At the 15 July 2026 Council meeting, Council adopted the Mudgee Flood Risk Management Study and Plan 2026 (Mudgee Flood Study 2026). The Mudgee Flood Study 2026 reassesses the findings of the Mudgee Flood Study 2021 relating to flood behaviour and impacts, reviews and planning controls, and develops a refined, risk-based framework for managing flood-affected land. It is the most up-to-date flood study used in strategic planning and development assessment.
The Mudgee Flood Study 2026 includes detailed refinement of modelling, including verification of stormwater infrastructure and overland flow paths, significantly increasing the level of detail and accuracy of the flood model when compared to the Mudgee Flood Study 2021.
The Mudgee Flood Study 2026 was publicly exhibited for a period of 28 days and concluded on 2 June 2026. Following a detailed review of submissions, Council concluded that the methodology, findings and recommended planning framework remain appropriate and no amendments to the exhibition document were warranted. A summary of the key matters raised is contained within the 15 July 2026 Council Report (Report 10.2).
The adoption of the Mudgee Flood Study 2026 has:
The flood modelling utilised by Council can be accessed via the NSW Flood Data Portal. Please email council@midwestern.nsw.gov.au to complete an access form for this data.
The preparation of the Draft Spring Flat Stormwater & Flood Risk Management Strategy Report (SFS&FRMS Report Draft) is an action of the adopted Mudgee Flood Study 2026 following the identification of widespread flooding within parts of the Spring Flat catchment.
Click here for further information regarding the SFS&FRMS Report Draft
This FAQ has been prepared to help residents, property owners, and staff understand the draft Mudgee Flood Risk Management Study and Plan 2026 (MFRMS&P2026) and what it means in practice.
MFRMS&P2026 identifies flood‑affected areas, explains how flooding impacts different parts of Mudgee, and recommends a number of measures that are aimed at reducing the existing, continuing and future flood risk in the township. Flooding cannot be prevented, but its impacts can be managed through improved planning, building design and emergency preparedness.
No. MFRMS&P2026 is currently a draft and is being placed on public exhibition for 28 days, until Wednesday, 3 June 2026. Following exhibition, a further report will be presented to Council summarising community feedback and recommending whether any amendments are required before adoption.
MFRMS&P2026 identifies two main types of flooding: Main Stream Flooding occurs when floodwater surcharges the inbank area of the Cudegong River and its various tributaries, whether they’ve been modified or not and Major Overland Flow which is experienced during periods of heavy rain and is generally characterised by relatively shallow and slow-moving floodwater that is conveyed overland in an uncontrolled manner toward the Cudegong River and its various tributaries.
A flood‑affected property is land that may be either partially or wholly inundated during a flood or storm event. It does not mean flooding occurs regularly or is expected each year, but that flood risk must be considered when planning development.
Properties are identified using flood modelling, historical flood records, ground level data such as LiDAR and observations from recent floods including the 2022 event.
MFRMS&P2026 recommends updating the Development Control Plan to apply a graded set of flood related development controls based on the identified risk. Controls may include minimum floor levels, restrictions on building in floodways, flood compatible design requirements and additional controls for sensitive or hazardous land uses.
The Flood Planning Area (FPA) defines the extent of land that Mid-Western Regional Council is legally required to assess development applications from a flood planning perspective, with the objective being:
In general terms, MFRMS&P2026 defined the extent of the FPA at Mudgee as follows.
Figure E1.1 (7 sheets) attached to this FAQ shows the extent of land that has been identified as being located within the extent of the Main Stream Flooding and Major Overland Flow FPAs.
The FPA represents the area where flood-related development controls are most consistently applied, including requirements for minimum floor levels and building design.
Beyond the FPA, there is additional land that is affected by more extreme flood events, up to the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF). In addition to identifying the extent of this land, MFRMS&P2026 assessed the associated flood risks and determined that development controls should be applied to sensitive and hazardous type development in areas of higher flood risk.
Areas of higher flood risk where flood related develop controls would apply to sensitive and hazardous type development are defined by the Special Flood Considerations Zone, while areas of lower flood risk where no flood related development controls apply are defined by the Outer Floodplain. Land uses that meet the definition of sensitive and hazardous type development are as follows:
Figure E1.1 (7 sheets) attached to this FAQ shows the extent of land that has been identified as being located within the extent of the Main Stream Flooding and Major Overland Flow Special Flood Considerations and Outer Floodplain zones.
Not all flood‑affected properties are subject to flood‑related development controls. Development controls are only applied where they are necessary to manage flood risk, based on the level of flood hazard and the type of development proposed.
Some properties may experience low‑hazard flooding or be located outside the Flood Planning Area. In these cases, flood- related development controls may not apply because the level of risk is considered very low.
Where flood risk is higher, or where sensitive or hazardous development is proposed, appropriate controls are applied through Council’s Development Control Plan to ensure safety and minimise impacts. This risk‑based approach avoids unnecessary regulation while ensuring development is compatible with flood behaviour.
Planning Certificates must disclose whether land is:
Insurance premiums and availability are determined by insurers, not Council. Insurers may consider flood history, modelling, floor levels and building characteristics. Council is required to provide accurate flood information but cannot influence insurance decisions.
No. MFRMS&P2026 does not set insurance premiums. Outcomes vary by insurer, policy type and individual property characteristics.
MFRMS&P2026 identifies potential mitigation works and assesses costs and benefits. Major works require detailed design, funding and often State or Federal grants. MFRMS&P2026 provides a long‑term roadmap for prioritisation and funding.
MFRMS&P2026 includes improved flood warning systems, enhanced emergency response planning, community education, and investigation of voluntary house purchase or raising schemes in the highest risk areas.
Since the 2021 Mudgee Flood Study, Council has carried out more detailed flood modelling which utilises significantly more stormwater and flood related data. One of the biggest changes resulted from the undertaking of a comprehensive audit of Council’s stormwater infrastructure, with the result being that the updated flood model now includes:
This means the updated flood model now represents Mudgee’s stormwater system in much greater detail, giving a clearer picture of how stormwater moves through the urbanised parts of town during heavy rain. MFRMS&P2026 also:
Overall, MFRMS&P2026 provides a much more accurate and reliable basis for flood planning, development assessment and future flood management than was available in 2021.
Submissions can be made during the public exhibition period via Council’s website or as outlined in the public notice. All feedback will be considered before Council decides whether to adopt the Plan.
Make your submission
Council recommends: