Governments and communities now recognise stormwater pollution as a major contributor to the degradation of many of the state’s natural waterways.

In Newcastle, concrete drains and channels have replaced extensive areas of natural creek and drainage systems. Stormwater pollutionhas impacted on the natural environment and the community in many ways:

• Tonnes of sediment and rubbish are annually transported into the lower reaches of the city's creeks, estuary system and beaches  
• Run off from roads and other sources contribute heavy metals, oils, bacteria, nutrients and other chemicals into the stormwater system and further pollute our waterways
• Extensive areas of habitat and native species of flora and fauna have been lost to current generations
• Creek systems such as Throsby Creek have become choked in the lower reaches with contaminated sediments that have poisoned marine species and impacted on the economic viability of recreational and commercial fishing
• Plastics, styrene and other rubbish litter the mangrove forests of the Hunter estuaries detracting from the natural and spiritual values of these places for the community
• Natural creeklines throughout the city experience erosion and sedimentation impact.

The management of catchments and the improvement of stormwater quality and quantity are increasingly important in meeting quality of life objectives for the community.

Newcastle Stormwater Management Plan

The Newcastle Stormwater Management Plan is a catchment based stormwater management plan for Newcastle.

 Newcastle Stormwater Management Plan (3.72Mb)

It has been prepared by Newcastle City Council in conjunction with the Hunter Water Corporation, Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority and the community.

The plan aims to:

• Facilitate the coordinated management of stormwater within Newcastle’s catchments to improve water quality and maximise the ecological sustainability of our creeks and river systems
• Complement and strengthen the existing stormwater and catchment management frameworks in the city.

The plan is the first step in a process to improve stormwater quality and protect and enhance the natural values of the city’s catchment and waterways.

Catchment areas

Five catchment areas have been identified for the city:

• Ironbark Creek
• Throsby Creek
• Cottage Creek
• lowlying parts of the Hunter River Estuary like Hexham and Kooragang Island
• small coastal catchments such as Merewether Beach.

These catchments can be viewed on the catchment area map.

Responsibility for stormwater management

Newcastle City Council, Hunter Water Corporation and the Hunter Catchment Management Trust each have significant roles in stormwater and catchment management in Newcastle.

The Stormwater Management Plan represents a “bond of agreement: - a commitment to work in a cooperative manner whilst having regard to the principles of ESD and total catchment management in our implementation efforts.”

For further information

For further information you can contact our City Strategist – Urban Water mail@ncc.nsw.gov.au