Absolutely!

You can call or email us to give your feedback and we'll put it on the online system for you. Alternatively, we can send you a hardcopy form of our online tool which we'll also transfer online.

All feedback needs to be received by 23 July 2020 in order for us to include it as the project progresses.

For more information please contact Matthew Wilson on 5272 5272 or infrastructureplanning@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Annual Exceedance Probability (measured as a percentage) is a term used to describe flood size. It is a way of describing how likely a flood is to occur in a given year. For example, a 1% AEP flood is a flood that has a 1% chance of occurring, or being exceeded, in any one year.

An overland flow path is an above ground component of the drainage system. Overland flows occur when underground drainage pipes reach their capacity and the excess runoff then flows overland, following low lying, natural drainage paths.

There are limited records on past flood events so we can’t assume that flooding has not previously occurred or that it will not occur in the future.

The drains would have to be enormous and so would the cost. Most of Geelong’s drainage system is designed to cope with a 20% AEP (approximately 1 in 5 year).

In a 1% AEP rain event the system quickly fills and the runoff flows along the low lying, natural drainage paths.

New developments are designed so that overland flow paths are kept clear of obstructions and runoff can safely find its way downstream.

Property value is determined by many different factors such as location, streetscape and amenity. It is difficult to assign what effect if any, the identification of land as liable to flooding may have on the value of a property.

Designating an area as ‘liable to flooding’ does not cause or change the likelihood of flooding, it simply recognises the existing condition of land.

The Insurance Council of Australia has advised that most insurance policies that cover storm damage includes cover for damages resulting from stormwater overland flows. However, we recommend that you check your individual policy.

Generally, not. The information will be used to ensure that future development or redevelopment of your property recognises the location of areas that may be subject to flooding.

Yes, we will seek to introduce a Special Building Overlay in the latter stages of this study.

We have a responsibility to ensure Planning Schemes identify the known 1% AEP flood extent. By including the information in the planning scheme, a developer has immediate access to necessary information about the drainage of a property very early in the development process. Information will also appear on planning certificates.

You will be notified and have opportunity to comment on any proposed changes to the Planning Scheme during a formal exhibition period.

Yes, you will be able to comment while the planning scheme amendment is on exhibition. The plans can be viewed, and comments lodged, at the City.

Drainage improvement work is based on known flood problems where houses, commercial or industrial buildings are flooded repeatedly. The key criteria are the potential risk to life from flooding, and the cost per property for flood protection works.

To reduce overland flows in established areas it would cost the community millions of dollars. These works can only be undertaken incrementally over a period of many years.

The flood study is part of a broader strategic drainage and flood management framework which includes:

• A capital works program, including flood mitigation works. Council allocates approximately $2.5 million per annum to drainage improvement works (over and above drainage costs associated with road reconstruction/construction). These works are identified through catchment size drainage/flood studies or localised drainage investigations, and are prioritised mainly according to frequency and severity of flooding and maximum community benefit.

• Application of minimum floor levels, in consultation with the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, as part of assessment of building permit applications for development in overland flow paths.

• Assessment of development applications using guidelines developed by Melbourne Water, to provide certainty and consistency in the processing of planning permit applications for development in identified overland flow paths.

• Council is continuing to develop drainage strategies for ‘greenfield’ and redevelopment areas. These plans identify drainage infrastructure needs to ensure development does not adversely affect established residential areas.