Changes to state government future flood planning have left coastal vacant landowners in limbo as they wait to find out whether they will be allowed to build on their properties.
The planning scheme amendment results in a change to state planning policy that requires all planning decisions along the Victorian coastline to consider a sea level rise of at least 0.8m.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien took to Parliament to ask the state government to clarify how this will impact vacant landholders in a number of Gippsland coastal communities.
“I’ve asked for confirmation on whether homes will be allowed to be constructed at all on vacant lots where flooding may occur if the sea level was to rise 0.8m,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Wellington Shire has recently sent out letters to potentially-impacted landholders advising that this change may result in the relevant authority, the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, opposing future planning applications in flood prone coastal areas.”
Mr O’Brien said there was concern that planning permits may be rejected even when the land itself would not be subject to flooding, but where roads to and from the property may flood when allowing for the 0.8m sea level increase.
“These planning changes will no doubt raise serious concern among people who are planning to build a house in locations such as Loch Sport, Golden beach, Paradise Beach and McLoughlins Beach.
“Our local governments deserve leadership from the state government on how these changes will impact future planning decisions for their towns, but most particularly landowners will want clarity.
“I appreciate we are facing increasing challenges with flooding, particularly in coastal areas, and we have to plan development carefully for the future. But clarity and a common sense approach is needed.”
Mr O’Brien said the Allan Labor Government must provide clarity on the impact of these changes as a matter of importance.