Flood and Sea Level Rise Policy and Planning
Council is undertaking a project to implement the land use planning recommendations from various Floodplain Risk Management Studies and Plans and include the appropriate consideration of sea level rise datums into development assessments and land use strategies.
Background
The aim of the project is to enable appropriate and effective management flood and sea level rise hazards and risks across the whole Bega Valley Shire as well as respond to emerging flood and sea level risks as they relate to future development.
The project is being delivered using a collaborative approach involving Rhelm Pty Ltd, Council staff and representatives of the Department of Environment and Conservation Water Floodplains and Coasts South East team.
The project will ensure that Council’s practices are brought into alignment with current NSW Government policies regarding flooding including Considering flooding in land use planning - Guideline (NSW Government 2021), NSW Flood Risk Management Manual (NSW Government 2023), and NSW Planning Circular 21-006 as well as Bega Valley Shire Local Environmental Plan 2013.
The project will implement the recommended changes to planning controls contained in Council’s adopted Flood Studies and Floodplain Risk Management Studies and Plans:
- Pambula River, Pambula Lake and Yowaka River Flood Study (2021)
- Merimbula Lake and Back Lake Flood Study (2021)
- Merimbula Lake and Back Lake Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan (2021)
- Eden, Twofold Bay and Towamba River Flood Study (2020)
- Bega and Brogo Rivers Flood Study (2014).
- Bega and Brogo Rivers Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan (2018)
Key outputs of the project include:
- A draft Flood and Sea Level Rise Policy which provides confirmation of the planning horizon, Flood Planning Areas and Flood Planning Levels around the Shire in relation to sea level rise benchmarks and rainfall climate change factors.
- Revision of Council’s Development Control Plan (DCP) to include updated directions and clearer guidance for considering flooding and sea level rise impacts relating to new development.
- Guidelines to support the implementation of the new policy, recommendations for amendments to existing land use zones, standard conditions of consent and the construction of a flood control mapping tool to enable effective management of flood and sea level rise risks across the Shire.
Funding
The project cost is $50,000 which is funded through Council’s Environmental Levy.
Connection to Council's Community Strategic Plan
This project aligns with Bega Valley Shire Council Community Strategic Plan through:
- Objective 1: Our public and private infrastructure and community services meet community needs.
- Strategy 1: Plan for community infrastructure and services that will meet current and future needs.
- Objective 3: We act to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.
- Strategy 5: Lead climate change mitigation and adaption through implementation of our Climate Resilience Strategy focusing on natural systems, preparing for natural hazards, liveable and connected places, safe, healthy and inclusive community, diverse and thriving economy, energy and food security.
Related documents
The project is consistent with:
- Bega Valley Shire Operational Plan 2022-2023 action for staff to develop a flooding and sea level rise policy to guide development.
- Bega Valley Shire Climate Resilience Strategy action to prepare a development approval matrix for coastal hazard and flood zones.
- Bega Valley Shire Local Strategic Planning Statement action to review planning controls for flood planning and sea level rise for new developments.
Who to talk to
- Derek Van Bracht
Environmental Mangement Coordinator
Bega Valley Shire Council
Phone: (02) 6499 2222
Email: council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
Timeline of works
News and Updates
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Contact Us
- 02 6499 2222
- council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
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Zingel Place
PO Box 492
Bega NSW 2550 -
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