Project update - July 2024
Thank you for telling us your experiences with flooding and rising water levels. The information we received from the consultation corroborated the data that had been gathered by our flooding consultant and Melbourne Water. Using this data we have been able to finalise a series of flood maps to understand how severe weather events impact out city. These maps are in line with:
- our community’s experiences
- best practice design
- an approach benchmarked across multiple Councils
These flood maps will inform planning controls that will ensure future developments are better designed to avoid the impacts of overflow in our stormwater network created during a severe storm.
These planning controls will comprise of updated stormwater maps under the Building Regulations and a Special Building Overlay (SBO). These are additional preventative measures and are designed to set appropriate conditions and floor levels to mitigate possible flood risk.
Our goal is to have the Special Building Overlay drafted in 2025 as we begin the formal planning scheme amendment process. This will be presented to Council and require approval from the State Government before it is exhibited to the community. You will have a chance to submit a comment on this amendment during the exhibition period.
What happens in the meantime?
The flood map data is available using the link below to help you understand your individual circumstances and if your property will be affected.
View our flood mapping data
Find out more about this process and use the interactive map to confirm whether your property is affected under the Building Regulations.
Learn more about the engagement
Learn more about the consultation - July and August 2023
Climate change is having an impact on Victoria’s rainfall levels.
Flooding and rising water levels are a natural occurrence
across Victoria as a result of this, and all Councils have a role to play in building
their community's resilience. This role is shared with water authorities,
emergency services and other government bodies.
Inner-city areas like Yarra tend to be prone to flooding and rising water levels as water can’t be absorbed into the ground easily and the topography of the area limits the way stormwater can move overland. This impacts the way our city develops, future infrastructure needs and how public spaces are designed.
Over the last few years, Yarra City Council has undertaken the following work to build Yarra’s resilience against flooding. This includes:
- maintaining the existing drainage network
- undertaking periodic inspections
- regularly cleaning pits and pipes
- proactive planning of capital or renewal work
- monitoring rainfall data and undertaking flood analysis
- boosting community preparedness through education
- identifying and upgrading critical drainage assets
- encouraging permeable surfaces on new developments
- creating new green spaces that absorbs stormwater as part of our Roads to Parks program
As an additional preventative measure, we’re looking to implement planning controls that will ensure future developments are better designed to avoid the impacts of overflow in our stormwater network created during a severe storm.
These will be informed by a series of flood maps that are being finalised in partnership with Melbourne Water and guided by the best practice approach benchmarked against other Councils.
What is flooding?
Flooding and rising water levels are a natural occurrence across Victoria and all Councils have a role to play in building their community's resilience. This is in partnership with water authorities, emergency services and other government bodies.
Flooding can be influenced by a number of factors including;
- severe rain events which are being amplified by climate change
- land topography
- capacity of the drainage system
- the extent that water can be absorbed into the ground
In a Council context, flooding is defined as a natural yet persistent gathering of stormwater that disturbs the intended use of infrastructure and properties.
In Yarra when we discuss flooding it most often refers to overland flow flooding. Find out about overland flow flooding and the other types of flooding below.
Overland flow is run-off that travels over the land during heavy rainfall events.
Overland flow can be unpredictable because it is affected by localised rainfall and urban features such as stormwater pipes, roads, fences, walls and other structures. The actual depth and impact of overland flow varies depending on local conditions, but it generally occurs quickly and for short durations.
Creek flooding happens when intense rain falls over a creek catchment. Run-off from houses and streets also contributes to creek flooding. The combination of heavy rainfall, run-off and the existing water in the creek causes creek levels to rise.
River flooding happens when widespread, prolonged rain falls over the catchment of a river. As the river channel reaches capacity, excess water flows over its banks causing flooding. River flooding downstream can occur hours or days after the rainfall has finished. River flooding may coincide or exacerbate flooding in adjacent creeks and tributaries and may itself be exacerbated by higher than normal high tide conditions.
Storm tide flooding happens when a storm surge creates higher than normal sea levels. A storm surge is caused when a low-pressure system or strong onshore winds force sea levels to rise above normal levels. The impact of a storm tide or storm surge is increased during high tides and king tides and can affect low-lying areas close to tidal waterways and foreshores.
Tidal flooding is the temporary inundation of low-lying areas and streets during high tide events, such as at full and new moons. The highest tides of the year may be known as king tides. Areas connected to the foreshore and tide-affected areas of the river, tidal creeks and other waterways are susceptible.
Roles and responsibilities of water management
Councils manage the local drainage network, including street gutters and drains. They are also responsible for:
- administering and enforcing planning schemes
- undertaking flood modelling and mapping of local drainage systems
- supporting local flood planning and coordinating local emergency planning
- supporting development of local community resilience
VICSES is the designated control agency for floods in Victoria. It is responsible for:
- leading emergency preparation and response
- providing emergency assistance when flooding occurs
- delivering community awareness and education programs.
Melbourne Water is the region's floodplain manager. Their role is to coordinate the development and delivery of the Flood Management Strategy and drainage services in partnership with:
- local and state government
- emergency services
- insurance agencies
- the community
Department of Transport manage the drainage assets along the major road network including freeways.
Property owners are responsible for:
- taking reasonable measures to ensure their properties are protected from the larger storm events
- ensuring all private pipes, gutters and downpipes are regularly maintained and kept clear
- reporting any issue that they observe to the Council
