Key Messages:
Following the extraordinary meeting today, May 6, Council will use the adopted 2012 LEP maps for decision-making on land use and development until the Flood Risk Management Study and Plan is completed and any changes are officially adopted.
Council will consider the findings of the new Flood Study in development applications, and will provide information to residents about potential flood risks, including differences in flood levels between the new study and the current 2012 LEP maps.
Council encourages residents to stay engaged with this project as work on the Flood Risk Management Study and Plan continues.
Following the extraordinary meeting held this morning in Corowa, Federation Council provides the following update to residents regarding the recently adopted Flood Study and the ongoing process of flood risk management within the Local Government Area (LGA).
Federation Council Mayor, Cr Cheryl Cook said while Council adopted the new Flood Study in November 2024, Council today made a decision to utilise the official flood zone maps within the existing 2012 Local Environmental Plan (LEP) in respect to land use and development which remain unchanged at this point in time.
"We understand that residents have a lot of concerns about the implications of the new Flood Study," said Federation Council Mayor, Cr Cheryl Cook.
"I want to assure our community that while the Flood Study provides us with valuable new information, the existing flood maps in our 2012 LEP will be the current guide for land use and development decisions until further work is completed," she said.
Mayor Cook said Council is committed to a thorough and responsive approach to this issue.
"Until such time as Council undertakes further work in part two of this project, Council at our Extraordinary meeting today resolved to use the flood planning areas defined in the current 2012 LEP maps when making decisions about land use and development," she said.
"This will remain the case until the new Flood Risk Management Study and Plan is completed and Council officially adopts any changes, or if we receive other critical information that allows us to make a more timely decision on updating flood levels."
The Flood Study, undertaken by independent expert consultants between 2021 and 2023 in accordance with State Government guidelines and the State Government prescribed Flood Manual, involved mandatory public exhibition and consultation prior to its adoption. This study is a preliminary step in the overall Flood Risk Management Process prescribed by the State Government.
"Flooding can have a devastating impact on a community, Federation Council is committed to adopting a risk-averse approach to this critical issue," said Mayor Cook.
"The riverine environment in our LGA, particularly with unique elements like Lake Mulwala, requires further careful consideration to ensure we have effective mitigation measures in place."
Mayor Cook explained that Council has listened to the Mulwala community and implemented an interim arrangement.
"We've taken steps to ensure that current development is not impacted while we conduct further assessment of possible mitigation measures," she said.
"This allows us to ensure appropriate risk management measures are in place.
"Even though Council will be using the old flood maps for now, Council will still look closely at the findings of the new Flood Study when reviewing any new development applications. This will ensure that any new buildings or projects are suitable for the location and consider the potential flood risks highlighted in the study."
Mayor Cook said Council also resolved for Council's General Manager Adrian Butler to engage with key stakeholders, including relevant water authorities, to explore all opportunities to reduce flood risks across the entire Federation area.
