Cessnock City Council is developing a Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan (FRMSP) for the Anvil Creek (Greta) and the Black Creek Nulkaba to Branxton (Stage 2) catchments.
The FRMSPs will identify flood risks and hazards, develop and assess flood mitigation strategies, and suitable actions to manage flood risk in these catchments. The FRMSPs will also include updates to previous flood studies, extending into new and existing residential areas and assessing known locations of high flood risk.
Cessnock City Council Mayor Jay Suvaal highlighted the importance of the FRMSPs in improving development planning in the catchment areas where significant development is occurring.
"As our communities continue to grow, it is crucial that we proactively manage flood risks to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our residents. The FRMSPs will provide us with valuable insights and strategies to mitigate flood risks and protect our communities," said Clr Suvaal.
The updated flood studies will provide important data on how floodwaters are likely to behave in the catchment areas and how flooding will affect the community, informing the development of appropriate flood mitigation strategies.
To help understand the impact of flooding on Greta and Black Creek areas, community members who live, work or visit Greta and Black Creek are encouraged to complete a short survey. The survey also asks community how they would prefer to receive information and be notified in a flood event and any suggestions on how the management of flooding in their local area can be improved.
The FRMSPs will also be publicly exhibited, allowing community members to provide their feedback and input, before being formally adopted. Mayor Suvaal encouraged residents to participate in the process and share their insights.
"Community engagement is a crucial part of the FRMSPs development process. We encourage all residents to be involved and provide their valuable input to help us make informed decisions and develop effective and appropriate flood management strategies for Greta and Black Creek," said Clr Suvaal.
To assist with determining flood risk, floor-level survey data of some residences in Greta and Black Creek will be captured. All impacted property owners and occupiers will be notified ahead of any survey activities.
Cessnock City Council is committed to proactively managing flood risks in the Anvil Creek and Black Creek Nulkaba to Branxton (Stage 2) catchments through the development of the FRMSPs, and looks forward to working collaboratively with the community and its stakeholders to ensure the safety and resilience of the region.
For more information and to complete the Greta or Black Creek survey, which closes on Saturday 9 August - please view our Together Cessnock page.
