Updated flood mapping included in proposed changes to Planning Scheme

Published on 23 March 2022

2011 Flood event .jpg

Rockhampton Regional Council will soon be calling on the community to give their thoughts on the latest planning scheme amendment.

Community consultation is set to open in April, with a particular focus on the new additions made to the scheme’s flood mapping.

Rockhampton Region Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Chair Tony Williams said Council is committed to improving the community’s awareness of flooding and undertaking flood mitigation measures to increase flood resilience in the region.

“Much of this comes down to effective planning and being cognisant of the flood behaviour of the local catchments and river,” Mayor Williams said.

“Updating the flood overlay maps with the most current flood modelling is essential to understanding flood behaviour and flood hazards of the Fitzroy River, our creeks, and local catchment areas.

“If the recent events in southeast Queensland and New South Wales have taught us anything, it is the value of improving community resilience when it comes to large scale flood events.

“Council has taken this opportunity to improve upon its current flood information, and this has resulted in updated riverine flood mapping and updated or new local catchment flood mapping.

“The flood models combine a range of land and meteorological data to identify areas of the catchment that are predicted to be impacted by flooding during flood events of different sizes and durations.”

Planning and Regulation Councillor Grant Mathers said residents may find that some properties, which were in areas or catchments previously not assessed by a flood study, may now show flood inundation.

“How often have we heard stories in recent weeks where people have said things like ‘unprecedented’ or, ‘I have never seen it come this high’ or, ‘it never used to flood here’,” Cr Mathers said.

“This is why it is so important to continually update our flood modelling and make appropriate changes to the planning scheme – so we don’t find ourselves in the same situation.”

Water and Environmental Sustainability Councillor Donna Kirkland is urging all residents to familiarise themselves with the updated flood mapping for their property and locality, and to note any changes to the flood extent and flood hazard.

“It is important that everyone checks the updated flood overlay against their property, for their own awareness,” Cr Kirkland said.

“This week, we will begin sending information packs with letters, updated maps and fact sheets to over 3500 affected properties explaining what these updates may mean for those residents and property owners.

“The information pack will also include a formal submission form for residents to provide feedback on the proposed changes.

“The consultation period will be open from 4 April to 3 June and during this time, residents can view the updated flood mapping and provide feedback through the engagement platform on Council’s website, or at our Customer Service centres.”