Lansdowne is located approximately 15 kilometres upstream along the Lansdowne River from the confluence of the Manning River. The Manning valley was first settled in the early nineteenth century and due to the importance of streams as transport routes for primary produce, numerous settlements were located adjacent to rivers below the tidal limit. In this way, the village of Lansdowne is located close to the tidal limit of the Lansdowne River, which is approximately two kilometres downstream from the railway bridge at Lansdowne.

The Lansdowne Flood Study involves the comprehensive review and upgrade of the broad based "Manning River Flood Study" (NSW Public Works Department; 1991). The primary objective is to create a sophisticated 2D hydraulic model which will accurately simulate flooding in and around Lansdowne. This, in conjunction with an improved Hydrologic Model of catchment, will provide refined flood data for Lansdowne and therefore establish a sound base for the development of a Lansdowne Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan according to the "Floodplain Development Manual" (New South Wales Government; 2005).