Floodplain Management

Flooding is a natural part of the Gunnedah Shire landscape and can affect communities, property, infrastructure, agriculture and the environment. Gunnedah Shire Council plays an important role in managing flood risk through strategic planning, land use controls, flood studies and floodplain risk management plans.

Working in partnership with the NSW Government and local communities, Council seeks to minimise the impacts of flooding by improving understanding of flood behaviour, supporting informed development decisions and promoting community awareness and preparedness. This page provides access to floodplain management plans, studies and resources that help guide development and flood risk management across the Shire.

Flood Risk Management Committee

The Gunnedah Shire Flood Risk Management Committee provides a forum for collaboration between Council, government agencies, emergency services and community representatives on flood risk management matters. The Committee guides the development and implementation of flood studies, flood risk management plans and mitigation strategies to help reduce flood impacts across the Shire.

For information on the Committee's role, membership and responsibilities, please refer to the Flood Risk Management Committee Terms of Reference.

Gunnedah Shire Floodplain Management

Floodplain management plans help guide flood risk management and land use planning across the Shire. Relevant plans and supporting documents are available below for reference.

EPBC Act 2023

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act is the Australian Government’s principal environmental legislation. EPBC Act compliance ensures that Council projects and activities are assessed for potential impacts on nationally significant environmental values, including threatened species, ecological communities, migratory species and protected habitats. Where required, Council undertakes environmental assessments and obtains the necessary approvals to meet its obligations under the Act.

Blackjack Creek Flood Study

Blackjack Creek - Flood Mitigation Project

The Blackjack Creek Flood Study investigates flood behaviour within the Blackjack Creek catchment, identifying flood extent, depth and flow characteristics during a range of flood events. The study provides the technical information needed to support flood risk management, land use planning, infrastructure decisions and community resilience within the affected areas.