13/08/2025
[ NEWS ] Brisbane City Council Updating Flood Risk Mapping: Over 17,000 Properties To Be Affected
Brisbane City Council has announced significant changes to its flood risk mapping, impacting 17,246 properties across the city. The updated mapping, which takes effect on 19 September, will see 10,129 properties added to the map for the first time and more than 2,000 properties placed into higher risk categories. A further 400 properties will be removed from the mapping.
The revisions are based on 2024 flood studies for the Breakfast Creek, Jindalee, and Lota Creek catchments. The updates apply only to creek and waterway flooding, not the Brisbane River or overland flow. According to the council, some affected properties face a flood likelihood as low as one-in-2,000 years.
Council says the changes reflect more accurate data from recent flood events, noting that severe weather is occurring more frequently. Residents will receive letters outlining the changes next month, and the updated Flood Awareness Map will go live in September.
While the council has urged insurers not to increase premiums based on the new mapping, it acknowledges it has no control over insurer responses. Council representatives say the intent of the changes is to improve transparency and help residents make properties more resilient.
Experts have noted that the studies were based on older climate modelling, with new federal guidelines suggesting rainfall projections should be increased by 30–60% to reflect climate change, meaning further map updates may be needed in future.
Key Points:
• 17,246 total properties impacted
• 10,129 properties added to map
• 2,000+ moved into higher risk categories
• 400 removed from map
• Changes effective 19 September
• Applies to creek and waterway flooding only
📣 Property owners are encouraged to review the updated mapping and understand the implications for insurance, property maintenance, and resilience planning once the changes take effect.
(Pictured is current NOT updated map)