Developing an updated Flood Risk Management Plan for Maitland

The most recent Floodplain Risk Management Study for Maitland was completed in 2015 and covered the entire Hunter River floodplain.

In recent years, Maitland has been impacted by flood events, most notably in July 2022. New modelling and an updated Floodplain Risk Management Study will allow Maitland City Council to more effectively and accurately identify flood risk, anticipate impacts and assess management options into the future.

Local knowledge is vital in understanding the behaviour and effects of flooding and will help Maitland City Council better understand how floods happen in the catchment and allow for better management of flood hazards.

To shape the next Floodplain Risk Management Plan, we spoke with community between February to April 2025 to better understand the level of flood awareness and preparedness, and to investigate flood management options. We're currently reviewing your data to develop the plan.

The preferred flood mitigation strategies our community thinks Council should address or do more of include:

• Construction and maintenance of flood mitigation structures like levee banks and drainage. structures
• Strategic flood planning and other flood-related development controls
• Flood education and more engagement with local communities.

What are community are doing or believe they can do better to prepare for floods:

• Reduce property risks, by purchasing insurance, and buying homes outside of flood-prone areas
• Flood readiness, through things like stockpiling food and supplies
• Flood safe practice, through self-education on risks and what to do in an event of an emergency