Rebuild and Recover Flood Resilient Communities Program

Find answers to your most frequently asked questions here.

Program information

What is the Brisbane City Council Rebuild and Recover Flood Resilient Communities Program?

In February 2022, Brisbane experienced a severe weather event which triggered unprecedented overland flow, creek and river flooding that caused a devastating impact on the city and many of the cities sporting and community organisations.

In response to this event, Brisbane City Council announced the Rebuild and Recover Flood Resilient Communities Program (RRFRCP), delivered in partnership with Brisbane Sustainability Agency. The Program will support flood-affected community-leased organisations through assisting them to better understand their estimated flood level and risk, as well as supporting organisations with knowledge, advice and recommendations to ‘build back better’ to reduce future flooding impacts.

The program is funded by Council and is provided as a free service, by invitation, to clubs who lease facilities from Council. The RRFRCP applies the principles of the existing Flood Resilient Homes Program to assist clubs in ‘building back better’. This is done by providing participants three services; an on-site assessment, a Flood Resilience Recommendations Report and for some participants, a Building Program.

*In this Program, ‘flooding’ is defined as flooding from overland flow, creek or river water sources which is defined under the ‘Flood information’ section.

What is the Flood Resilience Building Program?

The Flood Resilience Building Program (Building Program) will implement some of the works recommended in the Recommendations Report. It is designed to encourage participants to increase their facility’s flood resilience with assistance from Council. The Building Program will include both the cost of the works and project management to manage the onsite works and delivery to ensure a positive experience.

Who is eligible or the Flood Resilience Building Program?

Organisations that experienced large-scale impacts from the 2022 Flood event and are particularly at-risk to flooding may be eligible to join the program, by direct invitation only.

I’ve been invited to join the Building Program. What do I do now?

If you have been invited to join the Building Program your invitation email will contain a link to the Building Program Induction Form. Complete this form and provide information regarding what actions your organisation has already taken, possible closure timings and other details to help the Brisbane Sustainability Agency team manage works on Council’s behalf. Once you’ve completed the form, Brisbane Sustainability Agency will contact you to organise next steps.

Will the resilience building works flood-proof my facility?

No. It will reduce the impacts of flooding. The Rebuild and Recover Flood Resilient Communities Program is designed to help community organisations prepare for, and recover from, flooding events. The Rebuild and Recover Flood Resilient Communities Program will not stop flood waters, whether from overland flow, creek or river flooding. However, implemented works, whether Council or self-funded, are designed to help reduce the stress, time and costs spent recovering from the next flood event.

Who is Brisbane Sustainability Agency?

Brisbane Sustainability Agency is a subsidiary of Brisbane City Council, dedicated to delivering sustainable programs, projects and events for the city. Brisbane Sustainability Agency will deliver the Rebuild and Recover Flood Resilient Communities Program on behalf of Council.

What is flood resilience?

Flood resilience is the ability to plan, prepare, respond and return to normal routines with the least amount of disruption and anxiety possible following flooding. Flooding is a natural process and can occur anywhere. Brisbane is built on a flood plain and while we cannot stop flooding, we can always be better prepared.

In many cases, it is not possible to completely avoid flooding, so using flood resilient design and its building principles is one of the best ways to help reduce the stress, time and cost spent recovering from a flood event.

What is flood-resilient design?

Flood-resilient design is the use of materials, construction systems and design choices that can withstand substantial and multiple inundations of water to help reduce the damage and cost of flooding. Flood-resilient design enables property owners to take action before a flood event, easily clean and quickly get back in after flooding with minimal long-term disruption.

What are flood-resilient materials?

Flood-resilient materials are non-porous, water-resistant and easy to clean following flooding. Seek advice from a qualified trade contractor to see what flood-resilient materials would suit your needs.

View a list of flood resilience strategies for homes that showcase many different design techniques and materials.

What type of works and materials will the Building Program cover?

The Building Program will fund approved flood-resilient materials and finishes or raising of services. Flood-resilient materials are non-porous, water resistant and easy to clean following an inundation. Details will be provided to invited facilities as part of the Building Program.

Further program information

What is a Flood Resilient Assessments?

Qualified experts in flood resilient engineering and design will visit the property to assess the flood risk and identify opportunities to build resilience.

