The Wianamatta South Creek Catchment is changing with projects like the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, Orchard Hills, North West Growth Centre, and South West Growth Centre.
We are seeking feedback on the draft Wianamatta South Creek Cumulative Impacts on Flooding Policy. This policy aims to help guide landowners, developers, councils, and Government agencies in managing the potential impacts of developments within the floodplain.
The policy applies to the identified Critical Flood Areas and Vegetation Densification Areas within the local government areas of Penrith, Blacktown, Liverpool, and Fairfield.
We welcome feedback on the draft policy until 5pm Monday 18 August 2025.
We will be hosting webinars to provide an overview of the policy. To learn more, register below.
General stakeholder webinar
General stakeholder webinar
- Tuesday, 5 August
- 1:30-2:30pm
Industry webinar
Industry webinar
- Monday, 4 August
- 1:30-2:30pm
Frequently asked questions
Why has this policy been prepared?
Why has this policy been prepared?
Studies have shown that new development in some parts of Wianamatta South Creek could affect the height and extent of flooding elsewhere in the catchment. This draft policy has been prepared to support appropriate new development whilst limiting that development’s cumulative impacts on others.
Where does the policy apply?
Where does the policy apply?
The policy applies to identified Critical Flood Areas and Vegetation Densification Areas in the Wianamatta South Creek floodplain between the M4 motorway, north extent, and Bringelly Road to the south. Most of the affected land is currently used for recreation, conservation or special purposes. For further details, please refer to the maps in the exhibition materials.
What does the policy apply to?
What does the policy apply to?
The policy is intended to apply to all levels of planning from local to strategic – including regional planning, strategic land use planning and development assessment.
What are Critical Flood Areas?
What are Critical Flood Areas?
Critical Flood Areas are where any development can impact flood behaviour (flood heights and flows). These areas are identified as the floodways, high level floodways and critical flood storage in the Wianamatta South Creek Catchment Flood Study – Cumulative Impact Assessment released by the NSW Government in 2023.
The extent of the Critical Flood Areas in Wianamatta South Creek is based on flood modelling completed in the Wianamatta South Creek Catchment Flood Study – Cumulative Impact Assessment.
Why not just use the 1 in 100 flood level?
Why not just use the 1 in 100 flood level?
Critical Flood Areas are vulnerable to change, and if altered may impact flood flows and heights in other parts of the catchment. This is different to simply identifying the 1 in 100 flood level. The government identified small areas along Wianamatta South Creek where new development could negatively impact existing residents and businesses. This information was published in the Wianamatta South Creek Catchment Flood Study – Cumulative Impact Assessment .
What does the draft policy mean for tree canopy and revegetation?
What does the draft policy mean for tree canopy and revegetation?
The draft policy identifies areas where increased vegetation could negatively impact flood behaviour. The NSW Government supports the benefits to the community and our environment from urban greening. In some mapped areas, the draft policy encourages the use of alternative planting methods to achieve a balanced outcome for safer communities.
More information
If you have any questions, please contact the team at: