The Tuggerah Lakes system comprises of Tuggerah Lake, Budgewoi Lake and lake Munmorah and the immediate floodplain. The lakes occupy and area of approximately 80 square kilometres (11% of the total catchment area, which is 750 square kilometres) and are surrounded by residential developments, areas of open space and rural lands. The major rivers which drain into the lakes are the Wyong River (447 square kilometres) and Ourimbah Creek (160 square kilometres).

The most effective means of managing flood risk in the Tuggerah Lakes floodplain were found to be:

• Land use planning
• Infrastructure planning
• Adaptation planning
• Emergency management planning and evacuation
• Flood awareness education