What is a Flood Resilience Recommendations Report?

Following the Flood Resilient Assessment, participants will receive a report which highlights specific actions, construction techniques and design choices that if undertaken, will help their facility become more resilient to flooding.

I’ve received my Flood Resilience Recommendations Report and am eligible for the Building Program. How do I progress with the Building Program?

Organisations that experienced large-scale impacts from the 2022 Flood event and are particularly at-risk to flooding may be eligible to join the program, by direct invitation only. If you have received a direct email from Brisbane Sustainability Agency inviting your organisation to the Building Program, you will be asked to complete the Building Program Induction Form.

Once you’ve completed the form, Brisbane Sustainability Agency will contact you to organise next steps. Alternatively, you can contact Brisbane Sustainability Agency on 07 3007 7013 or email floodwise@sustainablebrisbane.com.au to discuss the program.

Will I receive a cash grant for the Building Program?

No, this is not a cash grant. Brisbane Sustainability Agency will oversee the management and supervision of payments to contractors and suppliers for the flood-resilient building works specified in your Flood Resilience Recommendations Report and agreed to in the Works contract documentation. In the unlikely event that the recommended works exceed the capped amount, Brisbane Sustainability Agency will discuss the payment options and requirements with you.

What if I want different works to those recommended in the Recommendations Report and as part of the Building Program?

Strategies outside those recommended in the Flood Resilience Recommendations Report cannot be funded under this program. Please note the Building Program is not a cash grant so works cannot be substituted for payment towards another course of action.

How will the Building Program payments be managed?

Brisbane Sustainability Agency will oversee the management and supervision of payments to contractors and suppliers. Where the recommended works are within the capped amounts, Brisbane Sustainability Agency will manage all payments to contractors.

Can I choose the materials, fixtures and finishes?

Yes, for most materials, within a specified range. Brisbane Sustainability Agency will work with you to achieve the most aesthetically pleasing outcome within the range of flood-resilient options offered through the Rebuild and Recover Flood Resilient Communities Program. Should materials outside the scope of the program be requested by the facility, any gap amount above the expected cost of approved materials will be the responsibility of the facility.

Can I coordinate my own renovations with the delivery of the flood-resilient building works?

Any additional renovations will need to be discussed with Brisbane Sustainability Agency to ensure the timely and coordinated delivery of the flood-resilient building works. Proposed alternative works must be discussed upfront with Brisbane Sustainability Agency and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The priority of the program is to deliver cost-effective and timely flood-resilience improvements to facilities.

I have received an email inviting me to participate in the Building Program, and I am a tradesperson. Can I be paid to undertake the work?

No, to ensure quality and consistency across the program Brisbane Sustainability Agency will oversee the management and supervision of payments to contractors and suppliers for the flood-resilient building works specified in your Flood Resilience Recommendations Report and agreed to in the Works contract documentation.

Can I be reimbursed for building works and modifications I have undertaken myself?

No. The Building Program is not a standalone financial grant. Once a Flood Resilience Assessment is completed, the recommended works outlined in the Flood Resilience Recommendations Report will only be funded through participation in the Building Program. Brisbane Sustainability Agency will procure and deliver some recommended flood-resilient works using accredited tradespeople. This is to ensure the highest quality work is delivered, utilising approved flood-resilient materials and finishes. Any works undertaken independently will not be reimbursed.

What suppliers do the Rebuild and Recover Flood Resilient Communities Program use?

The Rebuild and Recover Flood Resilient Communities Program uses Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) approved and accredited suppliers. These include Master Builders, Master Electricians, Master Plumbers, building certifiers, Registered Professional Engineers of Queensland (RPEQ) engineers and other sub-contractors. The program will also draw on expertise from recognised flood-resilient architects who are registered with the Board of Architects of Queensland (BOAQ).

Will my insurance premiums be reduced by participating?

The Rebuild and Recover Flood Resilient Communities Program has no influence over insurance companies and premiums. Insurance premiums consider a range of factors, one of which is likelihood of flooding. We recommend you contact your insurer, or other insurance companies before undertaking resilience works on your facility, to see if they are open to adjusting premiums based upon proposed flood-resilient works.

Following a flood, can my insurance offer a build back better/flood-resilient option?

