Flood events, including those currently known as one in 100 year floods, are predicted to become more common. The area of land inundated during flood events is also expected to increase due to higher intensity rainfall and rising sea levels.
The increasing frequency of flood and extreme weather events in Melbourne will pose hazards to people, infrastructure and the delivery of essential services. Flood inundation and extreme storm events can cause substantial damage to property and infrastructure as well as place the health and safety of people at risk.
Being prepared for flood emergencies is your responsibility. For tips and suggestions on how to develop a flood emergency plan and to prepare your property, see Floods and storms.
Flash flooding is known to cause the most deaths or injuries of all natural disaster weather events and is the main threat in an intense rainfall event. New rainfall patterns and models predict rainfall intensity will increase 0.9 per cent by 2030 and 5.9 per cent by 2070, and extreme event scenarios are likely to increase the extent of flooding in those areas, but are unlikely to create new flooding hotspots altogether.
An informed and prepared community can reduce the number of injuries, deaths and stress due to flash floods, so it's important to be prepared and understand the risks.
River flooding
In Melbourne, there is an existing flood risk to low lying precincts near the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers and Moonee Ponds Creek, including parts of Docklands, Southbank and Fishermans Bend, when high tides coincide with extreme rainfall events.
The combination of climate change impacts, including more frequent, large rainfall events and sea level rise means that riverine flooding in these areas will increase in frequency and severity.
Extreme storm events
Extreme storms are characterised by intense rainfall, hail, and high wind speeds. In Melbourne, climate change is projected to increase the intensity of rainfall but wind speeds will remain similar to what they are today.
You can find out more about floods at
Flood Victoria.
Preparing our city for floods and more extreme storms is a long-term challenge that requires the support and involvement of the whole community.
What we are doing
Upgrades to the city’s drainage system, installation of water capture and storage projects, incorporation of water sensitive urban design concepts into our planning scheme, and research to better understand the impacts and potential solutions are some of the approaches we are taking to mitigate future flood risks.
Flood information guides
A flood information guide that details which areas are at risk of flooding and offers advice on how to prepare has been developed in partnership with the State Emergency Service (SES).
Download the guide from the
SES website.
Port Phillip Bay Coastal Adaptation Pathways Project
The Port Phillip Bay Coastal Adaptation Pathways Project explored the economic benefits of infrastructure to combat flooding. Detailed case studies were prepared for Southbank and Arden-Macaulay, City of Melbourne areas that already experience regular floods.
The study found that by 2040 there would be an increase in the frequency and impact of flood events in these areas, but it was still cost effective to occupy this land, even if no protective measures are taken.
The project produced some very important results, however, there are a
number of limitations to the approach which should be considered when interpreting the results.
We will use the outcomes of this research to better inform future planning and management of flood risk in Southbank and Arden Macaulay, building on the approach outlined in our
Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.
We will continue to work with all levels of government to better manage and minimise the risks, as well as continue to work with the community in flood prone areas to help them understand current flood risks and what they as individuals can do to help lessen their vulnerability when flooding occurs.
What you can do
There are steps you can take to reduce flood risks in your area. Clean drains, rain gardens and water tanks can all play a role in reducing the flood risk to our community.
Drains
The drainage system plays a crucial role in reducing flood risks but needs to be clear of leaf litter and debris to work most efficiently.
If you notice blocked or flooding stormwater drains or have problems with a connection from a private property into a City of Melbourne drain, please contact us.
Please report all problems with blocked sewers or burst water mains or leaking fire hydrants to the local water company: City West Water on 13 16 91 (north of the Yarra River) and South East Water (south of the Yarra River) on 13 92 83.
Rain gardens and water tanks
Rain gardens, planted areas designed to capture water run-off, retain and slow the rate of water entering drains during intense rainfall events. They help reduce pressure on drains and lessen local inundation risks.
You can read more about how to install a
rain garden and the other benefits Melbourne Water offers.
Tanks capture water during intense rainfall events and can reduce the amount of pressure placed on the drainage system and the subsequent flood risk. Installing a tank at your home can help mitigate the flood risk during intense rainfall events.
Find out if your home or work is in a flood prone area
People who live or work in flood prone areas need to be aware of the risks and what to do during a flood or extreme weather event.
You can find out if your home or workplace is in a flood prone area in two ways:
- Visit the Planning Scheme for the City of Melbourne and
view a map of flood overlays at DPCD. You can use these maps to check if you are likely to be cut-off by flood water even if your home or workplace is not directly threatened.
- Alternatively, planning scheme information services at the Victorian government's Department of Transport and Planning can generate a specific report of your property. Search for your address at Vicplan.
Future flood risks: Southbank and Arden-Macaulay
Flood maps detailing future flood risks are available for
Southbank and
Arden-Macaulay.