Flooding in Moss Vale is under the microscope, with a new study finding more than 30 homes at risk of above-floor flooding.

Complaints from residents about backyards constantly under water and damaged after heavy rains led to a flood study of Wembley Road and Farnborough Drive catchment areas.

According to the report, residents most at risk are those in Wembley Road, James Street, Watkins Drive, Headlam Road, sections of Farnborough Drive and Windsor Crescent and downstream of Woodville Road and Narellan Road.

It found 24 homes were at risk of above-floor flooding based on computer simulations of a one-in-five year flood, and 34 homes were at risk of the same during a one-in-100 year flood.

During the study, carried out by Catchment Simulation Solutions on behalf of council, a questionnaire was sent to more than 500 households. A total of 90 responses were received and more than half indicated they had experienced some sort of flood impact while living in the catchment areas.

“Several residents also provided photographs of past floods which helped to reinforce the magnitude of flooding that has been experienced at specific locations across both catchments,” the report said.

Future development in the area could worsen the existing problem, according to the study which also provided potential solutions to be considered by council. Options included drainage, culvert and channel upgrades, removal of vegetation and the construction of a detention basin upstream of the Illawarra Highway.

Council has asked residents to provide comment on the draft study, which went on public exhibition from June 16.

Wembley Road resident and active campaigner Edna Carmichael said she was impressed by the flood study which she said identified “a serious need for proper, adequate measures to be put in place by council”.

“Even under a small storm event, the report showed 50 per cent of existing drains were at capacity. So in a large storm there’s no room left for the drains to be able to cope with it,” she said.

Ms Carmichael called for residents to make their voices heard.

“Sadly major flooding is not contained to this area, and council needs to be far more responsible about this issue because they do get lots of complaints and freak storms aren’t as uncommon as they once were,” she said.

“Any of the 512 people given a questionnaire and nominated as being in jeopardy in a large storm need to make a submission so council is fully aware and can address the needs of this area. We need council to allocate the appropriate funds to put in place the improvements identified in the report as being necessary.”

The draft flood study can be viewed at Moss Vale, Bowral and Mittagong libraries, the Moss Vale Civic Centre or online at www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/development/whats-on-public-exhibition. Submissions must be received by council no later than 4pm on Monday, July 17 by email to mail@wsc.nsw.gov.au or in writing to Wembley Road and Farnborough Drive overland Flow Study, Wingecarribee Shire Council, PO Box 141, Moss Vale NSW 2577.

For additional information on the draft flood study contact Council’s consultant, Mr David Tetley, on phone (02) 8355 5501 or via email at dtetley@csse.com.au. Alternatively, contact council's floodplain and stormwater engineer, Mr Sha Prodhan, on 4868 0888 or sha.prodhan@wsc.nsw.gov.au.