Maitland Council Needs Input from Residents to Plan for Future Floods

newy.com.au – Maitland residents are being called upon to help shape the city’s flood recovery efforts by sharing their stories and experiences from the devastating May 2025 flood, as part of a Council-led campaign aimed at strengthening future disaster planning and support requests.

Following its official declaration as a natural disaster zone, Maitland has launched a new community engagement push, urging locals to take part in one of three targeted surveys focusing on households, businesses, and non-government organisations. The move comes as Council seeks to gather deeper, more structured insights beyond social media posts, which have so far captured only fragments of the flood’s true toll.

The city, which has endured some of the worst flooding since the historic 2007 and 1955 disasters, was inundated in May when intense La Niña-driven rainfall overwhelmed parts of the Hunter. With more than 4,000 emergency responders deployed across NSW and widespread evacuations in neighbouring regions, Maitland’s emergency response held firm—but many residents were left facing ongoing economic, emotional and logistical fallout.

General Manager Jeff Smith said collecting lived experience data is not just about recording damage but building a powerful case for long-term support. “We know people are hurting. We need clear, detailed evidence to show decision-makers exactly what Maitland’s been through, and why we need sustained recovery assistance,” he said. Survey participants will also go into the running to win one of five emergency preparedness starter kits.

The surveys, now live on Council’s online platform, delve into specific challenges—from business interruptions and staff shortages to personal wellbeing and service delivery constraints faced by local NGOs. Council says the findings will not only inform current recovery priorities but also lay the groundwork for a more agile and responsive approach to future flood events.

Maitland’s long flood history, from the catastrophic 1955 flood that claimed 25 lives to the more recent July 2022 event that isolated entire suburbs, has underscored the urgent need for resilience and preparation. This latest community-led initiative reflects a broader shift towards planning with the people most impacted at the centre.

Locals can share their experiences at yoursay.maitland.nsw.gov.au and help ensure Maitland’s voice is heard loud and clear when it counts.