LET'S TALK FLOODS

Community feedback invited on Horsley Creek Flood Risk Management Plan

Shellharbour City Council is encouraging the community to have their say on the draft Horsley Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan. The draft plan is now on exhibition until 30 June 2025.

Caption: Horsley Creek Catchment Study Area. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.

The plan includes a range of actions to help reduce flood risk in the Horsley Creek catchment. This area is on the southern side of Lake Illawarra and includes parts of Albion Park Rail and Oak Flats.

It outlines flood management options for Council and emergency services to put in place to help protect the community.

Some of the key recommendations include:

• Raising Industrial Road at Casuarina Street to make sure emergency services can get through during floods
• Running flood education and awareness programs for the community
• Updating flood risk maps and planning levels using the latest data
• Looking at voluntary purchase of two high-risk properties on the western side of Station Road
• Improving vegetation management along parts of the creek

Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said it's important that the plan reflects what the community needs.

“This plan includes practical actions to reduce flood risk now and into the future. We want to hear from people who live or work in the catchment to make sure we get it right,” he said.

“This is about making our city safer and more resilient. If you have local knowledge or have been affected by flooding, please share your feedback before the consultation closes.”

In 2024, Council asked the community for feedback on early flood ideas and received great suggestions for more options. Since then, Council has tested and studied those ideas, used updated flood modelling, and evaluated a range of possible solutions.

The draft plan is based on both community feedback and technical work. It considers changes in the area and provides up-to-date recommendations to reduce flood risks.

Join one of Council’s drop-in sessions at Shellharbour Civic Centre on Wednesday 11 June, from 10am to 11:30am, or 5:30pm to 7pm.

You can also share your feedback online by visiting Let's Chat before Monday 30 June.

Written submissions can be sent to:
The Chief Executive Officer
Dharawal Country
Locked Bag 155
Shellharbour City Centre NSW 2529

Or by email to: council@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au