FAQs

The following flood studies have already been prepared:

• Greta Flood Study was previously prepared for flood behaviour in the Anvil Creek catchment by WMA Water in 2019. Engagement for the updated study began in 2023.
• Black Creek Flood Study - was prepared by WMAWater in 2015 and defined flood behaviour in the lower Black Creek catchment. Engagement for the updated study began in 2023.
• Hexham and Woodberry Swamp Catchment Flood Study is currently in development and open for community consultation on their flooding experiences in the Cessnock relevant suburbs of Stockrington and Black Hill. Consultation closes on Thursday 21 August 2025.
• Other relevant Flood Studies for Cessnock City Council are available on Council's webpage here.

The next steps for Council are to:

• finalise the Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan for Greta
• present the outcomes, study report and flood data to the Floodplain Risk Management Committee for endorsement 
• make the adopted flood study report available on Council's website
• implement recommendations. 

Flood Risk Management Study and Plans are updated approximately every 10 years or when there are significant changes to areas such as new developments, or when new and significant information or data is available.

It is important for Council to work with updated information to ensure any flood mitigation measures are viable and fit for purpose.

There are many areas across the Cessnock LGA where flood risk is a concern and a priority for Council.

Council will be exhibiting additional Flood Risk Management Study and Plan documents for other catchment areas within the LGA in coming months. This will include the Black Creek catchment which covers the suburbs of Rothbury, Lovedale and Pokolbin. 

Currently Cessnock City Council is also partnering with City of Newcastle, Maitland City Council and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water on a flood study for the Hexham and Woodberry Swamp Catchment area. You can provide your feedback until Thursday 21 August on the flood study for Hexham and Woodbeery Swamp Catchment here.

Cessnock City Council's Floodplain Risk Management Committee comprises the Mayor, nominated Councillors, Executive Leadership Team, Department of Planning and Environment, Emergency Services (SES), Hunter Water and community representatives which provide endorsement and ongoing governance for FRMSPs.

Flood Management Studies and Plans are beneficial as it enables relevant public authorities, emergency services and landowners to plan for and mitigate against flood risk with the most up to date information. 

It also supports Councils to apply for grant schemes to be able to afford to implement mitigation measures, and enables Councils to know where resources should be prioritised to provide the best flood mitigation response based on the latest research.

There are resources available to you for disaster support recovery.

• Listen to the radio flood broadcast
• Check the Hazards Near Me App, or download the App here
• Contact the State Emergency Service on 132 500 if you require emergency assistance

You can also find more information about how to prepare for a flood event on the Bureau of Meteorology website.

You can find out more about flooding issues in Cessnock via the SES website here

You can also find out more about crisis, disaster and recovery assistance via Council's webpage here which is updated when new resources are available.

The Insurance industry uses their own risk assessment processes and their own data modelling from a variety of sources. Flood insurance terms, conditions and premiums are set by the insurance industry. 

Council has no control or influence over flood insurance products or premiums. Floodplain Risk Management Studies and Plans are part of Council's responsibilities to help manage flood risk and the impact of flooding on people and property.