The Birregurra Flood Study Planning Scheme Amendment C116 (the Amendment) reached a major milestone at the February Council Meeting when it was agreed to refer unresolved submissions to an independent panel, appointed by the Minister for Planning, for review.
“There have been a low number of submissions, which reflects a broad acceptance by the community of the need for flood based planning controls to reflect areas of identified flooding risk,” said Ian Seuren, GM Development and Community Services. “This additional step will inform Council before a decision on the Amendment is made.”
Council did pass one change to the Amendment, which addressed a submitter request concerning the removal of a minor part of their property from the overlay provisions.
The Amendment seeks to amend the mapping of flood-based overlays in Birregurra to ensure they align with the updated mapping of flood-prone land identified in the Birregurra Flood and Drainage Strategy.
The Amendment was placed on public exhibition in September 2021, attracting three submissions from landowners and two late submissions. A submission from the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) was also made in support of the Amendment.
All submitters will have the opportunity to verbally present their submissions to the Panel, which is likely to be held in April/May.
