Managing slope instability hazards affecting local roads within the city of Wollongong

Wollongong has a spectacular setting on a narrow coastal plain between the Tasman Sea and the Illawarra Escarpment. Its temperate maritime climate in combination with this landscape periodically produces both short term intense rainfall and prolonged periods of high rainfall. A consequence of these rainfall events is that Wollongong is prone to most forms of slope instability but especially rockfalls, landslides and debris flows. Some form of slope instability has been recorded in almost every suburb of the city. The vast majority of these locations are within developed parts of the city. Their management is therefore of vital importance to all stakeholders. This paper discusses the role of Wollongong City Council in its management of slope instability as it affects its road assets.