These guidelines aim to inform local councils, government agencies, and planners. They seek a consistent approach across the region. 

This applies when developing local policies, plans, and development controls. Including policies that address the hazards associated with the full range of flood events. This applies up to the probable maximum flood.

Although focused on the Hawkesbury-Nepean region, the guidance applies to other flood-prone regions. Guidance on topics includes:

• Identifying and communicating flood risk
• the role of insurance
• determining flood planning levels
• land use planning
• reducing risk through flood-aware residential development.

A method to rate risk and define risk bands is included to assist councils in their flood risk analysis. For residential development, it proposes a series of risk bands as a tool to better manage the flood risk for the full range of floods.