There’s nothing like a major weather event to remind us of the reality of where we live. A bit over a week ago (remember Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred?), many Queenslanders and those living in northern New South Wales found themselves again revisiting their local flood maps, refreshing local government dashboards, and reconsidering the risks that come with where they call home. It’s a reality check that felt all too familiar for many.

This last time, perhaps, it isn’t just a short-term clean-up. Will we see a long-term conversation about how we live with the land, how we build on it, and how we plan for a future where flooding events may become more frequent? For home builders and future buyers, it’s a moment of reflection that could strongly influence (if not shape) the next phase of parts of Queensland’s housing market.

Checking Flood Maps

If you’re in the market for land or a new home, chances are you’ve opened up a flood map recently. It’s now almost a reflex, especially after a storm like Alfred. While some areas might still carry a sense of “it won’t happen here,” others know it’s not a matter of if but when.

For builders, it’s a sign that resilience and smart design aren’t just selling points anymore; they’re expectations. Clients are asking more questions about flood risk, insurance, and future-proofing, and rightly so. No one wants to invest in a home only to realise it’s vulnerable in ways they hadn’t fully considered.

This map reflects the flood depth (in centimetres or metres) based on the defined flood level and estimated ground level mapped in the Gold Coast City Plan. Maps showing flood depth, insurance profiles, and risk awareness maps are provided on local council dashboards.

Balancing Risk: A Homeowner’s Perspective

For some homeowners, the decision to build near water is about balancing risk with lifestyle. Jason Lucas, a Gold Coast commercial photographer who has worked with us at The Good Builder and who built his home near the Tweed River just after the major floods three years ago, shared his experience. “Insurance is definitely more expensive,” he admitted, “but the visual amenity and lifestyle of being close to the river made it worth the risk… for now.”

However, that risk is never far from his mind. In the long term, Jason and his family will think about relocating to higher ground, wanting to avoid the stress of the next flood that might match or exceed current modelling predictions.

“It’s not just about the big floods… I’m also more cautious about properties downstream of potential runoff.”

He adds, “Flash flooding can happen quickly, and if the land’s in the wrong position, it can catch you off guard.”

Jason’s experience highlights a growing mindset among buyers, one that carefully weighs the short-term benefits against the long-term risks. It’s not about being risk-averse but being risk-aware. As weather patterns shift, these decisions may end up shaping individual home choices and broader trends in where and how we build.

Designing for Resilience

So, what does this mean for builders? It means continuing to think beyond the here and now. Elevating homes, using flood-resistant/resilient materials, and considering landscaping that can manage heavy rainfall are all starting points. It means being aware of how water moves through a site and ensuring designs allow for more than adequate drainage. It’s about encouraging clients to look at long-term safety as an investment, not an added cost.

Builders who can guide clients through these conversations and explain how designs can mitigate risk and adapt to future challenges will stand out. It’s about offering peace of mind as much as a beautiful home.

An Opportunity to Lead

For first-time home buyers, this might feel like a daunting time (as if skyrocketing house prices weren’t enough), but it’s also an opportunity. Asking the right questions, considering flood zones carefully, and working with builders who understand resilient design is key.

At The Good Builder, we’ve provided guides on finding land and spoken to builders who specialise in finding land in a tough market. These insights help highlight that while the market may be challenging, there are smart ways to navigate it and find opportunities that work for both builders and buyers.

For builders, this might be part of your unique value proposition (UVP), a chance to lead the conversation and show that your approach isn’t just about building homes but about building safe, thoughtful, future-ready communities. There’s room to innovate, to think creatively about how to design with climate events in mind, and to create homes that stand the test of time… and water more often than perhaps we’d care to admit.

What’s Next?

Apart from reminding us all how good at panic buying we’ve become, Alfred has been a gentle reminder of how it’s time to think about how we shape our homes for what’s to come. Refreshing the flood map shouldn’t just be about avoiding the next disaster but asking, “How do we build better, smarter, and safer for the years ahead?”

We’d love to hear your thoughts. How are you tackling resilience in your projects? What challenges are you facing, and where are you finding success? Let’s share ideas and help raise the bar together.

For more on the recovery efforts and how the industry responds, check out our article from last week, How Will Alfred Shape the Pipeline for Insurance Builders in South East Queensland?

Need More Information?

The Queensland Development Code (QDC) Mandatory Part (MP) 3.5 – Construction of buildings in flood hazard areas (PDF, 59KB) applies to building work to be carried out in an area that is a designated flood hazard area and has a defined flood level declared for the area. You can also read the Australian Building Codes Board’s National Flood Standard here.

Author: Jonathan Tibbits

Starting his career as a lawyer, Jonathan transitioned into project management, compliance, and certification for companies throughout the industry supply chain in Australia and New Zealand. With international experience in green building, sustainability and stakeholder communication, he is passionate about innovation and building transparency and trust.