FAQs

The Floodplain Risk Management Study identifies and evaluates measures that could be incorporated into the Floodplain Risk Management Plan which will aim to:

• reduce the risk and cost of flooding to the community
• assist with emergency management
• guide future development.

The process also looks at making the community more resilient including preparation, education and evacuation.

Undertaking this study and developing a plan is the second stage of our work, and in line with the NSW Government's Flood Risk Management Manual.

The first step was the Eastern Creek Flood Study, which was adopted by Council on 27 September 2023.

We will consider a range of options, including:

• flood modification measures such as levees, stormwater drainage upgrades, and channel improvements
• land use planning measures that manage development in flood-prone areas
• property modification measures like flood barriers
• response modification measures including enhanced flood warning systems and emergency response planning.

Similar flood mitigation measures, such as levees, improved drainage systems, and stricter land-use planning controls, have been effective in reducing flood risks in nearby local government areas such as Penrith, Fairfield, and Parramatta. 

Our study aims to identify solutions that are both feasible and effective for the Eastern Creek catchment, such as flood protection levees, flood detention basins, bypass floodways, bridge, culvert and channel amplifications, dams and dredging.

Unfortunately, no. Not all options will receive funding. The objective is to fund stormwater drainage and flood mitigation projects that can reduce flood risk. Council allocates funds to projects based on several criteria, including:

• whether the project is grant-funded
• the type of flooding the project addresses
• the level of risk mitigation
• improvements to community safety and amenities
• the cost-effectiveness of the solution
• environmental benefits
• social equity impacts.

Projects that meet these criteria and are approved will receive funding. The projects will become part of our Works Improvement Program, which details the future capital works we will undertake.

Your responses will help shape the Eastern Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan. 

All community feedback will be analysed and incorporated where possible. 

We will also ensure that any suggestions outside of our budget or scope are considered and addressed.

We are at the mitigation options stage for the Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan. After gathering feedback from this consultation, we will move to the detailed assessment phase for the study. The study will also serve as a basis for future grant applications to fund capital works related to flood mitigation. The final plan will likely be presented to the community in 2026.

Yes, once a draft of the Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan is available, we will conduct another round of community consultation, allowing you to provide further input before the plan is finalised.

The project has been jointly funded by Council and the NSW Government.