Port Stephens Council

Port Stephens lies in the Hunter Region and is situated about 160 kilometres north-east of Sydney. It contains a large natural harbour of approximately 134 square kilometres within the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park; its northern shoreline forms the boundary between the Port Stephens and Mid-Coast local government areas.

The estimated residential population Port Stephens Community Profile was 64, 807 in 2011.

http://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/

Portions of the Port Stephens Local Government Area (LGA) is affected by flooding. This is due to the presence of major river systems in the western regions of Port Stephens and the low lying topography as well as interactions with the coast and estuaries in the east.

Flooding in the LGA is caused by:

• river or creek banks being overtopped;
• estuary levels rise and cover foreshore areas; and
• stormwater drainage that is unable to cope causing overland flows (down streets or across other urban areas).

Council manages land affected by flooding by:

• undertaking studies that identify flood risk and flood levels;
• undertaking floodplain risk management studies and plans that provide provisions for the management of flood prone land; and
• assessing the compatibility of new development (and major renovations) with flood risk thereby encouraging development that is appropriate to the flood risk of the area.

Council are currently undertaking the Williamtown Salt Ash Floodplain Management Study and Plan and the Anna Bay and Tilligerry Creek Flood Study.

Council is also involved in the Paterson River Flood Study which is being administered and managed by Maitland City Council. Refer to Maitland City Council's website for further information.

Data from other neighbouring Councils Reports such as the Karuah River Flood Study 2010 and the Hunter River (Branxton to Green Rocks) Flood Study 2010 has been utilised by Council in the development of Flood Hazard Maps. These Reports may be available upon request from the neighbouring Councils websites.

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