Residents of Hinton will unite to crystalise planning for flood management in partnership with the NSW State Emergency Service (SES).
Flooding continues to impact the Hunter in 2025, but nowhere more so than the Port Stephens town.
Just 35 kilometres from the Newcastle CBD, Hinton was isolated by floodwaters during storms in early August for the second time in three months, highlighting its susceptibility to natural disaster.
The NSW SES plays a key role in supporting and sustaining suburbs like Hinton during such periods.
As a result, the organisation’s community liaison officers hosted a feedback meeting at the Victoria Hotel at the weekend as part of their strategy to improve future emergency responses.
SES Superintendent Deputy Zone Commander Ian Robinson admitted it was just the first step in the process.
“The NSW SES is planning a Community Engagement Forum at Hinton in the next week or so… to both gather local feedback and offer relevant information and plans for that community to assist them to better prepare during future such events, as well as inform SES forward planning,” he said.
The commentary will also provide information for Port Stephens Council to support the town.
With record-breaking rainfall in May and the subsequent flooding in the past few weeks, this type of planning is essential.
Hinton resident Ethan Hansen is one of many community members who has their life upended every time the town is flooded.
He describes “Hinto” as “a very resilient community”.
“All three roads out of Hinton become cut off by the water,” he said.
“Unfortunately, I’m not able to make it to work for a few days due to the flooding and, therefore, I don’t get paid.”
Mr Hansen shared his experience with disaster management and emergency response as a former member of the SES and volunteer with the Bowthorne/Hinton Rural Fire Service (RFS).
“We have pulled people out from cars that got swept off the road by the currents caused by flooding,” he said.
“In the 2022 flooding, I was one of a few that was operating on the flood boats delivering food, water and supplies to Hinton from Morpeth.”
A date is yet to be set for the Community Engagement Forum.
- University of Newcastle journalism student Asher Gale
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