Adapting Swansea: Planning for future flood risks

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Council adopted the Local Adaptation Plan for Pelican, Blacksmiths, Swansea, Swansea Heads and Caves Beach on 25 October 2021. You can view the Council report here.

You can view the Local Adaptation Plan webpage for more information.

Local adaptation planning assists coastal communities that may be vulnerable to flooding and tidal inundation impacts as sea and lake levels rise. Swansea has future flood and coastal risks unique to the area.

Planning to adapt communities over time to mitigate future flood risks allows local residents and businesses to assess the risks early, tailor adaptation options to meet local needs and act when and where necessary. We are working together to keep our community safe now and in the future. Decisions we make can have lasting impacts. Many of the new roads, drains and homes built today will likely still be around in 50 to 100 years, so we need to plan for the future now.

This page has online resources that will keep you up to date with the development of this local adaption plan and we encourage you to provide your feedback or ask a question.

Council adopted the Local Adaptation Plan for Pelican, Blacksmiths, Swansea, Swansea Heads and Caves Beach on 25 October 2021. You can view the Council report here.

You can view the Local Adaptation Plan webpage for more information.

Local adaptation planning assists coastal communities that may be vulnerable to flooding and tidal inundation impacts as sea and lake levels rise. Swansea has future flood and coastal risks unique to the area.

Planning to adapt communities over time to mitigate future flood risks allows local residents and businesses to assess the risks early, tailor adaptation options to meet local needs and act when and where necessary. We are working together to keep our community safe now and in the future. Decisions we make can have lasting impacts. Many of the new roads, drains and homes built today will likely still be around in 50 to 100 years, so we need to plan for the future now.

This page has online resources that will keep you up to date with the development of this local adaption plan and we encourage you to provide your feedback or ask a question.

  • Community input sought for Swansea Local Adaptation Plan

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    Community input is being sought to develop an adaptation plan for flooding in Swansea.

    The process of formulating a Local Adaptation Plan for the waterfront suburb begins on Saturday with the first in a series of community drop-in sessions, at Swansea Markets.

    Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Planning and Sustainability, Alice Howe, said the plan would outline ways to allow people to live and build in Swansea as lake and sea levels continue to rise.

    “Similar Local Adaptation Plans have already been successfully introduced or are under development in other parts of our City and Swansea is the next low-lying area to be addressed,” Dr Howe said.

    “We need to take the lead in preparing for the likely the impacts of climate change. This is particularly important in low-lying suburbs like Swansea.”

    More than 5000 people live in Swansea, according to the 2016 Census. The suburb’s flat topography means it is already susceptible to inundation during king tides and severe storm events, and after extreme rainfall.

    Dr Howe said community input into the Local Adaptation Plan was crucial to determine the best outcomes for local people.

    “New roads, drains and homes built today will likely be around for at least 50 years, so we have to plan for the future now,” Dr Howe said.

    “We want to hear from the local community about their experiences and ideas, and we encourage them to share their local knowledge and any photos that might be relevant.”

    A community workshop will be held 6pm-8.30pm, Tuesday 14 August at the Swansea Centre, 222 Pacific Highway.

    Residents can also complete a survey on the subject.

    Dr Howe said Local Adaptation Plans stemmed from Council’s Lake Macquarie Flood Risk Management Study and Plan, adopted in 2012.

    “This document recommended development of specific Local Adaptation Plans to address flood risks in each low-lying area around the lake,” Dr Howe said.

    “Local government is responsible for managing local flood risks in NSW, so we must take action accordingly.”

    “The Swansea Local Adaptation Plan will identify achievable and affordable actions to prepare for and respond to increased levels of flooding and sea level rise expected in the future.”

    Lake Macquarie’s first Local Adaptation Plan covered Marks Point and Belmont South. A second plan is underway for Pelican and Blacksmiths.

    Swansea Local Adaptation Plan Community Drop In Sessions

    Saturday 28 July 8am-noon: Swansea Markets, Quinn Park, Swansea

    Thursday 2 August 3-5pm: Swansea Public School Hall, Rawson Street, Swansea

    Saturday 4 August 9.30-11.30am: Outside Coles, Pacific Highway, Swansea

    Thursday 9 August 5-7pm: Outside Woolworths, Josephson Street, Swansea