But our brush with a cyclone this far south has spooked many a home owner, academic and town planner to join the conversation about how to flood proof our beloved floodplain.
“Brisbane sits on a floodplain which means flooding is possible,” says the Brisbane City Council website.
In other words, you can’t stop a floodplain from flooding. The website goes on to say: “Council works to manage and reduce the risks of flooding to ensure our city remains safe and liveable.”
So how do you reduce flood risks in a city like ours?
Our architecture gives some clues to how it’s been managed historically. The Queenslander style homes dotted across Brisbane’s older suburbs were built on stilts, raised in some areas to allow flood water to pass under the dwelling.
Looking ahead, town planning is key to ensuring new developments are built high and dry. But that doesn’t always mean flood proof.
“The newly built estate of Yarrabilba in Logan – a community of about 12,000 people master-planned by the state government to eventually house about 50,000 – regularly becomes an island when the one road in is cut off. The estate itself has never flooded,” reports The Guardian.
Knowledge is key. If you’re looking to buy or rent in Brissie, make sure you check out the Brisbane City Council flood maps and also tap into local knowledge to learn if roads or other amenities nearby are impacted by floodwaters.
Looking to move to higher ground? View our current listings for sale or check our listings for rent.