Construction in flood hazard areas

The Queensland Development Code (QDC) Mandatory Part (MP) 3.5 – Construction of buildings in flood hazard areas (PDF, 59KB) applies to building work to be carried out in an area that:

• is a designated flood hazard area
• and
• has a defined flood level declared for the area.

The purpose of QDC MP 3.5 is to ensure that specified buildings resist flotation, collapse or significant permanent movement caused by flood water.

QDC MP 3.5 aims to:

• safeguard occupants and other people against illness or injury caused by flood water-affected buildings
• protect occupants from backflow and protect their utilities from the effects of flood water.

Local government can designate and declare a flood hazard area, defined flood level and other information allowed under section 8 of the Building Regulation 2021 to apply building requirements, including QDC MP 3.5.

Designation or declaration must be stated in a planning scheme, temporary local planning instrument or resolution as being made under the Regulation.

When designating a flood hazard area, the local government must:

• comply with State Planning Policy and any relevant temporary state planning policy
• keep a register of the flood hazard areas designated and when each was made.

More information

• Read the Australian Building Codes Board's National Flood Standard.
• Learn about Installation of sewerage reflux valves on flood affected properties (PDF, 110KB).
• Read the Guideline for the construction of buildings in flood hazard areas (PDF, 55KB).
• Download the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry final report.