The statutory authorities responsible for the collection of flood information and for land use planning in flood-affected areas are councils and floodplain management authorities. Together, the CCMA and City of Ballarat aim to build flood resilient communities by capturing and sharing flood knowledge.

The key functions of both of these authorities in managing floodplains differ.

The key functions of the CCMA include:

  • To find out how far floodwaters are likely to extend and how high they are likely to rise
  • To declare flood levels and flood fringe areas
  • To declare building lines
  • To control developments that have occurred or that may be proposed for land adjoining waterways
  • To develop and implement plans and to take any action necessary to minimise flooding and flood damage
  • To provide advice about flooding and controls on development to local councils, the Secretary for Planning and Environment and the Community

The key function of the City of Ballarat include:

  • Ensure the objectives, policies and controls for the use, development and protection of land in the City of Ballarat are regularly reviewed and remain current in the Ballarat Planning Scheme
  • Provide for the fair, orderly, economic and sustainable use and development of land
  • Provide for the protection of natural resources and man-made resources and the maintenance of ecological processes and genetic diversity
  • Ensure that environmental, social and economic effects are considered when decisions are made about the use and development of land
  • Provide for effective enforcement procedures to achieve compliance with the Ballarat Planning Scheme, permits and agreements
  • Regulate or prohibit any use or development in hazardous areas or in areas which are likely to become hazardous
  • Facilitate accountability at all levels by maintaining information and reporting systems
  • Prepare ‘designated special area’ maps for areas liable to flooding
  • Set minimum floor levels for buildings in areas liable to flooding
  • Consider the likely danger to life, health and safety of the occupants of a proposed building due to flooding