Discuss updated flood mapping at info sessions

Flood risk areas in Baw Baw Shire are under review.

A proposed amendment to the Baw Baw Planning Scheme is seeking to update mapping of flood overlays to ensure flood risk and community safety in flood prone areas is appropriately managed.

Resident information sessions will begin in Yarragon today to allow residents affected by the amendment to discuss concerns with council officers.

The proposed amendment will update the flood overlay and land subject to inundation overlay maps to reflect the existing flood modelling information already held by the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and Melbourne Water.

An interactive online mapping tool has been developed so that community members can 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, council officers, WGCMA staff and MW staff will be available to speak with residents in one-onone 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.

The sessions will be held at: Yarragon Public Hall - today and Thursday;

Trafalgar Community Centre March 22 and 24;

Warragul (West Gippsland Art Centre Lyrebird Room) - March 28 and 30;

Neerim South Football Clubrooms - April 4;

Longwarry Public Hall - April 6. Appointment time slots are 20 minutes, and bookings are essential by calling 5624 2860.

Mayor Michael Leaney said the amendment was an important update to ensure flood risks are clearly identified and 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,” he said.

Community feedback closes on May 6. Submissions can be made in writing.

Council will consider all submissions to the proposed amendment and determine whether there is a need to appoint an independent planning panel to consider any unresolved issues.