Keeping people safe during floods requires using many different risk management strategies and relies on good planning. This includes how infrastructure and development is designed and where it is located, flood preparedness and the ability to evacuate safely.
Shelter-in-place guideline
Evacuation is the preferred response to flooding emergencies but is not always possible in all locations, especially during flash flooding.
In January 2023, the department proposed to use shelter-in-place as one part of helping ensure people are safe during floods. A draft shelter-in-place guideline was on exhibition for public comment from 17 January until 28 February 2023, outlining considerations for council development control plans and development approvals.
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback to inform the final guideline. Once finalised, there will be clear and consistent guidance for the community, councils and consent authorities about when shelter-in-place can be used as an alternative to evacuation off-site/out of the floodplain.
For more information, email [email protected]