Southern floodplain management plans
The department is continuing work on replacing floodplain management plans for the Murray, Murrumbidgee, Billabong Creek and Lachlan valleys.
Stage 1 public consultation on the draft Floodplain Management Plan for the Billabong Creek floodplain is now closed. We have reviewed the feedback received and published a What we heard report.
Stage 2 public exhibition of the draft Floodplain Management Plan for the Murrumbidgee Valley is now closed. We have reviewed the feedback received and published a What we heard report.
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Upcoming
Billabong Creek floodplain – The draft Floodplain Management Plan for Billabong Creek is progressing towards Stage 2 public exhibition in mid to late 2025.
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Upcoming
NSW Murray Valley floodplain – The draft Floodplain Management Plan for the NSW Murray Valley is progressing towards Stage 2 public exhibition in mid to late 2025.
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Upcoming
Lachlan Valley floodplain – The draft Floodplain Management Plan for the Lachlan Valley is in early stages of development.
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Upcoming
Murrumbidgee Valley floodplain – The draft Floodplain Management Plan for the Murrumbidgee Valley is progressing towards commencement by 1 July 2025.
NSW floodplain management plans are valid for 10 years from their commencing date. In the five years before a plan expires, the department completes a formal review to identify necessary alterations to the plan and deliver better outcomes for all water users, including the environment. This review is a requirement of section 43 of the Water Management Act 2000.
The Southern floodplain management plans have been reviewed. The Section 43 review report (including all submissions) will be used in conjunction with the Natural Resources Commission’s audit findings to inform the development of the new floodplain management plans.
Visit the Review process or the current Southern plans for more information.
Fact sheet
A fact sheet with further information and frequently asked questions about the Floodplain management plans and the Reconnecting River Country Program.
Download the fact sheet (PDF. 120KB)Northern floodplain management plans
An interactive spatial map is now available to view the boundaries, management zones and ecological assets for all 6 northern floodplain management plans.
You can also find the floodplain management plan spatial dataset on the NSW Government’s SEED portal for use in your own geographic information system.
The rules for enhancement flood works in each of the northern floodplain management plans changed on 21 June 2024.
The Floodplain Management Plan for the Macquarie Valley Floodplain commenced on 24 September 2021.
The Floodplain Management Plan for the Border Rivers Valley Floodplain commenced on 11 September 2020.
The Floodplain Management Plan for the Lower Namoi Valley Floodplain commenced on 11 September 2020.
The Floodplain Management Plan for the Upper Namoi Valley Floodplain commenced on 7 June 2019.
The Floodplain Management Plan for the Barwon–Darling Valley Floodplain commenced on 30 June 2017.
The Floodplain Management Plan for the Gwydir Valley Floodplain commenced on 12 August 2016.