The Commonwealth and state are joining forces to oversee a major enhancement of flood-prone Ironbark Creek in Wallsend.
Businesses and residents have been calling for practical action for a long time, following several severe weather events over the past two decades.
The recently-announced project will upgrade 660 metres of the stormwater channel through the suburb’s CBD, with works to include channel widening, new floodwalls and naturalisation to help reduce flood impacts while improving environmental outcomes.
Hunter Water is expected to deliver the venture as part of a coordinated response across all three levels of government to address longstanding flood risk in the 2287 postcode.
The undertaking should also complement City of Newcastle’s (CN) program of bridge upgrades over Ironbark Creek, helping ensure mitigation works across the CBD are aligned.
“This is incredibly significant for Wallsend,” local MP Sonia Hornery said.
“It comes almost 19 years to the week since the devastating Pasha Bulker storm, when homes and businesses were flooded, streets became impassable and our community felt the full force of how vulnerable this area can be.
“I’ve been advocating for major flood mitigation works since 2007.
“So, I’m glad that persistence has paid off.
“This project is about giving people greater confidence that their homes, businesses and livelihoods will be better protected in the future.”
The design will reduce the frequency and severity of flooding, with a focus on high-risk areas during more frequent storm events.
Where possible, it’ll incorporate nature-based solutions to improve the health of Ironbark Creek, including through naturalised sections aimed at enhancing biodiversity, water quality and better habitat for native species, including turtles, fish and birdlife.
Hunter Water will now begin a six-month intensive design phase, comprising engagement with landholders and the broader community.
“We know how important this project is to Wallsend,” managing director Jennifer Hayes said.
“It’s a great example of government working together to tackle a complex issue and provide a better outcome for the community.
“Only by aligning these investments, alongside council’s bridge upgrade program, can we meaningfully reduce flood risk in the CBD.”
Construction is expected to start early-to-mid 2027.
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