Campaspe Shire Council is pleased to provide an update to the community on the progression of two major flood study projects.
Campaspe Shire Mayor, Cr Daniel Mackrell said these significant pieces of work are a high priority for Council and encourages community members to be involved and informed in relation to the studies.
Echuca Moama Torrumbarry Flood Study - Levee Functional Design project
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. This initiative aims to mitigate flood risks and improve community safety through comprehensive planning and community engagement.
The first stage of the Echuca Moama Torrumbarry Flood Study, adopted in March 2024, documented flooding extents, levels, and risks under current conditions. Stage 2, which began in late January 2024, focuses on the Torrumbarry component and the Echuca Moama Risk Management Plan. The Plan assesses suggested mitigation works for Echuca and Moama and will provide recommendations for planning controls, flood warning systems, and response information. The draft Plan is nearly complete and is expected to be released for community comment in the next couple of months.
Community consultation has shown strong support for the proposed levees, with benefits outweighing costs in most locations. 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 functional design aims to develop a community-supported design with accurate cost estimates for detailed design and construction funding applications. 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 commence in February 2025, starting with a feature survey and extensive community consultation. Letters will be sent to property owners in flood-prone areas, and direct contact will be made with landowners affected by the survey work. The draft Torrumbarry Flood Study Report will be completed for exhibition alongside the Echuca Moama Flood Risk Management Plan.
Cr Daniel Mackrell said "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. I encourage anyone who would like to know more to contact Council officers."
Rochester Flood Study - Progress in Floodplain Model Calibration
The updated 2024-25 Rochester Flood Study is being undertaken by Campaspe Shire Council with technical guidance from a Project Control Group comprising representatives of the North Central Catchment Management Authority, the Department of Energy Environment and Climate Action, Victoria State Emergency Service, Goulburn Murray Water, Coliban Water.
Council has actively engaged the community in the Rochester Flood Study, issuing over 2,500 invitations to property owners and residents from Axedale to just south of Echuca. The response was overwhelming, with more than 100 individuals and small groups contributing valuable flood information and photographs during 2024. This collective effort has provided a comprehensive range of data spanning the entire floodplain, which is instrumental in refining the flood models.
Surveyors examined flood marks and floor levels in buildings across the Campaspe River floodplain and Rochester late last year, incorporating many additional flood marks pointed out by the community during their visits. This data will contribute to the floodplain model.
The floodplain model calibration is advancing well to accurately represent floodplain behaviour. It is being calibrated using the 2011, 2022, and January 2024 flood events based on historical data. Once complete and community-approved, the model will map flooding behaviour for various 'design' flood events, from a 20% chance of exceedance in any year (20% AEP or 5 Year ARI) to less than a 0.1% chance (greater than 1000 Year ARI).
Recent survey information has significantly aided the calibration process with a full public review of the draft calibration mapping to follow adjustments made based on Community Reference Committee feedback. Further field surveys may be required to identify floodplain features more accurately. The community consultation process is expected to start around April-May this year.
Calibration is the most crucial part of the project, underpinning the study, design flood mapping, and assessment of flood mitigation measures. Once calibrated and design events mapped, mitigation options can begin to be examined in the second half of 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.
Cr Mackrell said Council appreciates the community's patience and involvement as it works towards a comprehensive and reliable flood studies for our region.
"Together, we are making strides towards a safer and more resilient future for our municipality and beyond."
