Guidelines for floodplain acquisition

Abstract

The plight of people living on land subject to frequent and severe flooding constitutes the focus of this study. Development in such areas is generally the result of historical necessity or accident, and protection by engineering works is often not feasible. However valid the original reasons for settlement, the areas are now characterized by low property values, and deteriorating public utilities and housing stock. In keeping with the increasing government interest in issues of public safety, recreation and waterfront access, many Australian local authorities are now acting to alleviate the situation in these severely flood-prone areas. Their action is facilitated by recent policy initiatives at the state and federal levels of government. One approach gaining acceptance as a means of providing permanent solutions to otherwise intractable flood problems is the purchase or acquisition of the property by government on a voluntary basis. This approach appears to have the potential to contribute to other community aims; for example, the provision of waterfront recreation and preservation of natural floodplain storage. This paper presents the case for acquisition by establishing where and how the strategy should be implemented. In doing so it attempts to provide an improved basis for floodplain land use decisions.