My land is affected by a Land Subject to Inundation Overlay or a Floodway Overlay. What does this mean for future development?

The Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO) is applied to land which has been identified as flood prone by the floodplain management authority, which is the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority in the Ballarat region. The purpose of the overlay is to ensure development effectively responds to the flood hazard and will not cause any significant rise in flood level.  

The Floodway Overlay (FO) is applied to land which is considered high risk of being affected by flooding. The purpose of the overlay is to ensure any development is compatible with the flood hazard, allowing the free passage of floodwater while minimising soil erosion and risks to waterway health. 

In the Ballarat North precinct, the LSIO and FO affect land directly adjoining the Burrumbeet Creek. The VPA is currently preparing a precinct structure plan (PSP) for the precinct, however these existing overlays will remain during plan preparation and once the plan is complete.  

Any planning permit application (including subdivision applications), where land is affected by the LSIO or FO, is required to demonstrate the objectives of the overlay are appropriately met. That may include submission of a flood risk report, development plans which identify the site contours, proposed finished floor levels and other relevant information. Applications will be assessed by Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority, through a formal referral and only supported where the flood hazard can be appropriately managed.