Released 04/12/2018
New flood maps for Canberra provide the most comprehensive flood risk information ever available to the Territory, Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman said today.
The updated maps, now available at www.actmapi.act.gov.au, show Canberra is well planned for managing riverine floods and has a low likelihood of flooding resulting from rivers or creeks bursting their banks.
The maps identify which areas are more likely to be flooded during a major flood event, known as a 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) flood - previously referred to as a 1-in-100 year flood. They include comprehensive information on the probable depth and relative hazard of the water during a 1% AEP flood, down to the individual block level.
The Government is committed to providing residents with access to accurate and up-to-date flood information so they can understand and prepare for any potential risk to their home and family or business if there is a riverine flood.
Fewer than 200 buildings across Canberra, and elements of some public infrastructure such as roads, are at potential risk of flood damage during a 1% AEP flood. Letters have been sent to all residents and businesses on blocks that have some risk, and there is a phone line for enquiries (13 22 81).
Upcoming drop-in sessions at locations across Canberra will also provide Canberrans with the chance to speak with representatives from the Emergency Services Agency, the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate and the Insurance Council of Australia about keeping safe and preparing for the possibility of flooding in an area.
While the likelihood of riverine flooding in the ACT is low, the maps will be important in helping plan the city and potential mitigation actions, and helping the community better prepare for potential riverine flood conditions.
The maps will also help investigate options for including flood mitigation for major infrastructure works, to support redevelopment such as that proposed under the City and Gateway Urban Design Framework.
The maps are the result of a major review and re-assessment of flood levels for eight ACT catchments. The latest technology has been used, providing greater accuracy and comprehensive predictions of flood paths and flood extent in the catchments.
The flood studies, funded from an Australian Government grant under the Natural Disaster Resilience Program with matching contributions from the ACT Government, are a joint initiative of the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate and the Emergency Services Agency.
To see the new flood maps visit www.actmapi.act.gov.au. For more information on flooding go to www.environment.act.gov.au/water/riverine-flood-maps
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Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases
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