FloodWise Property Report
Brisbane experiences naturally high annual rainfall with a landscape that makes some areas at risk of flooding. Brisbane City Council's FloodWise Property Report (now available on Council's mobile platform, brisbanecity.mobi) shows the risk and type of flooding at a property, and how high the water may reach, to enable you to plan and build in accordance with Council's requirements.
Queensland Coastal Plan - important advice
On 3 February 2012, the Queensland Government released new sea level rise projections in the Queensland Coastal Plan. Properties displaying a ground level of 3.5 metres or less on a FloodWise Property Report may be affected. Council recommends checking the Queensland Coastal Plan maps to determine if your property is affected.
If you are in the process of planning to build to flood immunity standards and believe the new sea level rise projections affect your flood immunity levels, contact Council on 07 3403 8888 for advice.
Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) 01/12
Following the Brisbane floods in January 2011, Council took steps to provide guidance for development in flood affected areas. The Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) 01/12 - Brisbane Interim Flood Response will guide development in areas affected by Brisbane River flooding (including the January 2011 Brisbane River flood) as well as creek and waterway flooding. It is effective from 16 May 2012 and will be in place for up to 12 months.
Free FloodWise Property Report
The flood information provided in the FloodWise Property Report is sourced from Council flood studies and models undertaken for the river, and our major creeks and waterways. It is designed so residents and professionals can assess the estimated flood risk of a property. This will allow you to make informed decisions when buying, renting, building or renovating, as well as adhere to Council building regulations.
Please note that flood levels higher than those shown in a FloodWise Property Report can occur in any year, although such events are less likely than those shown on the report.
The information used to estimate the January 2011 Brisbane River flood level has been derived from the estimated extent of the January 2011 flood depicted on the maps currently available on the Queensland Reconstruction Authority website.
The FloodWise Property Report has been updated to reflect the TLPI, but does not currently reflect new sea level rise information. Council recommends that you check the Queensland Coastal Plan maps to determine if your property is affected.
Download your free FloodWise Property Report.
FloodWise Property Reports are now also available on Council's mobile platform, brisbanecity.mobi.
If you need a report mailed, faxed or emailed to you:
Have your say
Complete a survey and tell us what you think of the new look FloodWise Property Report.
FloodWise Property Report information
Depending on the flood risks associated with a property, the report may include the following:
- January 2011 river flood levels
- estimated flood levels
- source of flooding including river, creek, defined overland flow or storm tide
- minimum and maximum ground levels
- minimum habitable floor level for building and development
- whether a property is located within a waterway corridor or is a large allotment, that is, over 1000 square metres
Consider flooding when building or renovating
In the presence of flooding, your ability to renovate or build on a property may be affected. To learn more you can read Council's Brisbane City Plan 2000, the Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) 01/12 - Brisbane Interim Flood Response, or consult a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland.
The report does not provide details of stormwater pipes on the property. These can be obtained by visiting Council.
To build over stormwater, you must lodge an application to Council for assessment.
If a property is a large allotment or within an overland flow path, Council is unable to supply a minimum habitable floor level on the report. In this situation, we recommend you contact a registered professional engineer to determine the minimum habitable floor level for a specific property.
Council has standards that developers must follow when seeking to develop in flood prone areas.
It is important to note that the Queensland Government has introduced new flood immunity standards relating to sea level rise as part of the Queensland Coastal Plan, effective 3 February 2012.
More information
Review the frequently asked questions about FloodWise Property Reports.
If you have further questions on the report, contact Council.
Let us know what you think of our new look FloodWise Property Report by completing the survey.
