Chiltern has been subject to flooding on a number of occasions resulting in inundation of residential and commercial premises, road closures and other flood risks to the community. The Chiltern Flood Study was initiated by the North East Catchment Management Authority and Indigo Shire Council in 2006 to provide information on flood levels and flood risk within the township of Chiltern.

This study was completed and adopted by Council on 3 July 2007. This adopted study proposes the inclusion of amended and new flood related overlays into the Indigo Planning Scheme, for Chiltern. The proposed overlays are significantly different from the relevant current overlay and would provide for improved non-structural flood mitigation measures in the Chiltern area.

In order for the new/amended overlays to be implemented a Planning Scheme amendment is required.  Planning Scheme Amendment C36 proposes to introduce a new Floodway Overlay (FO) and amended Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO) over land located within the Chiltern township. The amendment will alter the extent of the existing LSIO in the township of Chiltern, and introduces a new FO.

The areas included in the LSIO and FO are likely to be affected by a 1 in a 100 year flood. These Overlays seek to ensure that development maintains the free passage of floodwaters, minimises flood damage, is compatible with flood hazard and local drainage conditions and will not cause any significant rise in flood level or flow velocity.

The areas covered by these overlays are based on the most accurate available information. The amendment will assist local government and catchment management authorities in carrying out more effective planning and management of land affected by flooding.

For further information please open the ‘Frequently asked questions’ file using the link below.

The full amendment can be viewed on www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/publicinspection or at Council’s in Yackandandah and Beechworth offices and our Chiltern customer service centre.