Council receives funding for Gwabegar Flood Study

Published on 17 January 2025

The Gwabegar community will soon be more flood resilient thanks to the development of the Gwabegar Flood Study funded by the New South Wales Government’s 2024-25 Floodplain Management Program.

The Gwabegar community has experienced significant flooding in the past, with the most recent flood event taking place in 2021 where the local school and 10 properties experienced flooding up to a metre above floor levels.

Narrabri Shire Mayor, Cr. Darrell Tiemens, said the study will improve the general understanding of flood behaviour and impacts in Gwabegar area and better inform management of flood risk in the area.

“The $103,529.00 received from the New South Wales Government means we can take important steps in helping the Gwabegar community and emergency services with their preparation and response to natural disasters and emergencies in the area.”

The study will include data collection and review, community consultation, hydrologic and flood damage modelling, and benefit cost and management options assessments.

“Our first milestone will be the tender process to source a suitably qualified consultant to undertake the technical study”, explained Council’s Manager Planning and Development Michelle Castles, “We anticipate that it will take 12 months to complete the study”.

The Gwabegar Floody Study will add to Council’s suite of flood studies that currently cover Narrabri, Wee Waa and Boggabri.