Lachlan Valley floodplain

The department is developing a whole-of-valley floodplain management plan under the Water Management Act 2000 for the Lachlan Valley. This will replace the 3 historical floodplain management plans that were originally developed under the Water Act 1912 and expired on 30 June 2026.

Stage 2 public exhibition

We are seeking feedback on the draft Lachlan Valley Floodplain Management Plan through Stage 2 public exhibition, including a formal submission process from 6 October to 16 November 2026.

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 (for consultation purposes, this also includes the updated Water Sharing Plan prescribed wetlands)
• read the fact sheet
• book a 40-minute one-on-one appointment with departmental staff who can provide a summary of the draft plan and answer your questions.

Book a 40-minute one-on-one appointment, either in-person or online, to speak with a member of our team and ask questions about the draft plan.

During your appointment, you can also view and provide feedback on the refined Water Sharing Plan prescribed wetlands map for the Lachlan Unregulated River Water Sources, which is on public exhibition from 6 October to 16 November 2026. 

Book a session below

Representatives of relevant stakeholder groups can request a separate meeting by emailing floodplain.planning@dpie.nsw.gov.au or calling 1300 081 047.

To make an online submission, please click the button below.

Have your say

Alternatively, you can download and print the submission form and return it to:

Attention: Floodplain Planning 
Lachlan Valley FMP 
Water Group - NSW DCCEEW 
Locked Bag 5022 
Parramatta NSW 2124

Or;

You can scan the completed form, and email it to floodplain.planning@dpie.nsw.gov.au.

Submissions will be accepted until 11:59 pm on Monday 16 November 2026.

All feedback is important and will be considered when preparing the final floodplain management plan.

A What we heard report will be prepared to summarise the feedback received and published on this page. All submissions, including maps, received by the department will be made available on request.

The department values your input and accepts that information you provide may be private and personal. When making submissions available, including maps, the department will make every effort to redact personal and identifying information (your name will be included if you provide us with permission to do so). If you want your name to be treated as confidential, please indicate this by ticking the relevant box in the submission form.

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 2027. 

Stage 1 public consultation

Stage 1 public consultation was open from 2 March to 19 April 2026. 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 received is available in a What we heard report.