Council and the North Central Catchment Management Authority are finalising the Harcourt Flood Study, which identifies flood risk for the area.

The study was based on the following:

• Historical information such as newspaper. accounts and recorded peak flood levels.
• Physical conditions such as ground contour information and aerial photography.
• Computer modelling.
• Local knowledge gathered through extensive community consultation.

Understanding which areas are affected by flooding is crucial to making informed decisions on how land should be used and developed, and planning for emergency preparedness and response.

Despite a history of flooding there are no existing flood controls within Harcourt and the Barkers Creek area.

A planning scheme sets out how land is used and developed within a municipality, and a planning scheme amendment is a request to change a local planning scheme.

Council is proposing an amendment to the planning scheme, called Draft Amendment c100malx.

An overlay is a map that identifies an issue that needs to be considered when developing land e.g. flooding, bushfire, heritage.

A Flood Overlay is specific to flooding issues that need to be considered when developing land. This includes the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO) - Schedule 1 and Floodway Overlay (FO) - Schedule 1.

To apply a new overlay, a planning scheme amendment is required. Is this case we are proposing Draft Planning Scheme Amendment c100malx.

Your land is now considered flood prone due to the recent Harcourt Flood Study.

The Harcourt Flood Study considered community input, previous flood flows and depths, topography and structures such as levy banks. The study also included flood modelling on a 1% AEP event.

A 1% AEP event is a flood that has a 1% chance of occurring, or being exceeded, within one year. This is the accepted standard applied to flood management in Victoria.

If your land is designated with a ‘Land Subject to Inundation Overlay’ or ‘Floodway Overlay’, it does not necessarily mean that your land will be flooded regularly.

It means that if there is a significant flood event, your land is likely to be subject to flooding.

Yes, but if draft Amendment C100malx is implemented you may need a planning permit.

Some buildings and works do not require a permit.

A planning permit is already needed to subdivide land, and the draft Amendment C100malx will not change this.

If Amendment c100malx is implemented, flooding issues will be considered when determining whether your land can be subdivided.

You will need to demonstrate how any proposed subdivision would ensure any new buildings and access ways are not affected by flooding.

Yes, you can still farm on your land.

The draft Amendment c100malx will not impact grazing or cropping.

It may affect new built structures such as sheds and fences, and works such as earthworks and mounds.

Insurance providers each have their own processes for calculating premiums, so it’s best to speak directly with your insurance provider.

Insurance providers typically have access to local flood study information regardless of what flood overlay information is present in planning schemes.

For more information, visit Insurance Council of Australia:

www.insurancecouncil.com.au/resource/flood-insuran...

It is difficult to determine whether draft Amendment c100malx will affect your property value.

There are many factors that influence property value, but the designation of an area as ‘subject to inundation’ does not cause or change the likelihood of flooding.

It merely recognises the existing condition of the land and its potential for future flooding.

This is the community’s chance to have their say on the draft planning scheme amendment.

If you have any concerns please contact Council by phone or email, or visit one of our drop-in sessions.

All objections must be received in writing, either by letter, email or here on Shape, and must include reasons as to why you are making the submission, and note any changes that could be made that would resolve your issues. You must also include your postal address, email address and phone number so we can contact you regarding your submission.

Submissions close Friday 7 June 2024.

After consultation, the Council may ask the Minister for Planning and Transport to intervene and consider the amendment.

Visit Planning Schemes Online to review the Planning Scheme ordinance and mapping at https://planning-schemes.app.planning.vic.gov.au/Mount%20Alexander/ordinance