In a proactive effort to safeguard River Murray regions from future flood events, a suite of new planning rules will come into effect this week. Designed to facilitate a strong recovery and rebuild, the interim changes aim to provide a quicker building approval process for the anticipated influx of applications.
These interim amendments, which will take immediate effect from Thursday, will run in parallel with community consultation aimed at shaping the final long-term code amendment known as the River Murray Flood Resilience Code Amendment.
The objective is to enhance the region’s resilience and minimise the impact of any future flooding events or declared emergencies.
“We have moved quickly to improve planning rules and help affected communities get back on their feet as soon as possible,” Minister for Planning Nick Champion says.
“It’s critical we learn lessons from the devastating flood event and build back better to mitigate future risk. Our planning system is ready to respond to the complex and difficult task ahead and support the massive rebuild efforts in a sustainable and resilient way.”
The interim amendments to the Planning and Design Code include:
- Requirements around height of floor above ground – the ‘finished floor level’
- Maximum height increased from 2.5 metres to 3 metres, or up to 4 metres to be above the level of a one-in-100-year flood event.
- Minimum heights along the River based on updated one-in-100 year flood event data.
- Maximum overall building height increased to 8 metres, up from 7.5 metres, with a two-storey cap.
- Updated resilient design and materials for underfloor structures
- Installation of roller doors or similar on all four sides of any enclosed area to ensure the free passage of floodwaters.
- Maintain open space areas around storage areas, with maximum storage area increased to 60 square metres, up from 15 square metres.
- Streamlined assessment for sheds, carports and garages which are located behind a riverfront dwelling, removing previous red tape.
- Rezoning flood-affected shack settlements, including Paisley and Murbko, to assist development applications and rebuild efforts.
“Fast-tracking rezoning and building rule amendments is an excellent indication that Government has been listening to and is continuing to work with stakeholders to support flood recovery,” Loxton Waikerie District Council Mayor Trevor Norton says.
The changes follow ongoing consultation with Murraylands and Riverlands Councils and the building and construction sector, along with the Insurance Council of Australia, South Australian Government Financing Authority and State Government Flood Emergency Recovery coordinator Alex Zimmermann.
An estimated 4000 properties were inundated along the River, with the majority requiring complete rebuild or significant repair.
The Government has also established the Housing and Construction Flood Recovery group, bringing together key industry stakeholders to allow for a coordinated and streamlined recovery effort.
It comes as a long-term housing and infrastructure plan for the Murray Mallee is put on hold until December to allow more time to assess the full extent of flood impacts and respond to communities’ future needs.
South Australians are invited to have their say on the River Murray Flood Resilience Code Amendment on the YourSAy site when it goes live this week.
Further information can be found at PlanSA.
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