Townsville City Council has begun its consultation with industry and the community on how Council will seek to incorporate the latest flood modelling and flood risk information, as well as State Government regulations in an amended Townsville City Plan.
Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson said the new modelling would guide planning decisions in years to come, as well as best inform community members on the most up to date science-based information.
"Over the past four years, Council has carried out new flood studies and compiled new and improved flood depth mapping for Townsville," Cr Thompson said.
"As part of this and in-line with industry best practice and Queensland planning regulations we're adopting a new risk-based approach to flood planning, which has seen us release new and improved mapping to the community that outlines flood depth and flood risk within our local government area.
"As time goes on, things change and so must our mapping, so these up-to-date, science-based and importantly, state government required maps will ensure not only that Council and the building industry have the latest flood information, but also our community is well informed when it comes to their property."
Councillor Thompson said feedback would inform an updated planning scheme for Townsville in the years to come.
"The information gathered from these studies and in this mapping is likely to affect both the industry and the community in different ways, so to help us make the best decisions for future planning in Townsville, we're inviting public feedback on a number of planning policy options that could impact future land use and construction in our city," Cr Thompson said.
"Types of changes that we're consulting on are things that could pose both an onsite and offsite flood risk to not only your property, but those around you, such as shed and carport structures that have previously had no flood requirements under the Townsville City Plan.
"While new dwellings must comply with the changes of the amended Townsville City Plan, the community and industry have an opportunity to have their say on things like floor levels for home extensions, flood resilient access for new residential properties and the potential to place amenities like parks and sporting fields in areas with a higher flood risk, to ensure areas of less risk can be best utilised for homes and businesses."
Councillor Thompson said once consultation on the planning policy options had occurred, Council would consider implementing a Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI).
"The Queensland Government's process to amend a planning scheme can take some time, which is why we are considering a TLPI to ensure new development uses the latest flood information available to make sure we're creating a more resilient city," Cr Thompson said.
Once in effect, the TLPI will last for two years, giving Council time to permanently incorporate any new and informed flood resilience measures into the Townsville City Plan as it moves to the new risk-based approach.
To have your say on Planning for Flood Resilience in Townsville, visit Have Your Say Townsville
