October 21, 2016
Property owners in Yarraman, Cooyar and other parts of the Toowoomba region can now find out their flood risk with the launch of an online Flood Risk Information Portal.
Toowoomba Regional Council’s Planning and Development Committee Chair Cr Chris Tait said the Council had taken a holistic approach to using both engineering and social factors in determining flood risk and the planning responses.
“Council is committed to improving flood management and community awareness of flood risk as part of our goal of building a safer, stronger, more resilient region,” Cr Tait said.
“This means building a region that is financially, socially and environmentally sustainable.
“Residents can use the Flood Risk Information Portal to find out the flood risk for their property, the associated planning responses and a chance to have their say.”
Cr Tait said Council had a duty of care to reduce potential future risks and build awareness around natural hazards, as well as provide certainty about where development can occur across the region.
Planning and Development portfolio leader Cr Anne Glasheen said the Council had undertaken extensive consultation on flood risk.
“In February 2015, Council released flood studies for 35 locations across the region. These studies were undertaken by specialist engineers and incorporated the latest data, modelling techniques and community input,” Cr Glasheen said.
“An in-depth review of the flood studies and community flood data helped inform the detailed flood risk assessments and planning evaluations. These assessments provide greater clarity around planning for future development and the type of development best suited to different areas.
“Planning responses to this new information on flood risks may include restricting development on land known to be susceptible to flood risk, on where and what type of development can occur, controlling the level and form of buildings, and using zoning changes to limit future increases in risk.”
Cr Glasheen said the next step would be to help the community understand flood risk and gather feedback on the proposed planning responses to manage that risk.
“Online and face-to-face consultation will be held between October 17 and November 30 so residents can have their say on the planning responses,” she said.
Ways to have your say:
- Go to the online mapping tool to view individualised flood information for your property
- Phone Toowoomba Regional Council on 131-872 and quote “flood risk” to speak to a planner about your property, or to book a meeting with a planner in Toowoomba
- Type your comments or questions in an email and send it to info@tr.qld.gov.au
- Go online to look at frequently asked questions, download Council‘s information series and maps, look at proposed planning scheme changes or make a submission;
- Chat to Council’s project team on either November 3 (6:00pm to 7:00pm) or November 8 (6:00pm-7:00pm). Head to Toowoomba Council’s Facebook page and register on the events page to be part of the discussion
- Visit one of Council’s Customer Service Centres to submit a written response, or
- Mail comments to Toowoomba Regional Council, PO Box 3021, Toowoomba, 4350
- Related article: Meetings To Discuss Flood Risks
