The requirements placed on development on flood prone land are being simplified and made consistent by Northern Beaches Council.  

Amendments to the relevant policies and development controls have been proposed and are now on exhibition for community comment.

There are more than 15,000 properties on the Northern Beaches which are identified as being potentially impacted by flooding. The proposed amendments won’t reduce the number of affected properties, but will make it easier for the community to manage flood risk when they develop their land.

Northern Beaches Council General Manager Environment & Infrastructure Ben Taylor said the three former councils all had well developed approaches to flood risk management, however each was different in a number of ways which resulted in different experiences and outcomes for flood affected residents and businesses.

“These changes will make it clearer for the community that no matter where on the Northern Beaches they are undertaking development, flood controls will be applied consistently,” Mr Taylor said.

For residents, the new system should be simple and easy to use, providing clear direction on what the requirements are, but allowing for new methods to be used where it results in a better outcome.

For residents of the former Pittwater, the changes will mean that some buildings such as sheds, carports and swimming pools will be exempt from flood requirements. Other minor development such as minor additions or internal alterations may not require detailed consulting reports or building a new place to shelter, depending on the level of risk at the property. 

For residents of the former Warringah, there are changes to the level of protection required for basement carparks and vulnerable development such as childcare centres to reduce the risk of flood inundation. There is also better guidance provided for minor structures such as fencing and open carparks.

For residents of the former Manly, the changes provides better direction for the community by replacing an interim policy with a complete set of planning controls that provide greater certainty as to what is required across all types of development. 

The amendments are on public exhibition until Sunday 2 July and can be viewed at yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au or the customer service centres and Council libraries.

If you would like to discuss the amendments in person, Council will be holding one on one information meetings.  

To discuss the changes or book a meeting, contact the Stormwater and Floodplain team on 1300 434 434 or council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au