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Floodplain planning
Regulating land use and development helps us avoid or minimise future flood risks and protect public safety.
The Victorian Planning Provisions (VPPs) provide a framework to guide decisions through the planning scheme.
Each planning scheme has a mandatory policy planning framework that councils can include in their local planning policies. They can select from a series of standard zones and overlays.
The flood risk information from flood studies informs the application of the appropriate flood-related zones and/or overlays. This helps shape planning policies to reflect the flood risk.
Recent announcements include updates to state policy and guidelines with the introduction of reformed flood planning and building controls that better reflect national flood hazard ratings.
The Victorian Government through the relevant Minister will be responsible for flood-related planning and building amendments consistent with the approach to bushfire planning.
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 changes will be implemented over two years with transitional provisions, advice and community engagement.
What happens if the proposed development is in a flood zone or overlay?
You will need a planning permit for subdivision or works in a proposed development located in a flood-related zone or overlay.
There will be a referral to a floodplain management authority such as your CMA or Melbourne Water. They can object to, approve, or approve with conditions the issuing of your planning permit by the planning authority.
The relevant authority will assess your permit on its merits.
We have guidelines for assessing development proposals. The guidelines provide a clear, consistent, transparent process for managing land use and development in flood-affected areas.
Guidelines for development in flood affected areas
Get more information on planning schemes and planning permits
Learn more about planning schemes.
For information, advice and guidelines on flood-related planning permits or development, visit Melbourne Water or your local CMA.
Page last updated: 03/10/25