Colac Otway adopts flood mapping to guide development
May 29, 2019
Colac Otway Shire Council has adopted a Planning Scheme Amendment following significant community consultation, which reflects current flood mapping and will streamline development.
The planning amendment was considered and endorsed by an Independent Planning Panel, involved extensive investigations into the potential of flooding across Colac, Elliminyt and surrounds, and will make it easier for people to build on their land.
The C90cola Amendment is the result of collaborative work by Council, CCMA and DELWP and aims to minimise flood damage to property by identifying land that is subject to flooding and the extent of flooding that could occur.
Colac Otway Shire Development and Community Services General Manager Ian Seuren said the latest amendment, based on the Deans Creek and Barongarook Creek Flood Study 2017, had initially covered 741 properties.
“Through the consultation and amendment process the number of properties within the overlay reduced to 439 properties,” Mr Seuren said.
“Council received 23 submissions raising a range of issues including flood mapping accuracy, land values, insurance, drainage and the impact of development on flooding. All submissions were considered, with changes made to the exhibited flood mapping and unresolved submissions were referred to the Independent Planning Panel for further consideration,” he said.
“The panel noted the comprehensive background work by Council leading to the flood mapping including community consultation, and found the amendment well-founded and strategically justified.”
“Council is pleased that was it able to minimise the number of properties impacted by the amendment, and that the changes will make it much easier for people affected by the overlay to develop their land.
“A key change to the amendment after exhibition was to remove the planning permit requirement for single houses and other structures, provided they are built above the nominated flood level.”
“This is a significant benefit to all persons affected by the overlay, removing current planning requirements for some future domestic works. It reflects the efforts of Council’s Planning Department in the last two years to remove unnecessary permit requirements and streamline development processes.
“Council in April adopted an amendment that removes the Environmental Significance Overlay from parts of Colac and Elliminyt, and areas north-west of Colac where it was identified as not having environmental benefits.”
Colac Otway Shire Council will now seek State Government approval of the adopted flood study and Amendment C90.
Council Enquiries
(03) 5232 9400