Explainer video

Watch the following video for an introduction to using our flood maps, and the information they show.

Video transcript - Greater Melbourne Flood Information Program explainer video (PDF, 74KB)

Instructions

Exploring the map

Move around the map by:

• left-clicking and dragging (computer)
• using two fingers to drag (phone and tablet).

Zoom into an area by:

• double-clicking or using your mouse scroll wheel (computer)
• pinching and zooming (phone and tablet)
• using the + and – buttons at the top left of the map.

Reset the map by selecting the house icon at the top left.

Displaying property flood level information

1. Type an address into the search bar at the top of the map.
2. Press Enter or the magnifying glass icon , or select an address that from the drop-down menu. The map will zoom in to the specified address.
3. Select any flood-impacted property (outlined in black) to view flood level data for the land parcel.

Showing or hiding information layers

The map contains several layers of information: flood-impacted properties, flood hazard ratings, and stormwater flooding.

To turn these layers on or off:

1. First, display the layers panel by selecting the layer button .
2. Select or deselect the checkbox next to the layer name you want to show or hide.
3. To expand or collapse the legend for a particular layer, select the legend button .

Switching to satellite view

To change the default map from street view to satellite view:

1. Open the basemap panel by selecting the basemap button .
2. Select which map you want to use: Streets (default) or Aerial (satellite photography).

Our flood maps contain updated information for the area, which will inform risks to individual properties. This information is currently in draft form, and is not to be used for official planning or development purposes.

The draft flood levels provided refer to the maximum height of floodwaters, measured in metres above Australian Height Datum (sea level). AHD is Australia’s national standard for measuring elevation, and helps ensure flood information is consistent and reliable across different locations.

Even if the flood map shows your property is affected by flooding, the impact on buildings can vary. This depends on:

• floodwater height – which can differ greatly across a parcel of land, and thus between the buildings on it
• how far a building’s floor is from the ground.

To find out your property’s floor level you can engage a licensed surveyor. They can also tell you if any buildings or structures are below the draft flood levels that we’ve provided.

If you need flood level information for planning or building purposes, contact Melbourne Water.

To learn more about these concepts, watch our explainer video:

Video transcript - Understanding flood maps (PDF, 68KB)

We are not best placed to comment on property values or insurance premiums, as they are influenced by many factors.

Flood maps are tools for understanding the flood risk that exists – they don’t create more risk. We’re releasing this information to help plan for the future and prepare for the impacts of climate change.

These impacts are global issues that the insurance industry has been dealing with, and just one of many factors they consider when setting their premiums. We recommend contacting your insurer directly to understand your specific situation.

While flood risk is a factor in relation to property prices, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Property values are influenced more by:

• Location and proximity to schools, parks, and shops
• Demand in the area – many high-value suburbs in Melbourne are also flood-prone
• Long-term trends – property prices often recover after short-term dips due to flooding

For more information, watch the following video our download our fact sheet: What does flood hazard mean for my property and premiums? (PDF, 1.4MB)

Video transcript - Addressing community concerns about flood hazard (PDF, 70KB)

The information in our flood maps is currently in draft form. It is not to be used for official planning or development purposes.

Once the updated maps are finalised and published, the year 2100 flood levels will be used for planning and building decisions in areas with existing planning and building controls (e.g. overlays).

Planning Scheme Amendments to introduce new flood overlays will be pursued separately.

We will assess planning permit and building referrals based on the flood level applicable at the time of the referral. Existing approvals will not be retrospectively impacted by the updated flood information.

However, any new or amended applications – including building permits – will be assessed against the updated flood level information, once finalised.

To understand the impacts on your renovation or development plans, refer to our flooding information and advice.

Understanding your flood risk helps us all build a safe and resilient city that’s better prepared for flooding: today and in the future. 

You don’t have to wait for new flood information to find out how to prepare for a flood. It’s important for everyone to be prepared, no matter where you live or if you’ve been impacted by floods before.

• The VICSES website has actions you can take to prepare for a flood.  
• Our planning and building information has guidance if you’re renovating or redeveloping property in a flood-affected area.