Closed
The draft Billabong Creek Floodplain Management Plan was on public exhibition from 29 September to 16 November 2025 and is now closed.
The department is developing a whole-of-valley floodplain management plan under the Water Management Act 2000 for Billabong Creek. This will replace the existing floodplain management plan that was originally developed under the Water Act 1912.
Stage 2 public exhibition
Consultation on the draft Billabong Creek Floodplain Management Plan has closed. We are currently reviewing submissions and will publish a What we heard report soon. The What we heard report will summarise the feedback we received during Stage 2 public exhibition, from 29 September to 16 November 2025.
When the plan is finalised, it will be submitted for approval from the Minister for Water and concurrence from the Minister for the Environment. The plan is scheduled to commence on 1 July 2026.
Draft Billabong Creek Floodplain Management Plan
The draft plan includes the proposed floodplain boundary, management zones, and rules and assessment criteria for granting or amending approvals for flood works.
Supporting materials
To assist you in understanding the proposed management zones, associated rules and assessment criteria, and how to make a submission, please:
- read the Report to assist Stage 2 public exhibition
- watch the pre-recorded presentation below
- view the interactive spatial map (note, the map will be refined based on feedback from Stage 2 public exhibition)
- read the fact sheet
Stage 1 public consultation
Stage 1 public consultation was open from 8 October to 18 November 2024. Feedback was invited on key elements of the draft plan.
- To find out more about the key elements that were proposed during Stage 1 public consultation, you can read the Report to assist stage 1 public consultation
- A summary of the feedback we received is available in a What we heard report
- View the maps included with submissions.
Timeline
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October – November 2024
Stage 1 public consultation
You shared your feedback on key elements of the draft plan.
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November 2024 – March 2025
Review
We developed the full draft plan, using your feedback from Stage 1 public consultation to inform that development.
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September – November 2025
Stage 2 public exhibition
You shared your feedback on the draft plan.
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Now
Review feedback and refine the plan
We’re reviewing what you told us in Stage 2 public exhibition and will share a summary of what we heard. We’ll refine the draft plan and if required, we may seek further feedback from affected landholders.
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Early 2026
Endorsement
Meet with the Interagency Working Group to seek endorsement of the final plan before submitting it for approval to the Minister for Water and concurrence from the Minister for the Environment.
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Early to mid 2026
Commencement
The plan is published on the NSW Legislation website and is given legal status.
Assistance
If you require assistance in reading these documents, please contact 1300 081 047 or water.enquiries@dcceew.nsw.gov.au
Note
The department is consulting on several programs across the Riverina, including the Reconnecting River Country Program. These consultation activities do not directly form part of our work to develop the Billabong Creek Floodplain Management Plan. For more information on these programs, please see the Have your say page.
Further information and frequently asked questions can be found in the Floodplain management plans and the Reconnecting River Country Program fact sheet (PDF, 119.84 KB).