2022 NSW Flood Inquiry
The NSW Government commissioned an independent inquiry into the preparation for, causes of, response to and recovery from the 2022 flood events across NSW. The report and recommendations from this inquiry have now been delivered.
The department is working with other government agencies and key stakeholders, like councils, on the implementation of the government's response to the report as part of its commitment to ensuring there is greater resilience in communities across NSW.
Further updates on the government’s response to the report will be provided in due course.
The Hawkesbury–Nepean Valley is one of the most complex floodplains in Australia. As well as being a unique landscape, it is also one of the fastest growing areas of western Sydney.
The NSW Government’s Resilient Valley, Resilient Communities: Hawkesbury–Nepean Valley Flood Risk Management Strategy identifies the risks and challenges in the 425 square kilometres of floodplain.
Past decisions about where to locate settlements within the floodplain has increased the need to prepare for floods through risk-based land-use planning. We must ensure development is resilient and located outside high-risk areas. We also need to consider the evacuation needs of residents and workers.
The strategy is a long-term plan for the NSW Government, local councils, businesses and the community to work together to understand and manage the flood risk, and prepare for flood events.