The Northern Areas Council undertook Public consultation on the draft Stormwater Management Plans (SMPs) for the townships of Georgetown, Gladstone and Laura in accordance with Council’s Public Consultation Policy from Wednesday, 18 March 2026 to Wednesday, 8 April 2026.
These long term plans outline how stormwater will be managed across the region to reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and support safer, cleaner and more resilient townships both now and into the future.
Purpose of the Stormwater Management Plans
The SMPs have been developed to address the following objectives:
- Provide an appropriate level of flood protection for public and private assets.
- Improve the quality of stormwater entering receiving waters.
- Identify opportunities for the beneficial use of stormwater.
- Ensure new developments provide open space and maximise onsite stormwater retention.
- Support the sustainable management of stormwater infrastructure.
- Enhance the condition of receiving watercourses.
- Strengthen communication and consultation with stakeholders, businesses, and the community.
These plans have been prepared by the Northern Areas Council in partnership with the Stormwater Management Authority, with specialist support from consultants Southfront.
What’s Included in the Plans?
Each SMP provides a comprehensive framework for managing local stormwater and includes:
- Baseline Assessment – An overview of topography, land use and existing catchment conditions.
- Risk Identification – Identification of flooding impacts, from minor nuisance ponding to significant flood prone areas.
- Water Quality Review – Assessment of the quality of runoff leaving each township.
- Management Strategies – A suite of structural and non-structural recommendations designed to meet plan objectives.
- Economic Analysis – Estimated costs and benefits for each proposed strategy.
- Implementation Roadmap – Priorities, responsibilities and suggested timeframes for delivery.
Have We Identified the Right Priorities?
Previous community engagement, including open house sessions in late 2023, highlighted several key concerns:
- Georgetown: Guttering improvements on Hurtle and Fisher Streets; flooding issues near the Bowling Club entrance.
- Gladstone: Managing blockages along the Rocky River; maintaining existing stormwater harvesting points.
- Laura: Addressing historic flooding challenges between Pine Creek and Rocky River; managing ponding along Herbert Street and West Terrace.
Now that the consultation period has closed, Council will consider all feedback before finalising the SMPs.
For further information, contact Council on (08) 8664 1139 or admin@nacouncil.sa.gov.au.
Access the Draft Plans
The draft SMPs are available via the links below and at Council offices:
Georgetown Stormwater Management Plan