Last week was a big week for Carisbrook with independent engineer Mr Fred Spain presenting his report to the Carisbrook Levee Reference Group, then the Councillors, followed by the public in the evening. His report is available on our website:
Have your say - Independent Levee Review
The evening session was live-streamed on Facebook and is still available, for those that were not able to attend. It's also on councils YouTube channel:
Mr Spain, who undertook the review, has significant experience in levee design and construction in NSW. It highlights the level of expertise and support for flood mitigation provided in that state. This is perhaps something the Victorian Government should consider, given the level of flooding now experienced across our state.
The independent review was welcomed by Council as there were always plans to undertake a post implementation review after completion of the levee. This independent review was much broader in scope and in partnership with the community's Carisbrook Levee Independent Review Reference Group, who contributed significant time and expertise, going above and beyond to provide local knowledge to Mr Spain.
Several recommendations were made by Mr Spain, including conducting a flood study inside the levee area to see what happens when rain falls in the town.
Further findings also confirm that the modelling used as a basis for the levee design was as accurate as it can be, while noting that no modelling is perfect given the variables involved in storm events.
So what is Council planning to do next?
Well first up, Council will formally receive the Independent Reviewer's report at the September Council meeting (before the election period commences) to ensure implementation of recommendations is not delayed by the election.
Next is reviewing the recommendations and developing an implementation plan because we know the level of community anxiety caused by flooding. Some of them should be implemented quite quickly while others have a longer lead time, needing approvals and further modelling for example.
Mr Spain's recommendations further inform Council's Levee Maintenance Manual, which is already in development to ensure the levee's integrity over its life.
To do these we have unspent funds from the project, operational budget already earmarked for levee maintenance, plus $300,000 from the State Government we are currently finalising.
