About the scheme
The Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme is designed to mitigate flood risk as an integrated system operating across multiple local government areas, covering urban, peri-urban and rural areas. Today the scheme provides a level of benefit for over 250,000 people in the Hunter Valley. The scheme management has transitioned from a traditional approach to infrastructure construction, to a holistic approach to floodplain management and disaster risk reduction implemented by best practice asset management systems.
How the flood mitigation scheme works:
- The scheme provides protection for people, property and infrastructure.
- Levees and controlled floodways protect rural areas and major towns from minor to moderate flooding.
- Maitland floodways divert major flows in a controlled manner around the city.
- Levees provide a reduction in flood damages to towns in moderate to major floods and rural lands in minor floods.
- Channels and floodgates allow the removal of floodwaters from farming land over time, reducing negative impacts on local landholders.
More about the Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme
Flood management
Information on flood response and recovery.
Upcoming major projects
Learn more about upcoming Hunter Valley Mitigation Scheme major projects.
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
Aboriginal people have occupied the Hunter Valley for tens of thousands of years. Culturally important heritage sites, places and landscapes on Country being an essential part of their identity.
Planning and development controls
Information on local flood planning, development and responsibilities.
Funding and management
The Department of Planning and Environment provides funding for and manages capital works and maintenance of the structures that make up the flood mitigation scheme.