This study covers the Nepean River and its tributary creeks, including Spring Creek, Navigation Creek, Matahil Creek, Sickles Creek, Cobbitty Creek and Bringelly Creek.

While Narellan Creek is a tributary of the Nepean River, a separate detailed flood study is currently being undertaken by another consultant.

The study area covers the suburbs of Camden, Camden South, Cawdor, Bickley Vale, Grasmere, Ellis Lane, Cobbitty, Spring Farm and parts of Elderslie, Kirkham, Harrington Park and Oran Park.

A flood study is a technical project that uses relevant information and computer models to simulate flood events. This information includes historical flood records, rainfall data, topography and hydraulic structures.

A range of different flood events are modelled and the flood behaviour (depth, velocity, extent, hazard, etc) is mapped.

A flood study aims to define the nature and extent of the existing flood problem.

Camden Council has engaged flood specialists WMAwater to prepare the Nepean River Flood Study Update.

This project is supported by the NSW Government’s Floodplain Management Program.

Council completed the Nepean River Flood Study in 2015 and prepared the Nepean River Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan.

We're now looking to update the Flood Study for the following reasons:

• There is a need to account for recent development in the flood model, such as precinct developments and land release areas in Spring Farm, Elderslie and Cobbitty;
• Data collected during the recent flood events of 2022 (in March, April and July) can be used to calibrate the flood model;
• Recent updates to the national guidelines used for flood estimation (Australian Rainfall and Runoff) provides more up-to-date data and methods for flood modelling;
• Recent advancements in computing technology can allow a more detailed flood model to be developed; and
• Implement the NSW Government's updated Flood Risk Management Manual 2023 into this study.

This flood study update will ensure that we have the most up-to-date flood information for the study area.

Community input has an important role in the study. It helps us understand your personal experiences from past flood events and helps ensure the computer flood models that are developed for the study reflect these experiences.

A flood survey has been posted to affected property owners within the Nepean River study area.

People with information about flooding in this area are encouraged to complete an online survey by 8 April 2024.

Photographs of flooding events can help illustrate flooding history and assist us to understand flood behaviour. Please upload your images using the 'Map Your Experience' tab on this webpage.

To speak in-person to a representative from WMAwater or Camden Council, please come along to a community drop-in session on Tuesday 19 March between 2 and 4 pm at Camden Library (40 John Street, Camden).

This will provide you with an opportunity to ask questions about the study and to share your flooding experiences.

If you can’t attend the drop-in session and have questions or require assistance with providing information please contact:

• Michael Reeves, WMAwater on 02 9299 2855
• Floodplain Management Team at Camden Council on 13 CAMDEN or floodplains@camden.nsw.gov.au