FAQs

A flood study is a technical investigation that assesses flood behaviour within a catchment area. It identifies areas that may be affected by flooding, estimates the likelihood and extent of flooding, and helps inform future land-use planning, development controls, emergency management, and community resilience.

The NSW Government now requires that local councils manage the risk of flooding within their Local Government Area.

Council uses flood studies to:

• Identify flood-prone areas and potential hazards, and establish planning controls to minimise future flood impacts.
• Plan and deliver flood mitigation infrastructure to reduce flood risk and enhance community safety.
• Provide flood information to the State Emergency Service (SES), residents, and other stakeholders to support emergency planning and community preparedness.
• Enhance the accuracy and reliability of Council’s flood forecasting and early warning systems.

The study covers the areas within the Guyra town boundary. See map available in the document library.

The study has considered a range of factors, including:

• Rainfall and storm events
• Creek, river and overland flow behaviour
• Existing drainage infrastructure
• Topography and land use
• Historical flood information
• Climate and catchment characteristics

A 1% AEP flood event or sometime referred to as a 100-year flood means there is a one percent chance of a flood of this size or larger occurring in any given year. It is a standard benchmark used across New South Wales for flood risk assessment and floodplain management. A 1% AEP flood can occur more than once, or not at all, over any period of time. The mapped flood levels and depths provide an indication of the potential flood impacts on the property and may influence future development and flood management requirements.

Residents often have firsthand knowledge of flooding that may not be reflected in existing records. Community feedback helps validate technical information and provides a better understanding of how floods affect local people, properties and infrastructure.

No. The study does not change the physical flood risk to properties. It improves understanding of existing flood risk based on current data, modelling and community information.

The purpose of the study is to provide accurate flood information to support planning and risk management decisions. Property values are influenced by many factors, and the study itself does not directly change property values. However, properties identified as being affected by a 1% AEP flood event, sometimes referred to as a 100-year flood, may be considered when the NSW Valuer General publishes land values in NSW.

The study itself does not change planning controls. However, once completed, its findings may be used to inform future planning decisions, development controls and flood risk management measures.

Flood maps may be used by Council, emergency services, developers, insurers and property owners to better understand flood risk and plan for future flood events.

Not necessarily. The study will assess flood behaviour across the study area. Any changes to flood planning information will only occur after the study is completed and reviewed.

Insurance companies make their own decisions about risk assessments and premiums. Council does not set insurance premiums and cannot predict how insurers may use flood information. If your property has been identified in the Guyra Flood Study within the 1% AEP flood event you would need to discuss this with your insurer.

Once the study is finalised, Council will:

• Consider the study findings
• Make the report publicly available
• Use the information to inform future floodplain risk management planning
• Consider any recommended flood mitigation or management actions

Yes. Council will advise the community of any further consultation opportunities as the project progresses. The Draft Guyra Flood Study will be presented to council for consideration to be placed on public exhibition.

Feedback will be reviewed alongside technical investigations and historical information. Community submissions help improve the accuracy and relevance of the study.

The study is being completed by Armidale Regional Council in collaboration with specialist consultants and representatives from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

Where required under current guidelines, the study may consider the potential impacts of climate change on future flood behaviour to help inform long-term planning and resilience.