What We’re Seeing Across SEQ with Flood + DA Rejections

10 July

South East Queensland (SEQ) continues to grapple with the aftermath of devastating floods, from the 2022 events to the recent impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred in 2025. At JC Engineers, we’re seeing a clear trend: flood-related issues are driving a rise in Development Application (DA) rejections across the region. If you’re planning a project, here’s what’s happening and how we can help you avoid the pitfalls.

The Flood Context in SEQ

Recent years have brought record-breaking rainfall and flooding to SEQ, affecting areas like Brisbane, Logan, and the Gold Coast. The 2022 floods impacted over 500,000 people, with nearly 90% of damaged properties now repaired or bought back under programs like the Resilient Homes Fund. However, the 2025 Tropical Cyclone Alfred has reopened old wounds, with Community Recovery Hubs popping up in places like Nerang and Thornlands to support affected residents. Saturated catchments and updated flood mapping are amplifying risks, making compliance tougher than ever.

Why DA Rejections Are Rising

Based on our observations and discussions with councils, several factors are contributing to DA rejections:

Ignoring Flood Overlays: Many developers bypass early flood mapping checks, only to face rejection when councils flag non-compliance with Flood Hazard Overlays. For example, failing to account for the Q100 flood level (1% annual exceedance probability) is a common misstep.
Inadequate Floor Heights: Submissions often underestimate minimum habitable floor heights above the Defined Flood Level (DFL), such as the required 0.3–0.5m freeboard, leading to automatic refusals.
Generic Flood Reports: Using non-site-specific flood assessments risks missing local velocity or depth data, a frequent reason for council pushback. Sunshine Coast Council, for instance, stresses the need for property-specific insights early in planning.

What This Looks Like on the Ground

In Logan, where floodwaters have historically cut off towns, we’ve seen DAs rejected for not addressing evacuation routes or service placements above flood levels. On the Gold Coast, developers skipping geotechnical assessments for flood-prone sites have faced delays, as councils demand evidence of resilience. These rejections aren’t just bureaucratic hurdles they reflect a growing emphasis on safety after repeated flood events.

How JC Engineers Can Help

At JC Engineers, we’re on the front lines, working with clients to navigate these challenges:

Site Analysis: We interpret flood mapping using tools like the Queensland Government’s FloodCheck to pinpoint risks accurately.
Council Liaison: Our team engages with councils to clarify overlay impacts, reducing the chance of rejection.
Resilient Design: We design structures whether elevated on piers or with flood-resistant materials to meet DFL requirements and streamline DA approval.

Tips to Avoid Rejection

Check flood overlays early via your council portal (e.g., Brisbane City Plan Online) or FloodCheck.
Commission a site-specific flood report from a qualified engineer before submitting.
Plan floor levels and access routes with the latest DFL data in mind.

Looking Ahead

With more wet seasons on the horizon, SEQ councils are tightening DA scrutiny to prevent future flood damage. The Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s ongoing recovery efforts underscore the need for proactive planning. Don’t let a rejection derail your project partner with JC Engineers to get it right from the start.