The Lake Macquarie Local Government Area in New South Wales is defined by its large coastal saltwater lake and surrounding residential suburbs like Charlestown and Belmont. The region's proximity to Lake Macquarie, one of Australia's largest coastal lakes, brings a heightened risk of flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Flooding concerns arise from local creeks like Cockle Creek and Dora Creek, which can overflow during heavy rainfall, as well as from tidal influences and storm surges affecting the lake itself.
The local information page provides valuable resources for your Local Government Area (LGA). You can explore flood information for your local river catchment through Local Flood Insights, access local flood plans and guides, and connect with local councils and NSW SES units.
Swansea
Swansea, including areas like Swansea Heads and Caves Beach, is prone to flooding due to its location at the entrance of Lake Macquarie. The area faces risks from high tides, storm surges, and heavy rainfall, with the highest flood level recorded at 1.25 meters AHD in 1949. Flooding is influenced by runoff, inflows from the Pacific Ocean via the Swansea Channel, and flash floods during intense rain, particularly when lake levels are high. King tides can also cause flooding in low-lying areas, especially near Bowman Street.
Cooranbong
Cooranbong is situated at the base of the Watagan Mountains on the western side of Lake Macquarie in the Hunter Region. Cooranbong and Dora Creek are prone to flooding, especially following heavy rainfall that exceeds the channel capacities and causes overbank flooding. In the lower reaches of Dora Creek, high water levels in Lake Macquarie can further influence flooding. These areas experience significant inundation when substantial flood flows, potentially impacting local properties and infrastructure.
Belmont
Belmont, encompassing Jewells Wetland and surrounding suburbs like Mt Hutton and Redhead, is susceptible to flooding, particularly from rapid runoff following heavy rainfall. The Jewells Wetland catchment responds quickly to intense precipitation, leading to localised flooding from major tributaries that drain into the wetland. Additionally, coastal-driven events such as high tides and storm surges can cause flooding at the downstream end of the catchment. These conditions highlight the area's vulnerability to both rain-induced and oceanic flooding, impacting local streets and properties.
Toronto
Toronto, a lakeside suburb in the City of Lake Macquarie, NSW, including areas like Booragul, Marmong Point, and Fennell Bay, is prone to flooding. The suburb is affected by Stoney Creek and its tributaries—Palmers Creek, Mudd Creek, Carleton Street Creek, and LT Creek—flowing into Lake Macquarie. Historical floods in this catchment have resulted in significant inundation and property damage. In major flood events, the area can experience widespread flooding, impacting residential and commercial properties, particularly as Stoney Creek drains into the lake at Fennell Bay.
Warners Bay
Warners Bay, situated on the eastern side of Lake Macquarie, is at risk of flooding from multiple catchments. North Creek, which drains into Lake Macquarie at Warners Bay, has caused flooding of roads and residential areas during significant events such as in June 1949 and February 1990. Flooding is often a result of intense rainfall over the catchment and elevated water levels in the lake, which can be further exacerbated by high tides. Historically, rainfall over 3 to 7 days has led to elevated lake levels, with notable increases occurring in under 12 hours during severe events like in 2007.