The Macleay River catchment covers some 11,500 square kilometres. The main tributaries including the Aspley, Muddy and Chandler Rivers rise in the Great Dividing Range and flow across the New England Tableland before falling into rugged gorge country. The Macleay itself emerges from the gorges some 35km upstream of Kempsey. Below Kempsey the river meanders through a wide expanse of low lying floodplain, which is subject to frequent and persistent flooding. While the Macleay River is the dominant watercourse on the floodplain, significant tributaries are Christmas and Clybucca Creeks to the north and the Belmore River and Kinchela Creek to the south. The Macleay enters the ocean through a trained entrance at South West Rocks which was first breached during the flood of 1893. Previously the river entrance was at Grassy Head. The old channel between Grassy Head and South West Rocks has now become a complex backwater.

The final outcome of The Study was a list of 30 recommendations covering works, practices and changes to planning instruments which would provide the framework for more effective management of the floodplain. In accordance with the State Government's Flood Policy, this Plan now draws the Study recommendations together into a formal plan of management for the floodplain. In adopting this Plan, Council has established the overall philosophy for management of the lower Macleay floodplain within which specific works and measures can be implemented. The Plan was prepared by Webb, McKeown & Associates under the auspices of the Kempsey Shire Floodplain Management Committee which was responsible for identifying potential mitigation measures.