Camden Council is calling on residents, businesses and landowners to share their experiences of past flood events as part of an important project to improve flood emergency planning across the Camden area.
Council is preparing an addendum to the Nepean River Flood Risk Management Study and Plan to better understand how local creek flooding and overland flow can affect evacuation routes before and during major Nepean River flood events.
Unlike river flooding, localised flash flooding can occur rapidly following intense rainfall, often with little warning. Fast-rising floodwaters from creeks and overland flow paths can inundate roads and properties and may cut off key evacuation routes before river levels begin to rise.
The project will focus on faster-responding local catchments, including Narellan Creek, Matahil Creek, Sickles Creek, Navigation Creek and Spring Creek, which affect communities including Camden, Cobbitty, Narellan, Spring Farm, Mount Annan and Elderslie.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, said community feedback would play a vital role in helping Council and emergency services better prepare for future flood events.
"Many residents experienced the impacts of flooding firsthand during the 2022 flood events, with some communities required to evacuate multiple times and often with very little notice," she said.
"As Camden continues to grow, it is essential that our flood emergency planning keeps pace with the needs of our community and reflects the realities people have experienced on the ground.
"We know there is nothing like local knowledge. Residents and businesses can provide valuable insights into where roads became impassable, where evacuation was difficult and how flooding affected access to homes, services and emergency routes.
"This information will help improve emergency planning, identify potential risks and support safer evacuation arrangements during future flood events."
The Camden area is one of Australia's fastest-growing regions, with the population expected to more than double by 2036. Understanding how flooding may affect both existing and emerging communities is critical to ensuring the safety and resilience of residents.
Council is seeking information on:
- Roads, bridges and intersections that were cut off during flood events;
- Difficulties evacuating or accessing properties;
- Areas where people became isolated;
- Locations where emergency services experienced access challenges; and
- Photos, videos or records of past flooding.
Residents can attend the drop-in session on Tuesday 22 September, 1-3pm, at Narellan Library (Red Gum Meeting Room) to find out more about the project.
Residents can complete the questionnaire online or obtain a hard copy from Camden Council's Administration Building or Camden, Narellan and Oran Park Libraries by Wednesday 30 September.
As the project progresses, Council will continue to engage with the community through newsletters, website updates, public exhibition of the draft study and a community information session.
The study is being supported by the NSW Government's Floodplain Risk Management Program.
For more information, and to have your say, visit https://yourvoice.camden.nsw.gov.au/%21drafts/addendum-nepean-river-study-2026
