Wallsend CBD stormwater widening and naturalisation
Hunter Water is delivering an important project to help reduce flooding in the Wallsend CBD. Our works will improve the Ironbark Creek stormwater channel, between Cowper Street and Boscawen Street at Federal Park. Work will include:
- widening parts of the creek channel
- building new floodwalls in key areas
- naturalising sections of the channel to support a healthier creek.
These changes will allow more water to move through the channel during heavy rain.
Why this work is needed
Wallsend is one of Newcastle’s most flood-prone areas. Many homes, businesses and streets have experienced flooding during major storm events, including the 2007 floods.
This project is based on years of planning and will be designed to work together with the City of Newcastle’s bridge upgrades over Ironbark Creek, so both programs deliver better flood outcomes for the community.
What this will mean for you
Once finished, this project will:
- reduce how often flooding happens in the Wallsend CBD
- reduce severe flooding during storms
- help protect homes, businesses and local roads
- give the community more confidence during heavy rain
While no single project can stop flooding completely, the work is expected to make a meaningful difference in high-risk areas.
Supporting a healthier creek
This project is not just about managing stormwater. It is also an opportunity to improve the local environment. Naturalised sections of Ironbark Creek will help:
- improve water quality
- support native plants and animals
- create better habitat for native plants and animals
- support healthier waterways downstream, including RAMSAR listed wetlands
- make the area a nicer place to spend time.
Project timing
The project is in the design phase. This phase includes site investigations to better understand ground conditions, and community engagement to provide feedback on the design.
Construction is expected to start from mid-2027, weather and approvals permitting. We will share updates as each phase progresses.
Working with the community
We know how important this project is to the Wallsend community. During the design phase, we will:
- work closely with landholders and businesses
- listen to local knowledge and feedback
- keep the community informed as plans develop.
Working together
All levels of government support delivery of this project.
- Hunter Water is delivering the project on behalf of the NSW Government.
- The project received grant funding from the Australian Government’s Local Environmental Projects Program.
- The City of Newcastle is carrying out related catchment improvements, bridge upgrades and flood management works.
Working together helps make sure the right improvements are delivered for the Wallsend community.
Frequently asked questions
Will this project stop flooding completely?
No. In a low-lying, built-up area like Wallsend, it is not practical to stop flooding entirely. This project will reduce how often flooding happens and how severe it is, especially in high-risk areas.
Why is this work happening now?
Planning has been underway for many years. A formal direction from the NSW Minister for Water means Hunter Water can now move into detailed design and delivery.
What benefits will the project bring?
The project will help protect homes, businesses and roads in the Wallsend CBD. It will also improve the health of Ironbark Creek by improving water quality and creating better habitat for native plants and animals.
Will there be disruption during construction?
As with any major construction, you may notice some noise, construction vehicles and traffic changes while work is underway. We will plan the work carefully and keep the community informed to help reduce disruption as much as possible.
How can I have my say?
Community input is an important part of the design phase. We will work with landholders, businesses and the wider community to make sure local knowledge is considered.
How does this project work with other local upgrades?
This project is being designed to work alongside the City of Newcastle’s bridge upgrades over Ironbark Creek. Together, these works will help deliver better flood outcomes for the Wallsend CBD.