Gunnedah Shire Council is inviting residents to provide feedback on the Draft Blackjack Creek Flood Study Update, which is now on public exhibition.
The draft study has been prepared to better understand Blackjack Creek flooding behaviour, including major overland flow and will help inform future flood risk management planning across the Gunnedah Shire.
The study defines flood behaviour including flood levels, flow paths and velocities for events ranging from a 20 per cent to 0.2 per cent Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP), as well as the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF).
The update represents the first and second stages of the flood risk management process for Blackjack Creek and will act as a precursor to a future Blackjack Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan and/or wider Gunnedah Shire Floodplain Studies and Plan.
"Despite its technical detail, the study contains findings that may be relevant to Gunnedah residents, particularly households located within the Blackjack Creek floodplain and outer floodplain," Mr O'Mullane said.
Council is encouraging residents to review Figure 6.23 - Interim Flood Planning Area, Mainstream Flooding and Major Overland Flow Affected Areas.
"The study reflects changes in the flood behaviour, including the impacts of overland flow and works previously completed to Blackjack Creek" Mr O'Mullane said.
"While the document contains a significant amount of technical information, Figure 6.23 is particularly relevant for residents to review."
The study has been developed in line with the NSW Government's Flood Prone Land Policy and the NSW Flood Risk Management Manual (2023). It is jointly funded by Council and the NSW Government through the Floodplain Management Program.
Mr O'Mullane said the project forms part of a broader program of flood studies.
"This project is part of a wider plan of works, which will include updating the Carroll to Gunnedah Flood Study," he said.
"The information gathered through these studies will inform the next stage of flood risk management planning, where Council will examine practical measures and planning options to work towards reducing flood risk for residents, businesses and infrastructure across the Shire."
The Draft Blackjack Creek Flood Study Update is on public exhibition at Council's office at 63 Elgin Street or click here to view online. Submissions should be received no later than 5pm on Wednesday, 29 April, 2026.
Caption: Council is encouraging residents to review Figure 6.23 - Interim Flood Planning Area, Mainstream Flooding and Major Overland Flow Affected Areas. The full figure can be viewed in the Draft Blackjack Creek Flood Study Update:
