Bendemeer is located beside the Macdonald River approximately 42km north-east of Tamworth, along the New England Highway. The catchment has an area of about 1140 square kilometres. The shape of the catchment is narrow, from the upper reaches in the hills south east of Woolbrook, through to Bendemeer, and downstream through the rural locality of Retreat to the confluence with the Namoi River at Warrabah National Park, located north east of Manilla. Key objective are:

• Undertake a Floodplain Risk Management Study and develop a Management Plan that addresses existing future and continuing flooding
• Undertake the study and develop the plan in accordance with the NSW Floodplain Development Manual, 2005
• Engage the community and stakeholders to solicit feedback, understanding and support of the Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan
• Ensure consultation with the key stakeholders including Council, the Flood Risk Management Committee and the community are undertaken in a thorough manner throughout the project