Consultation open on flood mapping amendment to planning scheme
Published on 10 March 2022
A proposed amendment to the Baw Baw Planning Scheme to update flood maps for existing overlay controls is now on public exhibition.
Amendment C144 – Baw Baw Flood Mapping Update proposes to amend the maps for the Floodway Overlay (FO) and Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO), both of which are designed to ensure flood risk and community safety in flood prone areas is appropriately managed.
The proposed amendment will update the FO and LSIO maps to reflect the existing flood modelling information already held by the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and Melbourne Water.
Community members are invited to view the proposed changes and make submissions in writing during the exhibition period which is open from 8.30 am Thursday 10 March to 5.00pm on Friday 6 May 2022.
An interactive online mapping tool has been developed so that community members can easily view the proposed changes that apply specifically to their property and compare them against the existing flood mapping.
To help explain the changes and impacts, Officers from Baw Baw Shire Council, the West Gippsland Management Authority and Melbourne Water will be available to speak with residents in one-on-one consultation sessions.
The sessions are specifically for residents affected by the amendment, and are available by appointment only on location in Yarragon, Trafalgar, Warragul, Neerim South and Longwarry throughout March and April:
- Yarragon Public Hall - Tuesday 15 March
- Yarragon Public Hall - Thursday 17 March
- Trafalgar Community Centre - Tuesday 22 March
- Trafalgar Community Centre - Thursday 24 March
- Warragul (West Gippsland Art Centre Lyrebird Room) - Monday 28 March
- Warragul (West Gippsland Art Centre Lyrebird Room) - Wednesday 30 March
- Neerim South Football Clubrooms - Monday 4 April
- Longwarry Public Hall - Wednesday 6 April
Appointment time slots are 20 minutes, and bookings are essential by calling 5624 2860.
Following the conclusion of the exhibition period on 6 May 2022, Council will consider all submissions to the proposed Amendment at a Council Meeting and determine whether there is a need to appoint an independent Planning Panel to consider any unresolved issues. It is anticipated that Council’s consideration will take place at a meeting in June 2022.
Baw Baw Shire Council
Amendment C144
PO Box 304
Warragul VIC 3820
Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Michael Leaney:
“This amendment is an important update to ensure that the risk of flood is clearly identified and is effectively managed. It uses new data from the water catchment authorities to make sure the maps used for the appropriate planning overlay controls are accurate and up to date.
In the end, this is about surety - so everyone knows where they stand. The amendment affects properties across many regions of the Shire, from Longwarry to Walhalla. I encourage all residents to use the interactive map on our website and search their property to see if proposed changes will apply to you.
Council officers and representatives of Melbourne Water and the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will be visiting Yarragon, Trafalgar, Warragul, Neerim South, and Longwarry to answer any questions you might have.
Council will be accepting community submissions until Friday 6 May. If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch – our Officers are ready to help.”