Be aware of high risk areas
18 JAN 2021
IAG + Coles Insurance
As La Niña continues to affect Australia’s weather forecasts, it becomes increasingly important to both identify and understand storm warning signs, as well as the likelihood of flooding in your area.
As a rough indication, about one in ten homes or private properties have some level of flood risk in Australia. And while every waterway has the risk of flooding, some floodplains are at a higher risk than others.
So, whether you’re taking a staycation, visiting loved ones or hitting the road this summer, it’s important to be prepared. And to assist with this, you can refer to the list below, which shows the highest risk local government areas (LGAs) across each state:
High Risk Flood Areas
*Most at-risk
Brisbane, QLD
Central Coast, NSW
Clarence Valley, NSW
Hawkesbury, NSW
Kepmsey, NSW
Lismore, NSW
Shoalhaven, NSW
Townsville, QLD
Tweed, NSW
Wollongong, NSW
Western Australia
Bassendean
Belmont
Bunbury
Busselton
Carnarvon
Greater Geraldton
Harvey
Murray
Swan
Stirling
New South Wales
Central Coast*
Clarence Valley*
Hawkesbury*
Kempsey*
Lismore*
Narrabri
Richmond Valley
Shoalhaven*
Tweed*
Wollongong*
Tasmania
Central Coast
Devonport City
George Town
Huon Valley
Latrobe
Launceston City
Meander Valley
Northern Midlands
West Coast
West Tamar
Queensland
Brisbane*
Bundaberg
Cassowary Coast
Cairns
Gold Coast
Ipswich
Moreton Bay
Noosa
Rockhampton
Townsville*
South Australia
Burnside
Gawler
Mid Murray
Murray Bridge
Renmark Paringa
West Torrens
Victoria
Benalla
Campaspe
Frankston
Greater Bendigo
Greater Geelong
Greater Shepparton
Maribyrnong
Melbourne
Mornington Peninsula
Wyndham
Northern Territory
Alice Springs
Katherine
Getting flood-ready
The first thing to check off in preparation for this summer storm season should be to check in with your local floodplan management authority. Depending on where you live, your floodplan management authority could be the local council, catchment management authority, water authority or territory government. This is to help determine whether your property is at a relatively high or low risk of flooding. Your home’s floor height and location (i.e. is it on top of a hill or at the bottom of a slope?) will strongly influence this risk level.
Flood-related planning and building controls only apply to the highest-risk areas. So, if you’re unsure, remember to ask about whether or not you live within a 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) flood zone. This measure uses historical data and computer modelling to describe how likely you are to experience a flood each year.
Have an emergency plan
The safest place to be during a flood is outside the floodplain. If, during a flood, you think it’s best to evacuate, take all safety precautions, tune in to your local broadcaster for any updates and, most importantly, follow the advice given out by your local emergency services. This might include a recommendation on whether you should stay put or hit the road, particularly when driving.
Remember, never drive through floodwaters. It only takes a small amount of floodwater to reach the bottom of your car door, after which the vehicle is then at risk of being swept away.
Tips for planning
Having a flood plan in place can take the stress out of evacuating and potentially save lives. So, here are some tips to developing one.
As La Niña is officially underway in Australia, it’s important to know what to expect this summer. Read more information on La Niña here.
If you’re in a storm or flood prone area, it’s important to know how to respond before, during and after these events. Here are some tips on how to protect your car and home.
Information and graphics supplied by IAG, Australia’s largest general insurer.
This page provides general advice only. For up-to-date and specific advice relating to the risks in your area please speak to your local council or emergency services.
Terms and conditions
Product related
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