The new plan outlines a range of measures to manage flooding issues within the Hewitts Creek catchment
Key points:
- The study provides updated flood risk data and program of works around creeks in Bulli and Thirroul
- The 7.8 km² catchment area includes Hewitts, Slacky, Tramway, Woodlands, and Thomas Gibson Creeks, and extends from the escarpment to Thirroul and Sandon Point Beaches.
- Measures identified include drainage and flood modification works, additional vegetation management and levee construction, and community education and awareness programs.
Wollongong City Council has adopted a new floodplain management plan for the Hewitts Creek catchment within Thirroul and Bulli, outlining a range of measures to manage flooding issues.
Replacing the previous study and plan adopted in 2002, the Hewitts Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan (FRMSP) provides a fresh risk assessment and a prioritised program of flood mitigation measures to inform future works within our Infrastructure Delivery Program and applications for funding support.
The 7.8 km² catchment area includes Hewitts, Slacky, Tramway, Woodlands, and Thomas Gibson Creeks, and extends from the escarpment to Thirroul and Sandon Point Beaches.
Measures identified include drainage and flood modification works, additional vegetation management and levee construction, as well as updates to emergency management plans and community education and awareness programs. Updated flood data will also be implemented in Council's planning processes for the catchment area.
The FRMSP is part of Council's broader approach to managing flood risk and flood response that requires collaboration with the community and all levels of government to consider risks across our entire Local Government Area and reduce the impact of flooding on communities.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said it's vitally important that floodplain Risk studies and plans are prepared to guide the delivery of improvements specific to each catchment.
"Our community is well-attuned to the impacts flooding can have on homes and businesses, particularly since the major flood event we experienced in 2024" Cr Brown said.
"Sitting between the ocean and the escarpment makes Wollongong the wonderful place it is, but it does leave areas of our city vulnerable to flooding. This is why it is so important that we not only respond effectively to flooding events but also continue investing in long-term flood resilience.
"These floodplain management studies ensure flood modelling is accurate and up to date, and that our flood mitigation infrastructure equipped to handle future flooding events.
"This plan outlines future projects that can be delivered through our Infrastructure Delivery Program, but also important community education initiatives. Less than half the creeks within our LGA are located on public land, so landowners have a large role to play with us in managing flood risk.
"These plans guide how we go about that, but it's also important to note that this long-term planning is occurring alongside essential works responding to past events. I'm pleased to say that we have completed more than 70 per cent of identified recovery works following the April 2024 flood across the LGA and that includes the completion of 25 of 26 projects within the Hewitts Creek catchment."
The Hewitts Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan (2026) has been developed with cooperation and support from a wide range of stakeholders, NSW Government agencies, and community members, with endorsement from the Floodplain Risk Management Committee – Northern Area.
Now adopted, the Hewitts Creek FRMSP will be made publicly available via the NSW Flood Data Portal, supporting improved understanding of flood behaviour and risk, and more informed decision-making for the Hewitts Creek catchment.
Information and resources regarding flood risk and flood mitigation measures are available on Council's website: Flood Information | City of Wollongong
