In July 2010, the Building Ministers representing the Australian, State and Territory Governments agreed to the Board developing a standard for the construction of certain buildings in flood hazard areas together with an accompanying information handbook. The Board consequently included the project on its 2010-11 work program.
The ABCB Office has developed a draft standard and handbook with assistance from an expert Reference Group. The draft standard covers Class 1, 2, 3, 9a and 9c buildings and Class 4 parts of buildings i.e. buildings where people may sleep, reflecting the primary purpose of the standard which is life safety.
The Performance Requirements in the draft standard cover most flood hazard situations, but not areas subject to storm surge, coastal erosion, landslip or mudslide. In addition, the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions are subject to the following limitations:
- The maximum flood flow velocity must not exceed 1.5m/s.
- Habitable floors must be above the flood level.
- The depth of submersion of non-habitable floors must not exceed 1m.
It is expected the draft standard will be subjected to regulation impact assessment in late 2011 including broad public consultation. Subject to compliance with COAG regulation requirements and Board agreement, it is anticipated the standard will be available for adoption in the NCC Volumes One and Two in 2013.