Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell said the Echuca Moama Torrumbarry and Rochester flood studies were a high priority for council.
The 2024-25 Rochester Flood Study is being undertaken by council with technical guidance from North Central Catchment Management Authority, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Victoria SES, Goulburn-Murray Water and Coliban Water representatives.
In 2024, more than 100 individuals and small groups provided flood information and photographs, offering valuable data to refine flood models.
Late last year, surveyors examined flood marks and floor levels across the Campaspe River floodplain and Rochester, incorporating additional flood marks identified by locals.
The floodplain model calibration is currently under way, using data from the 2011, 2022, and January 2024 flood events.
Once finalised and approved, the model will map flooding behaviour for various ‘design’ flood events, ranging from a 20 per cent to less than 0.1 per cent chance of occurrence in any given year.
Recent survey information has enhanced the calibration process, with a public review of draft calibration mapping to follow adjustments based on Community Reference Committee input.
Additional field surveys may be required to more accurately identify floodplain features. Community consultation is expected to begin in April or May this year.
“Officers are also in regular contact with the Rochester Community Reference Group and will be seeking their feedback in relation to the Rochester Flood Study, which is also making significant progress,” Cr Mackrell said.
He said council appreciated the community’s patience and involvement as it worked towards a comprehensive and reliable flood study for our region.
“Together, we are making strides towards a safer and more resilient future for our municipality and beyond,” he said.
Echuca Moama Torrumbarry
Council says the Echuca Moama Flood Study Risk Management Plan and Echuca East Levee Functional Design project are making significant strides in enhancing flood protection for the Echuca and Moama communities.
The first stage of the study, adopted in March 2024, documented current flooding conditions.
Stage two, which began in late January 2024, focuses on the Torrumbarry component and the Echuca Moama Risk Management Plan.
Community consultation has shown strong support for the proposed levees.
The Federal Government's Disaster Ready Fund has allocated funding for the functional design and approvals for the first stage of levee works in Echuca.
The highest priority areas for protection are Echuca East and central Echuca, east of the Campaspe River.
Functional design for the Echuca East levee system and associated drainage works is scheduled to begin in February 2025.
Letters will be sent to property owners in flood-prone areas, and direct contact will be made with landowners affected by the survey work.
“Currently, letters are on their way to owners of what investigations have shown to be flood-prone properties in Echuca East with an update and invitation to be involved in a community reference committee,” Cr Mackrell said.
“I encourage anyone who would like to know more to contact council officers.”
Further community consultation is set to take place around April to May this year.
For more information about the Echuca study, visit: campaspe.vic.gov.au/Plan-build/Works-projects/Echuca-Moama-Torrumbarry-Flood-Study-Project
For history and updates on the Rochester Flood Study, go to: campaspe.vic.gov.au/Plan-build/Works-projects/Updated-2024-25-Rochester-Flood-Study
13°C