Port Macquarie Hastings Council (Council) are currently updating the Hastings River Flood Risk Management Study and Plan and is seeking feedback from people who live, work, own a property or have experienced flooding within the Hastings, Wilson and Maria River catchments.
Flooding can affect people, homes, businesses, roads, infrastructure and community services. Local knowledge is an important part of understanding these impacts and identifying practical ways to reduce flood risk in the future.
The study will use information from the Draft Hastings River Flood Study Extension together with community feedback to develop recommendations for managing flood risk across the catchment including supporting future emergency management planning by Council and the NSW State Emergency Services (SES).
This project is being undertaken by Worley Consulting on behalf of Council, with funding support from the NSW Floodplain Management Program administered by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
What is a Flood Risk Management Study and Plan?
A Flood Risk Management Study and Plan identifies how flooding may affect people, property, infrastructure and the environment, and recommends practical actions to reduce flood risk both now and into the future.
The plan may consider a range of measures, including:
- Flood awareness and education
- Emergency evacuation planning
- Flood warning and response improvements
- Land use planning and development controls
- Property and infrastructure protection measures
- Improvements to roads, drainage and community resilience
The study does not determine whether land floods. Instead, it uses existing flood studies and community feedback to identify the most effective ways to manage flood risk.
How can you help?
We are seeking your firsthand experiences of flooding within the Hastings, Wilson and Maria River catchments.
We are seeking your firsthand experiences of flooding within the Hastings, Wilson and Maria River catchments.
The questionnaire will help us understand:
- The impacts of flooding on homes, businesses and properties
- Community experiences during past flood events
- Areas where flood management could be improved
- Opportunities to improve safety, preparedness and resilience
Your feedback will be used to help develop future flood risk management options that may:
- Reduce flood risks to people, property and infrastructure.
- Improve community preparedness and emergency evacuation planning.
- Identify and prioritise practical flood risk management actions.
- Support future decision-making and investment in flood mitigation and resilience measures.
Want to Find out More?
Visit Council's Have Your Say page to view:
- Draft flood mapping relevant to your property and the wider catchment
- The Draft Hastings River Flood Study Extension Report
- Information about the flood risk management process
- Frequently asked questions
Complete the Survey
Please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire below. Alternatively, if you would like a hard copy of the questionnaire, please visit one of Council’ Customer Service Centres at Wauchope, Laurieton or Port Macquarie. Please complete or return your submission by 23 November 2026