The Port Stephens Local Government Area (LGA) is located in the Hunter Region of New South Wales and faces diverse flood risks across its sectors. The Hinton sector, including Hinton, Wallalong, and Duns Creek, is vulnerable to flooding from the Hunter and Paterson Rivers. Raymond Terrace, including Lakeside Village and Heatherbrae, is at risk from the Hunter and Williams Rivers, tidal inundation, and heavy rainfall. Medowie faces flooding from Campvale and Moffats Swamps, with potential drainage-related water quality issues. Seaham and East Seaham are impacted by the Williams River, mitigated by Seaham Weir, while Williamtown, Tomago, and Salt Ash are prone to local runoff, Hunter River backwater, and elevated tides, especially around Fullerton Cove and Tilligerry Creek.
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.
Hinton
The Hinton sector, including Hinton, Wallalong, Duns Creek, and nearby areas, faces significant flood risks due to its location near the confluence of the Paterson and Hunter Rivers. Flooding can stretch from Vacy to Hinton, with the Hunter River potentially worsening conditions during simultaneous flooding. Isolation of Hinton and surrounding rural areas can occur, sometimes lasting several days, as seen in March 2022. Woodville is also at risk, with access to all three incoming roads being cut off by both local and riverine flooding, which most recently happened in July 2022.
The Hinton sector, including Hinton, Wallalong, and Duns Creek, is vulnerable to flooding from the Hunter and Paterson Rivers. Flooding can impact areas from Vacy to Hinton, with worsening conditions during simultaneous flooding events. Hinton and surrounding rural areas can be isolated for several days, as seen in March 2022, and Woodville is similarly affected, with access cut off by both local and riverine flooding, last occurring in July 2022.
Raymond Terrace
Raymond Terrace, including Lakeside Village, Heatherbrae, and nearby rural areas like Motto Farm, is at risk of flooding primarily due to the Hunter and Williams Rivers overtopping their banks and levees. Flooding can also result from tidal inundation or excessive rainfall in the local catchment area, or a combination of these factors. The area has a history of floods caused by the Hunter River, posing a significant risk to residents and businesses.
Medowie
Medowie is at risk of flooding from two main catchments: Campvale Swamp to the west and Moffats Swamp to the east. These catchments are usually separate, but Moffats Swamp can overflow into Campvale Swamp across Medowie Road in extreme events. Campvale Swamp poses a flooding risk both upstream of Ferodale Road, where short-duration flooding occurs, and downstream, where prolonged flooding can disrupt agriculture. Moffats Swamp runs through Medowie’s State Forest and down to Richardson Road, primarily threatening neighbouring properties and streets as water flows into the swamp.
Clarence Town
Clarence Town, Seaham, and East Seaham, located on the Williams River and Jackass Creek, are at risk of flooding. The Williams River, fed by the steep-sloped Chichester River, contributes to the flood risk in this area. The Seaham Weir helps limit tidal influence and backflow from the Hunter River, but the sector can still be isolated for up to five days during major floods, depending on their scale.
Williamtown
Williamtown, Tomago, and Salt Ash, situated near the lower reaches of the Hunter River and approximately 11 km upstream of the river mouth at Newcastle, are at risk of flooding. Flooding in this area is primarily due to local runoff, backwater effects from the Hunter River or elevated ocean tides, and possible overtopping of levee systems around Fullerton Cove and Salt Ash. The main flood risk comes from mainstream Hunter River flooding, which can result in Fullerton Cove filling and discharging into the Tilligerry Creek floodplain, affecting cross-drainage structures, Nelson Bay Road, and properties near Newcastle Airport.