Council flooded with submissions

GREATER Geelong councillors will consider 560 submissions received from community members in response to the Lara Flood Study findings and the related planning amendment.

More than 4000 properties are identified as liable to flood according to new mapping which considers a range of factors and technical data.

The study confirmed that Lara’s relatively flat terrain and an increasing population makes the area susceptible to widespread, shallow stormwater flooding.

The township’s location on the banks of Hovells Creek creates a risk of riverine flooding in a major storm.

The flood study includes mapping of the extent of flooding across the Lara region in the event of a large storm and what the city is doing to better manage the risk.

Landowners considered to be liable to flooding have expressed concern about future construction and the possible impact on their insurance policies.

The flood extent only applies to the land and the study does not consider any buildings on each property.

The planning amendment C339ggee will implement the study and includes rezoning land to implement the Lara Flood Study and the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay.

Council is scheduled to meet on December 14 to consider the 560 submissions before the proposed amendment goes back to the council for consideration.