Floodplain management
Understand flood risk, how it may affect property and development, and how Council manages flood-prone land.
Is your property flood affected?
Flood risk can affect how land is developed, including building location, floor levels, access, evacuation and the information required with a development application.
Council’s Development Information Service can provide preliminary information about flooding and other planning constraints affecting a property.
A planning certificate provides available information about planning controls and other matters affecting a parcel of land. Your solicitor or conveyancer may also obtain one during a property transaction.
Developing on flood-prone land
Being identified as flood-prone does not necessarily prevent development. The type and scale of development must be compatible with the flood risk and applicable planning controls.
A proposal may need to address:
- expected flood levels, depths and velocities
- minimum floor levels
- safe access and evacuation
- impacts on neighbouring properties
- changes to flood storage or flow paths
- structural and engineering requirements
- risks to people, property and emergency services.
Speak with Council before designing or lodging a development application if flooding may affect the site.
How Council manages flood risk
Council manages flood risk through land-use planning, development controls, flood studies, infrastructure and emergency-management planning.
This work is guided by the NSW Government’s Flood Prone Land Policy and Flood Risk Management Manual 2023. The manual provides the current framework for understanding flood behaviour, assessing risk and preparing flood risk management plans.
The Albury Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan identifies flood risks across the city and recommends measures to reduce impacts on people, property, infrastructure and the environment.
It supports land-use planning, development assessment, emergency planning and future flood-management works.
Flood studies and projects
Flood preparation and warnings
For flood preparation, warnings and emergency assistance:
Life-threatening emergencies: 000
Legislation and guidance
Contact Planning
Contact Council for information about flood-related planning controls or development requirements affecting a property.