The Somersby and Kariong Catchments Overland Flood Study was prepared for the Central Coast Council by Kellogg Brown & Root Pty Ltd in 2023 and the community was asked for input.
This study informed the draft report prepared by Kellogg Brown & Root Pty Ltd and placed on public exhibition between Monday 3 November and Monday 1 December 2025 with the community able to make formal submissions during this period.
Flooding on the Central Coast can be categorised into 3 main groups:
– Mainstream flooding — occurs when rivers and creeks start to break their banks and cause inundation of land that is typically dry.
– Local overland flooding — occurs when intense rainfall overwhelms the drainage system.
– Coastal/tidal flooding.
This Flood Study is a key step in the Flood Risk Management Process and will help Council make more informed decisions about land use planning and flood risk management to support a safer and more resilient community.
There is some concern among residents that changes in the flood rating will affect insurance premiums and property values, however Council maintains that the process is necessary to keep the community safe and well-informed about flooding.
This project is supported by funding from the NSW Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water.
For more information read the reports at: https://www.yourvoiceourcoast.com/somersbykariongfloodstudy
Information from Central Coast Council & KBR Pty Ltd
