Feedback on Berry flood investigation to inform next steps
Published on 13 October 2025
Residents in the township of Berry and its surrounds, including Shoalhaven Heads, are invited to view a recent flood study of the area to learn more about their flood risk and inform how it will be managed in the future.
The technical investigation was undertaken by Council to improve its understanding of flood behaviour within the Broughton Creek catchment, which encompasses Berry and its surrounds.
Mayor Patricia White said the study took into consideration land use changes, ongoing urban development and infrastructure upgrades, and the findings may be used to inform future flood risk management strategies.
“It was necessary to undertake this investigation as there have been significant changes to the landscape in the catchment area due in part to new infrastructure and residential developments which can impact flood behaviour,” Cr White said.
“In April 2024, residents in the Berry area experienced the most severe flood on record, making the findings of this study and the way we use that information, even more pertinent,” she said.
“I’d strongly encourage residents to view the study’s findings and have your say about how the findings of the study should be used by Council to inform management of flood risk in the area,” she said.
The study is now on public exhibition until Sunday 9 November and the community is invited to view the documents to better understand their flood risk.
Residents also have the opportunity to provide feedback about what steps they would like Council to take to help manage the flood risk by completing an online survey.
As part of this consultation, Council is interested in hearing whether the community would like to pursue the implementation a Flood Warning System for the Berry area, particularly following significant flooding in the area in April 2024.
A community information drop-in session will be held at the Berry School of Arts on Wednesday 29 October from 3pm to 6.30pm for residents who would like more information about the study and how their feedback will be used.
The Broughton Creek Flood Study found the primary source of flooding in the area was due to several major creek systems within the catchment, particularly within urbanised areas of Berry and the locality of Bundewallah.
The study identified that these areas were also prone to flash flooding, when heavy rainfall occurred over a short period of time.
The Broughton Creek Flood Study was undertaken in accordance with the NSW Flood Prone Land Policy, the NSW Flood Risk Management Manual (2023) and in close collaboration with the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
To view the Broughton Creek Flood Study and to complete the survey, head to Council’s Broughton Creek Flood Study Get Involved webpage.