Have your say on the draft Billabong Creek and NSW Murray Valley Floodplain Management Plans

The NSW Government is inviting communities to have their say on two important plans in southern NSW which set out what can be constructed on floodplains and where to balance the needs of residents, businesses, the environment and First Nations people.

The draft Billabong Creek and NSW Murray Valley Floodplain Management Plans are on public display until 16 November.

They set the rules for flood work applications within declared floodplains, including roads, channels, dams, levee banks or any development which can change the way water flows to or from a river, or change the way water moves during a flood.

Once finalised, the Billabong Creek Floodplain Management Plan and NSW Murray Valley Floodplain Management Plan will also help protect cultural and heritage sites.

We encourage the community and stakeholders to provide their input via the website, email or post.  
Additionally, 40-minute online one-on-one appointments are available with the project team from 13-31 October to enable people to discuss the Plans in more detail.

All feedback will be carefully considered before they are finalised and come into effect on 1 July 2026.

To learn more, book a meeting or have your say, visit: Murray Valley Floodplain or Billabong Creek Floodplain.

The NSW Government is delivering multiple programs across the region. The Floodplain Management Plans are unrelated to the Reconnecting River Country Program, which is focused on removing constraints to enable more flexible use of water for the environment.

NSW DCCEEW A/Executive Director of Water Planning, Mitchell Isaacs, said:    

“Floodplain Management Plans are critical tools that help protect communities from the impacts of flooding and support healthy environments.

“They're 10-year plans, which is why it’s so important for people to take the opportunity to have their say now so we get it right.

“We already have a good idea of some stakeholder feedback thanks to our consultation last year which has helped us get to this stage.

“The valuable insights of First Nations people, local councils, landholders and other key groups will help us create a plan for both the Billabong Creek and NSW Murray Valley floodplains that will stand both regions in good stead for the future.”