New funding from the state government will help more local governments complete up-to-date flood data and mapping and make flood studies a part of their planning schemes.
On May 30, Water Minister Harriet Shing and Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny announced an investment of $22.2 million to fast-track more flood studies so that communities are best prepared for future floods.
This funding will help accelerate flood mapping data studies which will be used to update planning council schemes so they can identify suitable locations for new development and avoid high flood-risk areas.
Local councils are responsible for updating flood mapping and controls in their planning schemes to ensure they identify areas subject to potential flooding. Councils are best placed to make these decisions, in consultation with the relevant water authority or catchment management authority.
Funding will also ensure communities and industry are at the heart of flood planning discussions at the local level.
The package includes:
– $10 million over the next five years to complete an estimated 32 flood studies in regional Victoria.
– $5 million over three years to fast-track scoping of future flood mitigation activities.
– $3.9 million over the next two years to help councils implement 40 flood studies into Victorian planning schemes.
– $2 million over the next two years to establish a program to engage landholders, local builders, and industry.
Water Minister Harriet Shing said these flood studies will support emergency management activities, planning decisions and individual landowners living on the floodplains.
“We’re helping any remaining local council to fast-track updates to their flood maps and other data to ensure we have the best information on the risk of flooding,” she said.
