Municipal councils have a wide range of responsibilities and functions with regard to floodplain management. Relevant legislation includes the Planning and Environment Act 1987, the Local Government Act 1989, the Building Act 1993 and the Emergency Management Act 1986.

Municipal councils in regional Victoria historically have had operational responsibility for most floodplain management activities occurring within their boundaries; in particular controlling floodplain development through the municipal planning scheme and implementing local floodplain management plans.

The role of municipal councils in relation to floodplain management is to:

• Develop and implement local floodplain management plans to reduce the adverse effects of flooding to acceptable levels agreed to in consultation with their local communities
• Incorporate flood provisions into their local planning schemes, which allows them to control development and works on floodplain land
• Ensure that regulations concerning building on land liable to flooding are enforced
• Provide, own and manage local community infrastructure within their boundaries in accordance with agreed levels of service
• Implement and maintain local flood warning systems, including systems for flash flooding
• Maintain and enhance local flood information and monitor significant local flood events
• develop and resource the implementation of flood response plans, as part of their municipal emergency management plans.