University of NSW researchers have built a scale model of a 300-metre section of the Merewether flood plain as part of their investigation into floodwater dynamics.

The suburb was among the most severely affected by rising floodwater on evening of June 8, 2007.

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‘‘Mer ewether was very representative of urban flash-flooding; there was a lot of [water] flow between houses,’’ principle researcher Grantley Smith said.

Results from the $20million project will be used to inform government policies for planning and construction of housing and infrastructure and emergency response.

Mr Smith said the modelling gave researchers a crucial insight into flow behaviour and associated hazards such as rising water levels, water depth and velocity.

“The models often underpin development, infrastructure and urban planning decisions, determining where houses and buildings should be constructed in zones that may be at risk of flooding,” Mr Smith said.

“They can also influence evacuation and emergency response procedures.”

The research will be used in an overhaul of national rainfall and runoff guidelines, funded by the federal Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency.

Engineers Australia and Newcastle City Council are also partners in the project.

‘‘Any errors in the models can have serious implications,’’ Mr Smith said.

‘‘For instance, if flow speeds are underestimated then evacuation routes might be poorly mapped, inadvertently leading people into the pathway of treacherous water.’’