Residents in Newcastle's western suburbs are being invited to share their experiences of local flooding to help City of Newcastle develop an updated study to inform mitigation and management strategies for the area.
The Hexham and Woodberry Swamp Flood Study will increase City of Newcastle's understanding of flood behaviour and risk, enhance resident awareness and improve community resilience to flooding and climate change.
Feedback from the community will build on existing information to improve the accuracy and reliability of the study, which will be used to plan and prepare for flash flooding events and more effectively manage the risk to people and property.
City of Newcastle is partnering with Maitland City Council, Cessnock City Council and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to prepare the study, which will cover approximately 200 square kilometres of catchment incorporating the local town centres of Wallsend, Jesmond, Fletcher and Beresfield.
Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said the current work will update City of Newcastle's last flood study for the area.
"Since the last study was completed in 2008 there have been significant advances in flood modelling capability and remote sensing technology, as well as an increase in development across Newcastle," Ms Kikken said.
"The Newcastle Local Government Area was built on a low-lying floodplain and approximately 30% of current residential properties are impacted by flash flooding.
"It's not possible to stop significant flooding from occurring by simply widening channels or investing in larger pipes. Rebuilding the city's drainage system to accommodate flooding would require massive changes that would make many suburbs unrecognisable.
"For this reason, we are seeking to gain a better understanding of flash floods, including their depths, extent and hazards, as well as the impacts of climate change on flooding behaviour, to inform the most effective management strategies to deal with flood risk.
"We have already undertaken a similar study in the eastern section of the local government area, covering the Throsby, Styx and Cottage Creek catchment area.
"We will use information from both studies to guide flood mitigation and management measures."
The State Emergency Service (SES) is currently updating their Flood Emergency Management Plan across the western suburbs.
City of Newcastle will share the outcomes of this study with the SES, who will use it to assist with improving their emergency flood response.
Acting Northern Zone Commander Graeme Craig said NSW SES looks forward to the results of this study.
"It could help inform future plans and community preparedness ahead of flooding," Acting Commander Craig said.
"It is critical people understand their flood risk, and we will continue to work with local councils and the community."
The Hexham and Woodberry Swamp Flood Study is being delivered by City of Newcastle, with the support of a grant from the NSW Government's Floodplain Management program.
Maitland and Cessnock City Councils have also helped partially fund the study as its scope includes small sections of their LGAs.
Flood studies are prepared in accordance with the NSW Flood Risk Management Manual (2023) and Australian Rainfall and Runoff Guidelines (2019).
The community can contribute to the Hexham and Woodberry Swamp Flood Study by visiting the Have Your Say page and completing the online survey or by adding comments and photos to an interactive map.
