What is the purpose of the LT Creek Floodplain Risk Management Plan?

    Once finalised, the Plan will assist Council in planning and managing existing and future flood risks.

    The draft Plan identifies and assesses the flood management options available, potential economic or ecological costs and potential impacts of flooding on local properties.

    It ranks the various available flood risk management measures and provides recommendations and a guide for completion.

    How can I provide my feedback?

    Please complete an online submission form located on the project page, shape.lakemac.com.au/LT-creek-flood-planning

    Or send written correspondence to Council, LT Creek Flood Planning, Locked Bag 1906, Hunter Region MC, NSW 2310.

    What is public exhibition?

    The Council endorses the public exhibition of draft strategies and plans to give our community an opportunity to provide feedback before the documents are finalised and adopted by the Council.

    What does this plan mean for dredging LT Creek?

    The modelling undertaken to prepare the Plan identifies that dredging of LT Creek does not assist in reducing flooding impacts, and hence dredging is not recommended as a flood mitigation action.  However, Council has been working to secure funding for dredging work for the purpose of environmental improvements, and will continue to seek funding from the NSW government to enable dredging works to occur.

    What is the effect of lake flooding and sea level rise?

    Once finalised, this Floodplain Risk Management Plan is to address flooding from the LT Creek Catchment. Low-lying properties in the study area may also be affected by flooding from the Lake Macquarie waterway, which may slowly increase as sea levels rise.  Further details are provided on page 33 and figures 7 and 7A of the report.

    How was the LT Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study used in the development of the Plan?

    Last year, a Floodplain Risk Management Study was completed for the area. The Study identified and assessed the flood management options available, potential economic or ecological costs and potential impacts of flooding on local properties.

    The Plan was developed based on the investigations and outcomes of the Study.

    What is the purpose of the LT Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study?

    The main purpose of the LT Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study was to identify and evaluate potential management options for current flooding risks in the LT Creek catchment. We have reviewed and updated the findings of earlier studies using flood the latest modelling methods adopted by the Bureau of Meteorology and community input. The preparation of the Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan is the final step in the flood management process and once finalised and adopted will guide Council's actions and future planning.

    How was the Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan undertaken?

    Council engaged specialist consultant WMAwater, to undertake the Floodplain Risk Management Study and prepare the draft Plan for LT Creek at Fassifern.

    What did the 2011 Flood Study tell us?

    The 2011 flood study found that no houses would be inundated by a 1% AEP (1 in 100 year) flood event, although certain properties would be affected. This study looked at current flood risks and the affect of sea level rise to the area. Please refer to the 2011 flood study report for more detailed information.

    Who can I contact for more information?

    Greg Jones, Council's Senior Sustainability Officer (Natural Disaster Management)

    Phone: 02 4921 0333 or email: [email protected]

    What are the next steps?

    Feedback on the draft LT Creek Floodplain Risk Management Plan will be reported and appropriately incorporated into the final draft submitted to Council for endorsement. Once endorsed, Council Officers will implement the Plan.