The great majority of the state s towns and cities are located on floodplains, both inland and coastal. This is an historical fact, resulting from the time when most heavy transport was maritime or riverine in nature. These towns are subject to flooding and measures are needed to protect their future livelihood.
Floodplains are also the commercial, social and environmental arteries of the state.
Transport and communication infrastructure are often located in floodplains which, as generally the more fertile areas, are a base for a significant proportion of the state s agricultural business. Regular flooding enhances agricultural productivity by increasing soil moisture, recharging groundwater and depositing fertile silt across the floodplain. However, flooding can also interfere with production, communication and agricultural practices, destroying high value crops. Therefore development and management of the floodplain needs to consider a broad range of issues including balancing the benefits of occupation of the floodplain against the costs. Cost of floods in NSW Floods in New South Wales cause considerable damage and community disruption.