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Feedback wanted on update to flood map overlays in amendments to Baw Baw planning scheme

A proposed amendment to the Baw Baw Planning Scheme to update flood maps for existing overlay controls is now on public exhibition.

By news@gippsland - 10th March 2022 - Back to News

Amendment C144 - Baw Baw Flood Mapping Update proposes to amend the maps for the Floodway Overlay (FO) and Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO), both of which are designed to ensure flood risk and community safety in flood prone areas is appropriately managed. The proposed amendment will update the FO and LSIO maps to reflect the existing flood modelling information already held by the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and Melbourne Water.

Amendment documents will be available from Thursday 10 March 2022, when the consultation period begins. You can download a printable fact sheet summarising the below information

Consultation sessions

Community members are invited to view the proposed changes and make submissions in writing during the exhibition period which is open from:

• 8.30 am Thursday 10 March
• 5.00pm on Friday 6 May 2022

An interactive online mapping tool has been developed so that community members can easily view the proposed changes that apply specifically to their property and compare them against the existing flood mapping.

To help explain the changes and impacts, Officers from Baw Baw Shire Council, the West Gippsland Management Authority and Melbourne Water will be available to speak with residents in one-on-one consultation sessions.

The sessions are specifically for residents affected by the amendment, and are available by appointment only on location in Yarragon, Trafalgar, Warragul, Neerim South and Longwarry throughout March and April:

• Yarragon Public Hall - Tuesday 15 March
• Yarragon Public Hall - Thursday 17 March
• Trafalgar Community Centre - Tuesday 22 March
• Trafalgar Community Centre - Thursday 24 March

You can also join the sessions on the other locations:

• Warragul (West Gippsland Art Centre Lyrebird Room) - Monday 28 March
• Warragul (West Gippsland Art Centre Lyrebird Room) - Wednesday 30 March
• Neerim South Football Clubrooms - Monday 4 April
• Longwarry Public Hall - Wednesday 6 April

Appointment time slots are 20 minutes, and bookings are essential by calling 5624 2860.

In some areas new mapping will be applied to land for the first time, in others there will be minor changes and in limited circumstances there will be a reduction in flood mapping

Submissions to proposed amendment

Following the conclusion of the exhibition period on 6 May 2022, council will consider all submissions to the proposed Amendment at a council meeting and determine whether there is a need to appoint an independent Planning Panel to consider any unresolved issues. It is anticipated that council's consideration will take place at a meeting in June 2022.

Submissions in response to the proposed Amendment can be made in writing via email to strategic.planning@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au or by post to:

• Baw Baw Shire Council
• Amendment C144
• PO Box 304
• Warragul VIC 3820

For more information about the proposed Amendment and guidelines on how to make a submission, please visit, Amendment C144 - Baw Baw Flood Mapping Update.

Important update

Mayor Cr Michael Leaney said, "This amendment is an important update to ensure that the risk of flood is clearly identified and is effectively managed. It uses new data from the water catchment authorities to make sure the maps used for the appropriate planning overlay controls are accurate and up to date."

"In the end, this is about surety - so everyone knows where they stand. The amendment affects properties across many regions of the Shire, from Longwarry to Walhalla. I encourage all residents to use the interactive map on our website and search their property to see if proposed changes will apply to you."

"Council officers and representatives of Melbourne Water and the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will be visiting:

• Yarragon
• Trafalgar
• Warragul
• Neerim South
• Longwarry

"The visits are to answer any questions you might have. Council will be accepting community submissions until Friday 6 May. If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch - our Officers are ready to help." Cr Leaney concluded.

Pictures from Cr. Michael Leaney Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• East Gippsland Council backs Planning Panel recommendations to guide sustainable growth in Paynesville, Eagle Point
  East Gippsland Council has endorsed independent Planning Panel recommendations to guide Paynesville and Eagle Point’s sustainable growth, infrastructure and environmental protection while reflecting local character.
• West Gippsland CMA reflects on 2025, planning ahead and celebrating partnerships shaping healthy Gippsland landscapes with CMAs
  West Gippsland CMA's final 2025 episode, CEO Marty Fuller reflects on achievements, partnerships and future projects, sharing how CMAs and communities work together to care for Country and healthy landscapes nationwide.
• South Gippsland Jobs Expo 2026 and other council project updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council’s Summer 2026 update features the Jobs Expo, community events, road closures, Council meetings, sustainability workshops, youth initiatives, tenders, local festivals, and upcoming employment opportunities.
• East Gippsland Council launches myLot online planning enquiry tool for residents and businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched myLot, an online planning enquiry tool providing 24/7 guidance to help residents and businesses understand permit requirements for building, renovation and development projects.
• Latrobe City invites community input to shape the 2026/27 budget and future priorities, submit feedback by 17 November 2025
  Latrobe City Council is seeking community input to help shape the 2026/27 Budget. Share your priorities via council's Have Your Say platform by 5pm, Monday 17 November 2025.
• South Gippsland animal registration renewals due on 10 April and other council projects update
  Autumn 2026 update: renew pet registrations by April 10, book flu and MMR vaccinations, bid on impounded vehicles, attend council events, workshops, grants, and local community programs across South Gippsland.
• Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect.
• Danny O’Brien calls Labor’s free November travel scheme a stunt, with Gippsland commuters disrupted
  Gippsland commuters faced 19 days of disruptions despite Labor’s free-travel November scheme, with ongoing delays, confusion, and bus replacements highlighting mismanaged rail projects and continued frustration for passengers.
• Council urges transparent, community-focused approach for battery energy storage systems across Baw Baw
  Baw Baw Council raises concerns over proposed BESS projects, urging transparency, protection of prime agricultural land, community input, and stronger oversight of sites outside designated renewable energy zones.
• East Gippsland Water launches new Voice of Customer program to enhance service through feedback
  East Gippsland Water has launched a new Voice of Customer program, inviting feedback via SMS surveys to guide service improvements, with participants eligible for monthly $50 water bill credits.
• Craig Watts Park playground renewal completed in Neerim South community upgrade
  Baw Baw Shire Council has completed the Craig Watts Park playground renewal in Neerim South, incorporating community and student feedback, with new equipment, safety upgrades, landscaping, and the slide arriving later.
• Victoria leaders tour proposed Hastings terminal highlighting region’s central role in offshore wind future
  Regional leaders toured the proposed Hastings Renewable Energy Terminal, highlighting its crucial role in Victoria’s offshore wind strategy and clean-energy transition, with industry, government and communities collaborating for regional benefits.
• Martin Cameron criticises Labor’s ensured failure by hastening coal plant closures without planning baseload power replacements
  The Victorian Auditor-General warns a "disorderly energy transition" could cause power shortages, soaring prices, and job losses, with Labor’s accelerated coal closures and mismanaged renewable planning worsening the crisis.
• Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland tobacco retailers to obtain licences as new state licensing scheme is enforced from 1 February 2026
  Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland tobacco retailers to comply with Victoria’s new licensing scheme, aiming to curb illegal sales, organised crime, and ensure consistent enforcement for safer regional communities.
• Latrobe City welcomes proposed $10B Morwell data centre boosting economy, jobs, and industry
  Latrobe City Council welcomes Keppel’s proposed $10 billion Morwell data centre, Australia’s largest, leveraging existing energy infrastructure to create jobs, support workforce transition, and drive long-term economic and industrial growth.