Flood Risk Reduction

Burdekin Shire Council adopted a Floor Heights for Habitable Buildings Policy to build a more resilient community and to mitigate the risks of floods.

It is not possible to conclude if a particular property may flood in the future by only considering past flooding.  Instead, Council have commissioned a flood study which uses computer calculations in conjunction with established scientific principles to map a wider extent of potential floods.

Members of the public are now able to access the Floor Heights for Habitable Buildings Policy and data gathered through the flood study by applying for a 1% AEP Flood Certificate.

1% AEP - What does this mean?

1% AEP- means a 1% Annual Exceedance Probability.  Each year there is a 1% chance of a flooding event of this nature occurring.  The 1% AEP Flood Certificate provides applicants with information specific to a particular property.

Building Approvals and Flood Certificates

In line with the Floor Heights for Habitable Buildings Policy a 1% AEP flood certificate will be required to accompany any building application or lodgement of building approval for any property captured within the flood study and triggered under the Policy.

Exemptions to Policy

The Policy does not apply to non habitable buildings (e.g. sheds or carports).  An exemption is included in the policy for additions to existing lowset dwellings that represent a less than 50% increase to the habitable floor space.  That means that existing lowset dwellings can have alterations or additions added without having to create a “split level” home to comply with the policy.  Existing highset dwellings will only be allowed to enclose beneath if the floor height of the lower level will comply with the Policy.

Flood Information

Council will only supply flood information in writing.  It will not give verbal flood information about a property over the phone.

Council does not presently have flood maps available for individual properties that can be downloaded from its website.  Our Customer Service Officers can advise if flood data is available for your property.

The insurance industry uses its own estimates of flood risk and its own definitions for flooding, which may differ when compared with Council’s information.  Council has not supplied its flood information to private insurance companies.  You should talk to your insurance company to find out if a flood certificate may influence your insurance premium.

Fees and Application

There is a fee to apply for a 1% AEP Flood Certificate.  To apply please complete the form found in the related documents section below and refer to Council’s Fees and Charges using the links below for current pricing.