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We rely on floodplains for:

  • food and energy production
  • transport
  • recreation
  • biodiversity values.

Rivers, wetlands, floodplains and the ocean are also important for many fish species to complete their life cycles. Flooding delivers long-term benefits to soils and agricultural production. Flooding also helps exchange nutrients between habitats.

Floods are important to Traditional Owners because they are essential for cultural, spiritual, and social practices, influencing language, ceremonies, and connections to Country.

Managing floods in Victoria

Managing floods involves 3 main types of activities:

  • prevention or mitigation which involves work before a flood
  • response activities during a flood
  • recovery actions taken after a flood.

Management of floods and floodplains involves several groups including:

  • relevant authorities
  • local councils
  • emergency services
  • traditional owner groups including Registered Aboriginal Parties
  • the community.

The role of governments in flood management

The Australian Government is responsible for:

  • national flood management programs
  • flood forecasting.

The Victorian Government is responsible for:

  • state flood policy, strategy, guidelines and investment programs
  • regional floodplain management strategies and flood studies and providing the best available flood risk advice to emergency services, municipal councils and landholders through Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) and Melbourne Water
  • updating flood-related planning and building controls through the relevant minister.

Local councils:

  • provide knowledge, data, information to inform flood studies
  • assess feasibility and maintain mitigation infrastructure
  • manage drainage functions on council land
  • develop local planning policy and assessing planning permits
  • undertake emergency planning and preparedness
  • enforce the planning systems
  • advise on building requirements relevant to flood risk.

Better flood risk Information and faster decisions

Following recent state announcements, regional Catchment Management Authorities and Melbourne Water will be given stronger accountabilities to develop and endorse flood mapping for their communities.

The Minister for Planning will be responsible for state-led flood related planning scheme amendments. Consistent with the approach to bushfire related planning scheme amendments that has operated since 2015.

The state changes will be introduced over two years and will not have an immediate local impact. Existing development approval can proceed in accordance with the permit conditions and construction standards.

Existing flood studies and planning scheme amendments should continue under existing funding arrangements and planning controls to provide certainty to industry, stakeholders, consultants and communities.

The Victorian Government will engage with Catchment Management Authorities and communities to ensure a consistent approach to implement the reforms including transitional provisions, advice, community engagement and updated state guidance to inform decisions.

Landowners and flood management

You are accountable for flood management on your own property. Local knowledge and experience can play a key role in flood preparation and reduce damage from flooding.

Flood risk mapping is available for many high-risk urban areas in Victoria. It is not available for the entire state, including many rural areas. Where available, flood risk mapping can assist with planning for floods and can be found on the Digital Twin Victoria platform or by contacting your Local Council or relevant Catchment Management Authority.

State Emergency Management Plan

The State Emergency Management Plan describes the roles and responsibilities of agencies involved in flood prevention, response and recovery.

You can find out more by visiting the Emergency Management Victoria website.

Page last updated: 03/10/25