What flooding scenarios are mapped for public release?
Flood extent mapping
Two different flooding scenarios of the model are mapped for you to view. A current day 2024 flood scenario - and a forecasted 2100 flood scenario. The 2100 scenario includes projected climate change impacts.
As with all new flood modelling, there are some changes to flood extent across the catchment.
For comparison purposes, the flood extent maps also show the extent of the October 2022 flood event and the extent of the pre-existing Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO) which is currently included in Planning Schemes. Eventually, this LSIO will be updated with the new flood information (the initiation of this process is anticipated to commence in the latter half of 2024).
Flood depth mapping
Additional mapping is provided to help illustrate flood depth information. Flood depth information is best understood at the individual property level - if you would like to find out the specific flood information for your property you can call us on 131 722 or email [email protected], and our team will be able to lodge a request on your behalf. Please note, our time frames for this information may take up to 14 days.
There are three different sets of flood depth mapping (note both the 2024 and 2100 scenarios map a flood event with a one per cent chance of occurring in any given year):
What’s the difference between flood level, flood extent and flood depth?
- Flood level refers to the height of flood water measured in metres to Australian Height Datum (AHD).
- Flood extent refers to how far flood water will reach.
- Flood depth across a property is measured from the ground levels of the property and can vary considerably, depending on the landform of the property. For this reason, when providing individual property information, we provide property owners with the estimated minimum and maximum depth on their property.
The impact of a flood at your property depends on the flood depth but also the clearance between the floor of your house or other buildings and the ground.
If you would like to find out the specific flood information for your property you can call us on 131 722 or email [email protected], and our team will be able to lodge a request on your behalf. Please note, our time frames for this information may take up to 14 days.
What locations can be found in the maps?
| Map Number | Map Name |
| 1 | Braybrook and Avondale Heights |
| 2 | Avondale Heights and Maribyrnong |
| 3 | Essendon West |
| 4 | Aberfeldie, Maribyrnong and Ascot Vale |
| 5 | Footscray and Ascot Vale |
| 6 | Flemington and Kensington |
| 7 | West Melbourne and Footscray |
What can I do to find out more?
1. You can view PDF maps of the new Maribyrnong River flood extents and flood depths above
2. The maps provide information about the new 2024 and 2100 flood extent and depth scenario predictions
- The 2024 scenario shows our best understanding of the flood extent for today
- The 2100 scenario shows the projected flood extent under a climate change scenario
If you are within the new flood extent, we can provide information about the estimated flood levels and depths for your property. Note, the impact of flood at a particular property depends on both the flood depth and the clearance of a house or other building above the ground.
Where the new 1% AEP flood maps indicate an area that is subject to flooding - this doesn’t necessarily mean that each building in this area will experience over floor flooding during such a flood event. The extent to which buildings are impacted depends on the way they are built. For instance, the level of clearance between the ground and the floor of the building.
Frequently asked questions
Both of these scenarios are based on a flood event that has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year. This is known as a 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (1% AEP).
(20% AEP flood level is the flood level which has a 20% chance of occurring in any year).
Where the new 1% flood maps indicate an area that is subject to flooding. This doesn’t necessarily mean that each building in this area will experience over floor flooding during such a flood event. The extent to which buildings are impacted depends on the way they are built. For instance, the level of clearance between the ground and the floor of the building.
- Flood extents are used for informing the extent of an area where planning and building applications should be considered against the flood hazard.
- Flood levels are also used by VICSES and Councils for emergency planning, including being included in Municipal Flood Emergency Management Plans and Local Flood Guides.
A 2100 climate change flood extent is the area predicted to be flooded in the year 2100, taking into consideration climate change assumptions set out in the Australian Rainfall and Runoff Guidelines 2019 (ARR 2019).
