Thousands of proposed new homes under consideration in Sydney’s Bayside West Precincts urban renewal project are vulnerable to flooding, according to the NSW State Emergency Service (SES).

The Cooks Cove area, where up to 5000 homes may be built, is most exposed.

SES Assistant Director Nicole Hogan says the project’s draft land use and infrastructure strategy has not factored in flood risk up to the probable maximum flood (PMF).

Arncliffe and Banksia are also affected by flooding, she says.

PMF refers to the largest flood that could occur in a particular location.

“To truly understand the flood risk in each precinct, the flood risk in floods up to and including the PMF should be assessed,” Ms Hogan says in a submission on the plans.

“This is especially important for the Cooks Cove precinct, which is more vulnerable to flooding than Arncliffe and Banksia.”

Up to 5100 homes could be built in Arncliffe and Banksia by 2036.

The NSW Government says the project will provide more homes and jobs in accessible locations. The precincts are close to key transport nodes including Sydney Airport, the Illawarra rail line and the Princes Highway.

The insurance industry has campaigned for many years against suburbs being built in areas exposed to flood risks. However, an Insurance Council of Australia spokesman declined to comment on the Bayside West project when contacted by insuranceNEWS.com.au.