The City of Greater Geelong has welcomed an announcement from the Victorian Government on reforms to strengthen floodplain management across the state.
The changes support Catchment Management Authorities to lead flood mapping and community engagement to streamline flood-related planning scheme amendments, which will now be the responsibility of the Minister for Planning.
This will reduce the cost and administrative burden for local councils, which previously undertook this work.
A new risk-based flood hazard rating system modelled on the bushfire danger rating system will be implemented to provide better flood information to local communities. Ratings will range from 'low' to 'very high' to provide more accurate information, which will correspond to new planning and building controls.
This new system is intended to speed up development decisions by ensuring the approvals process and development controls are proportionate to risk.
The City has been advocating for the Victorian Government to take a proactive step forward to recognise the urgent need for a consistent, streamlined, statewide approach to flood mitigation and management.
The reforms stem from the Victorian Government's review of the Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy (2016), which was undertaken following a recommendation from the Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2022 floods.
City of Greater Geelong Deputy Mayor Ron Nelson
I fully support the Victorian Government's new approach to flood mapping, which brings it in line with its management of bushfire planning.This is a great outcome, led by the City's advocacy in collaboration with state and federal members and councils across the region.
You Yangs Ward Councillor Chris Burson
This change will help ensure our community is better protected and decisions are made using consistent data across the state.This is a significant change in process and the right course of action for the broader Victorian community.
As Victoria's second largest and fastest growing city, Geelong has been tasked by the Victorian Government to deliver more than 128,000 new homes by 2051.
It's critical the Victorian Government supports local government in delivering sustainable stormwater infrastructure to meet the demands of our population growth.
