General News
3 March, 2023
Home in two flood zones
Horsham City Gardens resident Brian Hedt is concerned that the rural city's newly released flood overlay plan will push insurance out of reach of many home owners. And Mr Hedt, who lives in Rushbrook Close, can't understand how the latest flood...
Horsham City Gardens resident Brian Hedt is concerned that the rural city's newly released flood overlay plan will push insurance out of reach of many home owners.
And Mr Hedt, who lives in Rushbrook Close, can't understand how the latest flood study released for comment by Horsham Rural City Council reveals his house has been split in two different flood zones.
One part is considered not at serious risk, while the other is in an "inundation zone" and subject to flooding.
"This is ridiculous," he said.
"I don't know how a perfectly level floor can have a flood rating over only part of it."
Mr Hedt said the council's latest study – a document called C81hors – was based on readings from faulty gauges and assumptions.
If the plan is ratified, he said it would have a major impact on affected residents, and result in massive home insurance bills.
His home insurance with flood cover has risen from $3506 in 2022-23 to $4441 for the next financial year. Other companies have quoted him $6862 and $16,000.
Mr Hedt said one of his neighbours had received an initial quote of $17,000.
"This is out of the reach of many and will lead to people not taking flood cover," he said.
Mr Hedt said he placed an objection with the council about the flood study results before the closing date, but was told his objection was invalid because it was not submitted through the council's website.
The council later reneged, he said, and agreed to accept his original letter of objection, which was hand-delivered, and to pass it to the strategic planning team leader, Stephanie Harder.
He is yet to receive a formal reply.
Mr Hedt is also concerned that the council website stated: "Horsham Rural City Council does not accept any responsibility for errors, omissions or positional inaccuracies although notification of such inaccuracies would be appreciated."
He believes more than 40 objections may have been lodged with council.
A spokesperson said the council was about to inform objectors about a planned mediation session in an attempt to resolve all issues before the flood overlay plan was presented at a council meeting.
If approved, it will then require approval from Victoria's Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny.