The Hon. Nick Champion, Minister for Planning (SA), Media Release, 26 June 2023

A suite of new planning rules designed to protect River Murray regions from future flood events and assist with a strong recovery and rebuild are coming into effect this week.

To fast-track the region’s recovery the interim changes will come into immediate effect from Thursday, providing a quicker building approval process for the influx of applications expected.

This will coincide with the start of community consultation to shape the final, long-term code amendment – the River Murray Flood Resilience Code Amendment – which seeks to enhance the region’s resilience and reduce the impact of any future flooding events or declared emergencies.

The interim amendments to the Planning and Design Code include:

• Requirements around height of floor above ground – the ‘finished floor level’
  • Maximum height increased from 2.5 metres to 3 metres, or up to 4 metres to be above the level of a one-in-100-year flood event.
  • Minimum heights along the River based on updated one-in-100 year flood event data.
• Maximum overall building height increased to 8 metres, up from 7.5 metres, with a two-storey cap.
• Updated resilient design and materials for underfloor structures
  • Installation of roller doors or similar on all four sides of any enclosed area to ensure the free passage of floodwaters.
• Maintain open space areas around storage areas, with maximum storage area increased to 60 square metres, up from 15 square metres.
• Streamlined assessment for sheds, carports and garages which are located behind a riverfront dwelling, removing previous red tape.
• Rezoning flood-affected shack settlements, including Paisley and Murbko, to assist development applications and rebuild efforts.

The changes follow ongoing consultation with Murraylands and Riverlands Councils and the building and construction sector, along with the Insurance Council of Australia, South Australian Government Financing Authority and State Government Flood Emergency Recovery coordinator Alex Zimmermann.

An estimated 4000 properties were inundated along the River, with the majority requiring complete rebuild or significant repair.

The Malinauskas Labor Government has also established the Housing and Construction Flood Recovery group, bringing together key industry stakeholders to allow for a coordinated and streamlined recovery effort.

It comes as a long-term housing and infrastructure plan for the Murray Mallee is put on hold until December to allow more time to assess the full extent of flood impacts and respond to communities’ future needs.

South Australians are invited to have their say on the River Murray Flood Resilience Code Amendment on the YourSAy site when it goes live this week.

Further information can be found at PlanSA.

Quotes attributable to Nick Champion

We have moved quickly to improve planning rules and help affected communities get back on their feet as soon as possible.

It’s critical we learn lessons from the devastating flood event and build back better to mitigate future risk.

Our planning system is ready to respond to the complex and difficult task ahead and support the massive rebuild efforts in a sustainable and resilient way.

I am grateful to regional councils and the building industry for their contribution to these changes – and encourage South Australians to get involved and help determine their region’s long-term planning vision.

Quotes attributable to Mid Murray Council Mayor Simone Bailey

It is fantastic the State Government has actively collaborated with our planning staff to develop policy that will allow our residents to rebuild in a way that ensures their homes or holiday homes will be more resilient during a flood event.

We believe the policy strikes a good balance between flood mitigation strategies, as well as ensuring high quality building designs can still occur within the flood plain.

Quotes attributable to Loxton Waikerie District Council Mayor Trevor Norton

Fast-tracking rezoning and building rule amendments is an excellent indication that Government has been listening to and is continuing to work with stakeholders to support flood recovery.

Responding so quickly and definitively will enable many to rebuild, reset their lives and avoid more duress.

Continued consultation on longer-term code amendments is paramount for river communities to grow with confidence.

Quotes attributable to Insurance Council of Australia CEO Andrew Hall

The Insurance Council of Australia was engaged during the initial consultations on the Draft Code Amendment.

It welcomes the proposal to introduce updated and clearer planning rules for development from future flood events and looks forward to further engagement on this reform with the SA Government.