Background

In April 2021, Council adopted the Waverley Flood Study after technical investigations and two rounds (2017/18 and 2020) of community engagement. The study identified existing and new flood prone areas which were then categorised as low, medium and high risk (please also see document library for additional information).

In July 2021, the NSW Government introduced new flood planning clauses into the Waverley Local Environmental Plan (WLEP) which sets the overarching planning controls throughout the LGA. Councils were also required to define Flood Planning Areas in their Development Control Plans (DCPs) and include controls to suit different types of flood risks and developments.

Proposed planning controls

As a result of Waverley’s Flood Study and the NSW Government’s reform, planning controls have been reviewed and updated to ensure any new development in flood prone areas adequately reduces the risks and impacts of flooding.

The draft DCP ('proposed planning controls') were placed on public exhibition from 23 June - 21 July 2022. They aim to ensure flood-related risks are appropriately managed and provides flood mitigation provisions relating to things such as, but not limited to:

• height of floor levels
• structural soundness
• car parking and driveway access
• evacuation and fencing

While the proposed planning controls could contribute to managing the impact of any flooding, they are not intended to prevent flooding from occurring. Instead, the controls are designed to protect the development from being impacted by the flood that is already likely to occur.

The proposed planning controls will only apply to new development as part of a development application. Existing properties and structures will not be affected.

To check if your property is included in the flood planning area visit Discover - Council's online mapping tool and type in your address.

The proposed amendments were placed on public exhibition from 23 June - 21 July 2022.

Letters were sent to impacted properties advising residents of the relevant risk category for their property (low, medium or high risk).

How feedback was collected

1. Check to see if your property is included in the flood planning area by typing in your address into Discover - Council's online mapping tool

2. Download and view the documents on exhibition from the document library.

3. Review the Frequently Asked Questions.

4. Provide your feedback. You can have your say by:

• Filling in the online survey
• Emailing: info@waverley.nsw.gov.au
  
• Mailing: c/o General Manager, PO Box 9, Bondi Junction NSW 1355

Please quote reference ‘SF21/4935’ for any written correspondence. Please note that all submissions will form part of Council’s public record and as such may be made publicly available. Your name and contact details will be kept confidential.