Draft flood-related planning controls in Harcourt on the way

Published on 15 May 2024

Council is taking steps to mitigate future flood risk in Harcourt through flood-related planning controls.

The draft planning controls are one of the recommendations from the recently completed Harcourt Flood Study, a collaboration between Council and the North Central Catchment Management Authority.

The study aims to improve flood resilience and preparedness in the area, and was informed by historical information, physical conditions, computer modelling and community feedback. 

It identified a number of properties that are likely to be affected by flooding in the future, mostly located near Barkers Creek in the Harcourt area.

As a result, Council has drafted flood-related planning controls that identify areas at risk of flooding.

The draft planning controls consist of two new flood overlays:

• ‘Floodway Overlay’
• ‘Land Subject to Inundation Overlay’

The draft amendment implementing these overlays will ensure any land use and development in the overlays adequately consider flood risk.

This means any future building, works and subdivisions may require a planning permit as land included in the overlay needs to be assessed for flooding hazards before works begin.

Following an engagement period, the draft controls may inform an amendment to the Mount Alexander Planning Scheme, called draft Amendment C100malx.

Harcourt community members are encouraged to find out more about what’s proposed by coming along to one of the following face-to-face information sessions:

• Friday 24 May, 4.30pm to 6.00pm
  Harcourt Bowling Club.
• Wednesday 29 May, 3.00pm to 7.00pm
  ANA Hall, Harcourt. 

For more information, visit www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/harcourt-flood-study or contact Council’s Strategic Planning team on 5471 1700.