Wellington Shire Council has endorsed new updated measures under the Building Regulations to manage floor levels in flood-prone urban areas within Port Albert. The decision underlines Council's commitment to effective flood risk management, despite certain urban areas being excluded from flood control planning provisions by the state government back in 2014.

In the absence of flood management  provision within the urban areas of Port Albert, a robust approach remains necessary to address potential flood impacts, particularly with the threat of sea-level rise predicted by current modelling.

Under the updated measures, new development proposals within designated urban areas of Port Albert must now maintain finished floor levels at a minimum of 0.8 metres AHD (Australian Height Datum) above sea level, to align with both West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) guidelines and state government planning policy.

Building in a flood-prone area is a ‘non-sitting matter’ that requires Report and Consent under the Victorian Building Regulations, however Council has decided to continue to waive the Report and Consent fee for building within flood-prone urban zones. This measure aims to encourage compliance and alleviate financial burden on developers committed to flood risk management.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye highlighted the importance of mitigating flooding risk when developing coastal areas.

“We welcome these proactive measures to ensure a safe, sustainable and resilient urban environment for all residents in our coastal communities,” Cr Bye said.

For more information on flood-prone areas in Wellington , please visit  Wellington Shire Council’s website at www.wellington.vic.gov.au/development/land-subject-to-flooding or contact Council’s Land Use Planning team on 1300 366 244.