Request flood information

We have extensive knowledge of flood levels from flood records and catchment flood studies. You can request a property's 149 certificates (Parts 2 and 5), a flood information report or visit our catchment strategies section to view our completed flood study reports.

Section 149 Certificates

Part 2 of the certificate will advise whether we have adopted a policy which affects the land in relation to a number of risks, including flooding.

Part 5 of the certificate will provide more detailed flood information including whether Council suspects the property to be flood hazard affected or not flood hazard affected.

Although we may not suspect there is a flood problem this does not guarantee that the property has not been affected by flooding in the past or will not be flood affected in the future. If you are buying a property, legislation only requires that a certificate under section 149(2), which is the short version, be attached to the contract documentation. However many real estate agents, or solicitors, will include part 5, the more detailed version.

 Application for a 149 Certificate

Flood Information Report

We have historical flood records and/or completed flood studies for some properties. Please contact our Drainage Duty Officer prior to requesting this information to ensure that it is available as Council does not  have such information for every property.

If you would like to request a flood level information, complete the flood information request form below. An application fee is included with this request.  Please allow approximately 10 working days for this information to be sent to you.

The flood levels should be compared to surveyed ground and floor levels (to Australian Height Datum) of the property and then interpreted by a suitably qualified engineer to determine the extent of flooding on the property

Flood Level Information Advice

We have historical flood level records and/or completed flood studies undertaken by Council for some properties. Please contact our Drainage Duty Officer prior to requesting this information to ensure that it is available as Council does not have such information for every property.

Reimbursement of monies is not possible if information is not available and request submitted prior to contacting Council's Drainage Duty Officer.

How do I apply?

There are two options to apply for Flood Level Information Advice:

Option 1. Complete a Request online

An online payment via credit card will be required to lodge your request.

Option 2. Complete a hard copy Flood Information Request Form

A payment of the appropriate fee (cash, credit card, cheque or money order) will be required prior to request being processed. (credit card payment over telephone is not available)

• Return the form in person with payment to Council Customer Service Centre, Ground Floor 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong
• Post the application form and payment to:

                                                                                        Wollongong City Council
                                                                                        Locked Bag 8821
                                                                                        Wollongong NSW 2500

When will I get the information?

Please allow approximately 10 working days for the information to be sent to you.

Do I require any additional information to determine the effect of flooding on the property?

Surveyed ground levels of the property and buildings to AHD (Australian Height Datum) should also be obtained by the applicant.  This information along with the flood levels will enable you to determine the effect/depth of flooding, if any, on the property.

A suitably qualified professional engineer should be engaged to assist in the interpretation of the information provided by Council.

Flood Classifications

Properties in floodplains can be classified according to their levels of potential flood risk. The risk precinct will help determine what types of development and land uses are allowed on a property. 

High Flood Risk Precinct: land which is subject to a high hydraulic hazard (the hazard arising from the depth and velocity of storm water) in a 100 year flood event plus all land within a 10m corridor from the top of a creek bank. This could mean that there would be a possible danger to personal safety, able bodied adults may have difficulty wading to safety, evacuation by trucks may be difficult, or there may be a potential for significant structural damage to buildings. This is an area of higher hazard where stricter controls may be applied.  

Medium Flood Risk Precinct: your property can be inundated with a 100 year flood, however conditions are not likely to be hazardous. There is a significant risk of flood damage, but this can be minimised by applying appropriate development controls.  

Low Flood Risk Precinct: your property would not be inundated with a 100 year flood but still has a very slight chance of inundation from larger and rarer floods - the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF). If you are a residential property owner, there will be virtually no change to how you may develop your property. However, there may be controls on the location of essential services such as hospitals, evacuation centres, nursing homes and emergency services within the precinct.

Flood risk precinct maps are only available in catchments where studies have been completed. For further information, refer to catchment strategies page.

For information relating  to future development on flood prone lands, you are advised that Council’s requirements are contained in Council’s Wollongong Development Control Plan 2009 (Chapter E13 – Floodplain Management) and the NSW Government’s Floodplain Development Manual 2005.