A revised study identifying the risk of flooding on a 2.5-kilometre section between South Street and McCalls Road in Gunnedah has been commissioned with $60,000 in funding from the NSW Government’s 2022/23 NSW Floodplain Management Program.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the revised study was important to help prepare for future flooding events.

“It’s important that we know we have all the information available to understand what floodwaters are going to do when they come, particularly when it comes to future planning and development and for emergency response,” Mr Anderson said.

“The goal is always to minimise risk and ensure our communities are prepared when the floodwaters come.”

The new study comes after significant changes were made to the area including the construction of a Blackjack Creek Riparian Corridor and the construction of the second Gunnedah overpass.

“We have been building a better Gunnedah at a rapid rate with major construction projects changing the lay of the land so it’s important that we continue to revisit the modelling we have to best prepare the community,” Mr Anderson added.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the study would help inform council’s future plans for growth.

“The revised study will better reflect the work that has been done to remediate the Blackjack Creek area and reduce the impacts of existing flooding and flood liability on the community, in particular, for those in the immediate areas around the location site,” He said.

“We are hopeful it will also smooth the way for building approvals in the area and that people will no longer be required to build above the flood planning level.”