There’s a controversial plan for Warragamba Dam — some say it could have slowed Sydney’s floods

The flood emergency in Sydney’s west has raised questions about whether more could have been done to alleviate the risks.

Warragamba Dam began to spill on Saturday, causing major flooding issues for Western Sydney suburbs like Penrith, as well as impacts downstream for Windsor, Richmond and surrounding areas where evacuations are taking place.

It’s sparked renewed interest in a controversial plan to raise the wall of the dam by up to 17 metres. 

What is the proposal?

Warragamba Dam is the main water supply for Greater Sydney and the NSW government wants to raise its wall by 14m, with 17m abutments at either end.

It would mean additional water could be held back in a large rain event, like what’s currently happening. It would not be for…