Mitigating flood risk and damage in the Hunter Valley

03 March 2026

Climate Change Fund Government

When record rainfall in May 2025 caused all 3 major rivers in the Hunter Valley to flood simultaneously, it quickly became apparent that this was one of the area’s most significant flood events.

Workers sandbagging river bank for flood management

The multi-agency emergency response worked to prevent disaster in the Hunter Valley.

Emergency response comes together

As issues began to emerge across the region, the Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme team led a multi-agency emergency response to deliver emergency repairs to protect the local community and infrastructure. They worked alongside the NSW State Emergency Service, NSW Rural Fire Service and Maitland City Council.

The scheme’s flood intelligence systems were critical for emergency responders. They provided real-time data of river heights and inundation levels, plus spatial data of all high-risk assets.

Aerial view of hunter valley cut off by flood waters

As the area was cut off by floodwaters, drone footage provided a bird’s-eye view so the team could continue to monitor the site.

These tools received excellent feedback from first responders during the flood event.

Mandy Bramble, NSW State Emergency Service Northern Zone Planning and Research Officer said, “The sitreps, photos and drone footage will be very useful in the post-event wrap-up and updating our intel.”

Protecting homes

At one site, 50 first responders worked for 9 hours hand placing thousands of sandbags to stabilise the Hannaway Levee which was failing due to an embankment slipping.

Workers laying a special fabric over a collapsing river bank

With a residential home endangered, the team laid special fabric over the collapsing bank to prevent further erosion and built a half-circle wall of sandbags to help reduce flooding if the levee gave way.

Selby Green, property owner at Hannaway Levee said the May flood was a disaster for their property. “We’re still trying to get over it. Even now, it’s challenging to bring in food and hay. The Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation team has been so helpful during and after the flood.”
“By cooperating with them, we’re able to understand what the situation is firsthand. It enables us to make valued decisions about the property. And they’re still repairing areas along the levee. They’re still supporting us,” said Selby.

Safeguarding the Hunter Valley for the future

The multi-agency team also responded to reports of water bubbling from a levee protecting Maitland township. This was caused by water pressure from an old, abandoned irrigation pipe in the levee. The team coordinated temporary stabilisation works, constructing a sandbag ‘doughnut’ around the defect to equalise water pressure from the pipe and stabilise the levee.

The scheme continues to effectively mitigate minor to moderate flood risks in the Hunter Valley. It is regularly reviewed to assess the potential impacts of climate change and ensure that its infrastructure remains effective. These ongoing efforts will help safeguard the Hunter Valley for future generations.