Gunnedah Shire Council is calling on residents to have their say on a key flood study, with the Draft Blackjack Creek Flood Study Update now on public exhibition.
The draft report has been prepared to improve understanding of flooding behaviour along Blackjack Creek, including major overland flow, and will help guide future flood risk management planning across the shire.
The study outlines flood behaviour such as levels, flow paths and velocities for a range of events, from a 20 per cent to 0.2 per cent Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP), as well as the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF). It represents the first and second stages of the flood risk management process and will inform future work, including a Blackjack Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan and broader floodplain studies across Gunnedah Shire.
Manager Building and Strategic Projects Blake O’Mullane highlighted the relevance of the study for the community.
“Despite its technical detail, the study contains findings that may be relevant to Gunnedah residents, particularly households located within the Blackjack Creek floodplain and outer floodplain,” Mr O’Mullane said.
Residents are being encouraged to review specific sections of the report, particularly Figure 6.23, which maps interim flood planning areas, mainstream flooding and areas affected by major overland flow.
“The study reflects changes in the flood behaviour, including the impacts of overland flow and works previously completed to Blackjack Creek” Mr O’Mullane said.
“While the document contains a significant amount of technical information, Figure 6.23 is particularly relevant for residents to review.”
The study has been developed in accordance with the NSW government’s Flood Prone Land Policy and the NSW Flood Risk Management Manual (2023), and has been jointly funded by council and the NSW government through the Floodplain Management Program.
Mr O’Mullane said the work forms part of a broader program of flood studies aimed at improving resilience across the region.
“This project is part of a wider plan of works, which will include updating the Carroll to Gunnedah Flood Study,” he said.
“The information gathered through these studies will inform the next stage of flood risk management planning, where council will examine practical measures and planning options to work towards reducing flood risk for residents, businesses and infrastructure across the shire.”
The Draft Blackjack Creek Flood Study Update is available for public viewing at council’s office at 63 Elgin Street and online, with submissions open until 5pm on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
