Baw Baw Shire Council is inviting formal submissions on a draft planning amendment, which if introduced, will see updated flood mapping in the Baw Baw Planning Scheme.
It is a State Government requirement to ensure flood prone land is mapped in the Baw Baw Planning Scheme. Water authorities across Victoria are updating flood risk information and flood mapping, including the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) who are the floodplain management authority across a large portion of Baw Baw Shire.
The updated flood mapping has been derived from previously completed modelling, and the new maps are proposed to replace older mapping, which no longer accurately reflects current flood conditions.
Towns most impacted include Warragul, Yarragon, Trafalgar, Walhalla and part of Neerim South, as well as other smaller towns associated with the waterways.
Baw Baw Shire Council Mayor Councillor Kate Wilson said the updated mapping would play an important role in guiding future development and protecting communities from flood risk.
"The proposed amendment will ensure future planning decisions are based on the most current flood risk information available, improving community safety and resilience to flooding," she said.
"Accurate flood mapping is essential for informed planning and decision-making. These updated maps will help ensure new homes, buildings and infrastructure are designed with local flood risks in mind and support future flood mitigation planning across many parts of our Shire," she said.
Updated flood maps provide valuable information to support future planning decisions and help reduce potential impacts on people, properties and communities.
Under the proposed amendment:
- 1,438 properties are proposed to be newly affected by one or more flood overlay.
- 510 properties are already affected by flood overlays and are proposed to remain affected.
- 131 properties are proposed to have flood overlays removed.
Owners and occupiers of these properties will receive a letter informing them of how the proposed amendment will affect their property.
Council encourages all affected property owners and interested community members to review the proposed changes and if they wish, provide a formal submission.
Residents can make a submission by emailing [email protected] with the subject line "Draft Amendment C164 – Flood Mapping".
Community members seeking further information or wishing to discuss the amendment with a Council officer can do so by emailing [email protected] or contacting Strategic Planning on 5624 2411.
All submissions will be considered by Council.
Submissions on Draft Amendment C164 close on Friday 29 January 2027.