Insurance companies are required by the State Government to build back according to the Queensland Building Code. At this stage, the building code has not specifically accounted for the use of flood-resilient materials for buildings in known flood prone areas. However, if you have recently experienced a flood, are in the process of making a claim and wish to rebuild using flood-resilient materials, please contact your insurer to discuss the options available to you.

Are the resilience works covered by a warranty?

Yes. All building works are covered by statutory warranties as required by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission. For more information on warranty matters, visit the Queensland Building and Construction Commission’s website (www.qbcc.qld.gov.au) or call 13 93 33.

What is my course of action if I have any concerns with the quality of work delivered?

You can contact Brisbane Sustainability Agency at any time if you have concerns about the quality of the work being delivered and we will endeavour to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. You can also lodge a complaint either by phone, email or in writing as per the contact details on our website. Your complaint will be acknowledged within two business days and Brisbane Sustainability Agency will investigate and respond to your complaint as soon as possible.

Flood information

What is overland flow flooding?

Overland flow is excess rainfall runoff from homes, driveways, and other surfaces. Overland flow flooding is water that runs across the land after rain, either before it enters a creek or waterway, or after rising to the surface naturally from underground. Overland flow flooding tends to affect localised areas rather than the whole city at once.

What is creek flooding?

Creek flooding happens when intense rain falls over a creek catchment. Run-off from houses and streets also contributes to creek flooding. The combination of the existing water flowing through the creek, heavy rainfall and run-off causes creek levels to rise.

What is river flooding?

River flooding happens when widespread, prolonged rain falls over the catchment of a river. As the river channel reaches capacity, excess water flows over its banks causing flooding. River flooding downstream can occur hours or days after the rainfall has finished. River flooding may coincide or exacerbate flooding in adjacent creeks and tributaries and may itself be exacerbated by higher than normal high tide conditions.

What is the Flood Awareness Map?

The Flood Awareness Map is a free online interactive mapping tool accessible via: https://fam.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The Flood Awareness Map provides general flood levels (including historic flood events) and flood maps for the Brisbane Local Government Area. The Flood Awareness Map can be used to locate the FloodWise Property Report for your property.

What is the FloodWise Property Report?

Brisbane City Council’s FloodWise Property Report is a technical report to guide planning and building in Brisbane. It will help you understand flooding risk on a property as well as applicable historic flood levels and survey levels so that you can build in accordance with Brisbane City Council’s planning requirements in CityPlan.

These reports are publicly available and provide property-specific information on estimated flood levels, habitable floor level requirements and more technical information and development flags on the sources of flooding applicable to your property.

To access a FloodWise Property Report, go to the main page of Council’s Flood Information Online.

What is Brisbane City Council’s free Brisbane Severe Weather Alert?

Brisbane City Council’s free Brisbane Severe Weather Alert provides location-specific alerts via voice message, SMS and/or email to registered residents and visitors for potentially dangerous weather events or public safety alerts.

Alerts are based on forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology, with quick actions you can take to minimise the impact of severe weather on your home or business. Visit brisbane.qld.gov.au and search ‘Brisbane Severe Weather Alert’ to register online.

Be prepared for flooding

Brisbane City Council is committed to creating a more resilient city by ensuring residents, businesses and organisations are better prepared to endure future severe weather events. The free tools and information accessed through the below links can help Brisbane residents, businesses and organisations understand their property’s flood risk and how to prepare for future flood events:

Flood Awareness Map – To identify the likelihood and sources of flooding that may affect your property, sourced from the latest flood studies and models.

FloodWise Property Report – Download a FloodWise Property Report to understand the risk and type of flooding at a specific property to enable you to plan and build new habitable floor levels in accordance with Brisbane City Council’s requirements.

Brisbane Severe Weather Alert Service – Sign up to receive free alert notices of severe thunderstorms, destructive winds and potential flooding.

Visit Council’s be prepared web page for more information on how you can prepare yourself and your property for severe weather events.

Flood preparation, recovery and emergency phone numbers

Life-threatening emergencies: 000
Brisbane City Council: 07 3403 8888
State Emergency Service (SES): 132 500
Energex (power lines): 13 19 62
Queensland Urban Utilities: 13 26 57 (13 23 64 for emergencies)
Community Recovery Hotline: 1800 173 349
Lifeline: 13 11 14