Gwabegar Flood Study
Narrabri Shire Council, with support from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) through the State Floodplain Management Program, has initiated the Gwabegar Flood Study to better understand local flood behaviour and improve flood risk management for the community.
This study responds to the need for up-to-date, technically sound flood information to inform future planning, emergency response, and mitigation efforts.
The study will deliver a detailed technical assessment of flooding behaviour across a range of flood events, including historic, design and climate change-influenced scenarios.
Outputs will include flood extent mapping, flood hazard and function categorisation, and assessments of flood damages, emergency response constraints, and the impact of future development and proposed works.
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Community input sought for Gwabegar Flood Study
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The Gwabegar community is invited to share their local knowledge and experiences of flooding as part of the Gwabegar Flood Study, funded through the New South Wales Government’s 2024–25 Floodplain Management Program.
Narrabri Shire Council has engaged specialist consultants WRM Water to deliver the study, which will improve the understanding of flood behaviour in Gwabegar and inform future management of flood risk.
Mayor Darrell Tiemens encouraged all residents to get involved in the consultation process.
“Local knowledge is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to flood studies,” Mayor Tiemens said.
“By contributing your experiences, you’re helping build a clearer picture of how floods impact Gwabegar, which in turn will guide future planning, preparation and emergency response.”
All Gwabegar residents will receive a survey by mail, which can be returned to the Gwabegar Post Office. People who no longer live locally but have valuable knowledge from previous flood events are also encouraged to contribute by completing the survey online at Council’s website.
In addition, a community information session will be held on:
- Thursday 16 October
- 10.00am – 12.00pm
- Gwabegar Community Hall
Residents are asked to RSVP via Councils website – www.narrabri.nsw.gov.au/gwabegarfloodstudy
Council’s Manager Planning and Development, Michelle Castles, said community input will strengthen the outcomes of the study.
“Flood modelling and technical analysis are important, but they can’t replace the lived experiences of people who have been through floods,” Ms Castles said.
“This consultation is an opportunity for the Gwabegar community to ensure their knowledge is captured and informs the study.”
The Gwabegar Flood Study will join Council’s existing suite of flood studies covering Narrabri, Wee Waa and Boggabri.
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Council receives funding for Gwabegar Flood Study
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The Gwabegar community will soon be more flood resilient thanks to the development of the Gwabegar Flood Study funded by the New South Wales Government’s 2024-25 Floodplain Management Program.
The Gwabegar community has experienced significant flooding in the past, with the most recent flood event taking place in 2021 where the local school and 10 properties experienced flooding up to a metre above floor levels.
Narrabri Shire Mayor, Cr. Darrell Tiemens, said the study will improve the general understanding of flood behaviour and impacts in Gwabegar area and better inform management of flood risk in the area.
“The $103,529.00 received from the New South Wales Government means we can take important steps in helping the Gwabegar community and emergency services with their preparation and response to natural disasters and emergencies in the area.”
The study will include data collection and review, community consultation, hydrologic and flood damage modelling, and benefit cost and management options assessments.
“Our first milestone will be the tender process to source a suitably qualified consultant to undertake the technical study”, explained Council’s Manager Planning and Development Michelle Castles, “We anticipate that it will take 12 months to complete the study”.
The Gwabegar Floody Study will add to Council’s suite of flood studies that currently cover Narrabri, Wee Waa and Boggabri.