flood occurring or the Annual
Exceedence Probability (AEP). A 1:100 average
recurrence interval flood has a 1 % chance of
occurring in any year. As an alternative
example, statistically, a 1:1 ARI event has a
100% chance of occurring in any year.
However, rainfall and flooding is irregular and
we cannot predict the likelihood of when and
how often a flood will occur, if in fact, if it will
occur at all. It is also possible that flooding may
occur greater than that shown on the map, but
more or less frequently.
One in twenty (1:20 ARI) or 5% AEP flood
The 1:20 year flood is another recognised
standard measure of a large flood expected to
occur, on average, once every 20 years, or
alternatively, there is a 5% chance of this flood
occurring in any year. While still an exceptional
event, there is a higher chance of this flood
event occurring than the 1:100 year flood. Like
the 1:100 year flood, flooding is irregular and we
cannot predict the likelihood of when and how
often a flood will occur, if in fact, if it will occur at
all. It is also possible that flooding may occur
less than or greater than that shown on the map,
but less frequently.
What is a floodplain map?
A floodplain map shows the depth of water over
a certain area in a given rainfall event. The
floodplain map provides us with a guide for
future urban development and assists planning
to reduce and manage flood risk. It predicts the
extent of flooding under a given set of conditions
using the technology available. The map does
not affect the level of flooding over an area or
property.
How were the maps created?
We generated the maps using computer
modelling. This predicts how water from a series
of storms in rural and urban catchments will
affect the local creek system, based on the likely
volume of water and the ground level across the
catchment.
Data and models
The map detail is based on survey, flow, rainfall
and computer modelling (as at December 2010).
Wherever possible, the modelling is compared
with actual flow and rainfall records from
historical events to confirm reliability of the
model. However in many areas we do not have
this level of historical information.
It is important to note that there are limitations
and assumptions associated with the data and
the models. The extent of the flood shown on
Seaford rail (lower Onkaparinga River)
floodplain mapping project
this map cannot be regarded as exact
predictions.
Scope of mapping
The modelling and mapping does not deal with
the influence of local underground drainage
systems, or the smaller, local streams or
watercourses. However, land outside the flood
extent shown on this map can be affected by
larger storms or flooding from local drainage
systems which can occur as a result of localised
heavy rainfall or drain blockage.
Flood behaviour
Flooding is a natural event. A flood occurs when
a pipe, channel, or creek cannot carry the
volume of water entering from a catchment. This
results in floodwaters travelling across land,
threatening the safety of people and potentially
damaging property in the floodplain.
Storm durations
The duration of storms impacts on the extent of
flooding. Shorter, more intense storms produce
the greatest flows from urban areas. Longer but
less intense storms produce the greatest flow
from undeveloped natural and rural areas. The
flood map shown combines the outer (worse
case) flood extents from a range of simulated
storm events including short, heavy rain, and
long term, lighter rain. This means the extent of
flooding in a single flood event will vary across
the floodplain.
Being prepared
The flood depth zones on the 1:100 year and
1:20 year maps indicate that the most likely
flood hazards are along River Road and Gawler
Street, Port Noarlunga and in the township of
Old Noarlunga. Amendments to our new
development plan will show the flood extents
and new development in these areas may need
modified floor level heights or other flood
management controls in certain circumstances.
Flood inundation away from creeks is generally
shallow and a low hazard although even shallow
water can be a hazard if it is fast flowing.
Localised variation in flow can be influenced by
kerbs, the stormwater collection system, solid
fences, landscaping and buildings, and so care
should still be taken.
What to do in a flood
Walking or driving even in shallow flooding can
be dangerous. Please refer to the City of
Onkaparinga Flood Protection: prepare your
emergency floodplain brochure for information to
protect your safety during flooding.
Flood warnings
We are working with the Bureau of Meteorology
to improve flood warning systems throughout the
area. The Bureau will issue a range of warnings
depending on anticipated conditions. These
warnings will also trigger alarms to alert SES to
potential flooding. Up to date weather warnings
are provided on the Bureau of Meteorology
website at http://www.bom.ciov.au/sa/warninas
However, flooding may generate quickly along
some parts of the creeks on the floodplain and it
is not always possible to provide any warning.
Residents need to prepare an Emergency Flood
Plan to protect the safety of family members and
property.
Insurance
It is important to ask your insurance company
about flood insurance because some policies
may exclude some forms of flooding.
Property development and renovations on
the floodplain
We have placed controls in our development
plan to respond to the impact flooding will have
on public health and safety. If you are
considering building a new house, or renovating
an existing one, please discuss the options
available with our development duty officer
before committing to a project.
Further information
If you would like further information about the
floodplain mapping or if you have any questions
about property development please read our
frequently asked questions available in the
Community Safety section of our website
www.onkaparinflacity.com or contact our
Customer Relations team on 8384 0666.
Seaford rail (lower Onkaparinga River)
floodplain mapping project

Prepared with advice from the State Emergency

Service, the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges
Natural Resources Management Board and the
Bureau of Meteorology. Kellogg Brown and Root
developed up to date floodplain inundation and
hazard maps.

We produced this brochure on 8 July 2013. For

additional copies, please contact our Customer
Relations team on 8384 0666.
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