With Lochinvar on the cusp of a major housing boom, residents have expressed a number of concerns about the effects more development will have on flooding in their suburb.
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They have voiced their opinions in the Draft Lochinvar Creek Flood Study - a comprehensive technical investigation of flood behaviour for the Lochinvar Creek catchment.
While the document is now on public exhibition and open for community scrutiny, some residents have already weighed in with their concerns.
The draft document reports that some home occupiers have called for improved drainage systems and better creek maintenance - something they believe could lessen the effects of flooding.
They are also concerned about additional development in the area and blamed the increased rate of rise in flood waters to be as a result of increasing residential development in surrounding areas - specifically upstream of Lochinvar.
April 2015 in particular resulted in significant flood damages, with several homes flooded above floor level
- Draft Lochinvar Creek Flood Study
They are concerned that this will be dangerous to new residents and stretch the resources of community and emergency services during flood events.
A total of 254 properties are identified within the study area.
"There is a history of significant flooding over the entire catchment," the study said.
"Recent local storm events that caused flood damage and loss included February 1990, June 2007 (the "Pasha Bulker" storm), April 2015 and January 2016.
"April 2015 in particular resulted in significant flood damages, with several homes flooded above floor level," the draft study said.
The draft flood study will be on exhibition from April 1 to May 3 and can be viewed at Council's: Website maitland.nsw.gov.au, Citizen Service Centre 285-287 High Street, Maitland and city libraries.
A community drop-in session will be held on Tuesday, April 16 between 1pm and 5pm at Maitland Town Hall.
The session presents an opportunity for property owners and residents in the Lochinvar Creek catchment to speak directly with consultants and council staff about the study.