Warren Shire Council is partnering with HydroSpatial Pty Ltd to undertake the Warren Flood Study. The Study will give us a clearer picture of local flood behaviour and help reduce flood risk across our community.
Flooding has always been part of Warren’s story. Our levee banks have protected the town for decades, but we know they can be tested by major events.
The Flood Study combines technical modelling and local knowledge to guide:
- Safer land use and property development
- Smarter investment in levees and stormwater upgrades
- Better planning for emergency management and resilience
- Fairer insurance outcomes based on accurate data
Your knowledge can build Warren’s resilience.
Share your experiences, from past flood events to local drainage issues, and help us plan for a safer, stronger community.
HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE
We need your input to make this study accurate and meaningful. There are three simple ways to get involved:
Drop-In Session | Come and talk to the team. Date: Tuesday 21 October 2025 Drop in at any time to view maps, talk with the project team, and share your insights. |
Online Survey | If you can’t attend the Community Drop-in, you can still have your say online. Printed copies of the questionnaire are also available at Council’s Administration Centre and the Warren Shire Library. |
Share Your Records | If you have photographs, videos, or other records of past floods, these are invaluable for validating the study. You can email them to council@warren.nsw.gov.au |
HydroSpatial staff will also be visiting residents and businesses near the town levees to gather experiences of past floods. These conversations will help capture details that surveys and maps can’t.
WHY IS COUNCIL CONDUCTING A FLOOD STUDY?
All councils in NSW are required to assess and plan for the risk of flooding. The NSW Government outlines this process in the Flood Risk Management Manual (June 2023)).
For Warren, this study will:
- Provide up-to-date information to guide land use, development and property improvements.
- Support the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) and Council in planning and responding to floods.
- Help ensure new developments do not increase flood risk.
- Give insurers accurate data so premiums better reflect real risk.
- Lay the groundwork for infrastructure upgrades and grant funding.
By combining technical modelling with local knowledge, this Study will ensure we’re better prepared for future flood events.
THE FLOODPLAIN RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS
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Flood studies are part of a five-stage process used by Councils across NSW to reduce flood risk. Right now, we’re in Stage 2: Flood Study.
Step 1: Gather Data | We collect historic flood records, rainfall data and topographic information. This gives us the technical base to build flood models |
Step 2: Flood Study(We are here) | We combine technical modelling with local knowledge through a questionnaire and community drop-in to define the nature and extent of flood risk. |
Step 3: Floodplain Risk Management Study | We assess possible mitigation options, considering social, environmental and economic factors. |
Step 4: Floodplain Risk Management Plan | We present preferred options for public exhibition, gather feedback, and refine the plan. |
| Step 5: Implementation | We deliver approved mitigation works, such as levee upgrades and stormwater improvements. |
This Stage involves:
- Collecting historic flood information – rainfall records, photographs/videos, watermarks and debris marks, evidence of flood damage.
- Building computer models of Warren’s catchment.
- Validating the models against real past events.
- Testing a range of potential flood scenarios, from frequent to rare.
Your local knowledge will help confirm and strengthen the technical work.
WHY THIS FLOOD STUDY MATTERS
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Flooding has shaped our town and the way we live. Our levee banks have protected Warren for decades and Council is investing in major rehabilitation to strengthen them for the future.
The Flood Study builds on this work, giving us accurate, up-to-date information that helps Council plan smarter, supports fairer insurance premiums and strengthens community resilience.
Together, your local insights and our findings can protect Warren’s future.
RESOURCES
Warren Local (Flood Plan August 2002)
Warren Shire Flood Emergency Sub Plan (2013)
Audit of Flood Levees (Warren)
Levee Gradient Sensitivity Assessment
NSW Flood Risk Management Manual
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a Flood Study?
A Flood Study looks at how floodwaters behave in different parts of the community. It combines technical data from hydrologic and hydraulic models, past records and local knowledge to build a clear picture of how floods occur and move through the local area.
Why is Warren Shire Council undertaking this Study now?
Flooding is a natural hazard that affects Warren. This Study will help Council plan more effectively, reduce risks and improve community safety.
How will my feedback be used?
Community feedback will be analysed alongside technical modelling to shape the final Flood Study report and guide future planning and floodplain management. Your insights can help us confirm assumptions, identify local trouble spots and improve map accuracy.
What happens next?
After consultation closes, Council and the project team will review all feedback and finalise the Flood Study. Updates will be shared on this page and through Council’s communication channels. If public exhibition is required, you’ll have another chance to comment before the study is finalised.
Will my submission be public?
Personal information is handled in line with Council’s Privacy Policy. Aggregated feedback may be reported without identifying individuals.
NEWS
Media Release: Warren Shire community invited to have their say on new Warren Flood Study
CONTACT
For more information:
Engineering Services Team
Phone: 02 6847 6600
Email: council@warren.nsw.gov.au
If you need the questionnaire in another format or require assistance to participate, please let us know.
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The Warren Flood Study is jointly funded by the NSW Government under the Floodplain Risk Management Program and Warren Shire Council.