This study is a preliminary options and feasibility assessment of a flood evacuation route for Central Maitland and Lorn.

As part of Maitland City Council’s ambitions to expand the population of the Maitland CBD by 3,700 residents (to 5,500) by 2030, the NSW State Government (through the SES) have advised council that such a population increase in the Maitland CBD would not be supported without the provision of a high-level evacuation route to cater for an increased population.

The current flood immunity of Long Bridge (currently the highest evacuation route from Maitland CBD) is between a 1:20 and 1:50 year event. Whilst the Long Bridge is not overtopped in a 5% AEP flood of similar, structural assessments have been undertaken which recommend that the bridge should not be used when significant water is flowing in the Oakhampton Floodway due to risk of failure from impact of debris.