It's been 7 years in the making but Federation Council is in the final stage of consultation for its Floodplain Risk Management Study.
After serious floods tormented Riverina communities in 2012, several local councils began investigating floodplain mitigation in their areas. Federation Council was no exception.
With funding assistance from state and federal government's, the last 7 years has seen the Federation Council consult with industry leaders, local residents and flood mitigation consultants to put together a comprehensive plan to address the issue.
Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke paid tribute to all those who have had an input into the process so far which is nearing its end.
"We've finally got to the asset build stage so we want the community to come in and make comments in their own towns," said Mayor Bourke.
"We're looking for that community input because the next step is design.
"We've all been waiting so long for it so I encourage people to get behind it so that we can push it forward into the final stage and get some protection from future floods".
Mayor Bourke said the wet start to the calendar year in the region has shown why this project is so important to the region.
"I'd have to say this year is shaping up very similar to 2012," said Mayor Bourke.
"The bottom of Lake Urana, 17,000 acres, is nearly covered (in water). We'll probably see a lot more water go in there between now and March/April.
"When it fills out there that's when you don't get a lot of air space out this way".
The plan is on public exhibition and is available for feedback from Wednesday 15 December 2021 until Wednesday 9 February 2022.
Community drop-in sessions will be held in each of the towns on the following dates:
Tuesday 1 February 2022
• Rand Recreation Ground – 10.00 am to 12 noon
• Oaklands Recreation Ground – 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm
• Urana Council Offices – 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm
Wednesday 2 February 2022
• Boree Creek Hall – 10.00 am to 12.00noon
• Morundah Paradise Palladium Theatre - 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm