Expired
Important information
The localised floodplain management plans for the Lachlan Valley expired on 30 June 2026. For more information about the assessment of flood work approval applications in areas without an in-force floodplain management plan, please read the technical guidelines.
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 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.
We have summarised the feedback from all submissions and stakeholder appointments and published a What we heard report.
In response to the feedback, we have made over 400 spatial refinements to the draft plan and updated the hydraulic model.
Report
This report summarises stakeholder engagement, the key issues raised and the next steps in developing the draft FMP. It outlines where changes are being considered or will be made in response to the feedback, and demonstrates how community and stakeholder views have informed the process.
This report was updated in early September 2026 to include maps showing changes made to the proposed floodway network and flood-dependent ecological assets.
The changes reflect local knowledge, stakeholder feedback and updated hydraulic modelling.
We will release the full draft floodplain management plan as part of a second round of public consultation later this year.
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
- view the interactive spatial map (note, the map will be refined based on feedback from Stage 1 public consultation).
Timeline
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March – April 2026
Stage 1 public consultation
You shared your feedback on key elements of the draft plan. Read the What we heard report.
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Now
Review
We’re developing the full draft plan, using your feedback from Stage 1 public consultation to inform that development.
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October 2026
Stage 2 public exhibition
We’ll present the full draft plan for your feedback.
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Late 2026
Review feedback and refine the plan
We’ll review what you tell us in Stage 2 public exhibition and refine the draft plan. If required, we may seek further feedback from affected landholders.
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Early 2027
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 seeking concurrence from the Minister for the Environment.
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Mid 2027
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