A statewide approach to flood mapping
The MAV has been steadfast on the need for a statewide approach to flood modelling and planning scheme amendments.
It’s pleasing to see today’s announcement by the State Government (paywalled) that it will implement a statewide approach to flood mapping, a new hazard rating system and a streamlined planning scheme amendment process led by the Minister for Planning. This is a step in the right direction.
We acknowledge the urgency of this work as climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Our advocacy on this has been consistent, led most recently by our submission to the Inquiry into the 2022 flood event in Victoria, our 2025 submission Reforming Victoria’s Planning System, and resolutions passed at our State Councils over many years.
We look forward to seeing more detail from the State Government and call for there to be a partnership approach to this work with councils. We want to ensure implementation is consistent, clearly explained, and includes our further calls for adequate and effective early warning systems, appropriate resourcing for responding, and funding for flood mitigation and preparedness. We also want to ensure that catchment-level planning scheme amendments can be conducted on a multi-council basis, to ensure efficient and consistent policy approaches.
A key outcome of today’s announcement is that the State will provide a funded program for councils for urban stormwater improvement, including assistance to undertake condition assessments to better understand potential flooding risks and guide asset renewal priorities.
This announcement is a welcome first step.