The Upper Hunter Shire Local Government Area encompasses several towns and villages, each situated within unique catchment areas with distinct geographical features. Aberdeen, the third largest town, lies on the Eastern Bank of the Hunter River, near the confluence of six river systems. Merriwa, located at the Western extremity, is bordered by the Merriwa River, while Cassilis, a historic village between Merriwa and Dunedoo, spreads along the Munmurra River. The Murrurundi sector includes Murrurundi, Blandford, and Willow Tree, with catchments sourced from the Liverpool Range and the Namoi River Basin. Scone, situated on a floodplain, faces inundation risks from various creeks and rivers, exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure like culverts along the Liverpool Road.
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.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen is at significant risk of flooding and is prone to isolation during major floods, with the New England Highway on both sides potentially cut off. Major floods occurred in 1955 and 1971, with the latter reaching 10.2 meters at the Aberdeen Gauge, and the 1955 flood approximately 10.4 meters. More recent significant floods happened in 1992 and 1996. The catchment area, largely farmland and semi-natural forests, contributes to the flooding risk by influencing the river systems.
Merriwa – Cassilis
In Merriwa, flooding can occur from the Merriwa River and its tributary, Whitneys Creek, with fast flows from Whitneys Creek and backwater inundation near the Merriwa River. Cassilis is at risk from the Munmurra River and Two-Mile Creek, which can isolate the town for several hours during severe floods. Both areas face significant flooding risks, impacting accessibility and infrastructure.
Murrurundi, Blanford and Willow Tree
The Murrurundi sector, including Murrurundi, Blandford, and Willow Tree is prone to flooding, and often results in flash floods with short warning times, with significant recent events occurring in 1996. Typically, minor flooding inundates residential backyards along the Pages River, and severe damage can occur if the right bank at Adelaide Street is breached.
Scone
Scone can experience inundation on both its eastern and western sides, exacerbated by inadequate culverts on Liverpool Road, which acts as an embankment. The Scone bypass, which crosses these catchments, could lead to severe flooding if floodwaters from the western and eastern sources converge. Major floods in Scone occurred in 1955, 1971, and 1976, with the 1955 event having a 1 in 100 chance of recurring annually. Significant flooding also happened in February 1992. Due to recent developments and the bypass construction, severe events could potentially isolate Scone completely by road.