Campaspe Shire Council is inviting community members from Rochester and surrounding areas to attend a series of information sessions as a comprehensive review of the Rochester Flood Study is launched.
Following the significant flooding events in 2011, 2022, and most recently in 2024, this updated study aims to reassess and enhance flood mitigation strategies to better protect the community. The updated flood study will also consider the Lake Eppalock technical assessment and the potential benefits for Rochester and surrounding areas.
Campaspe Shire is partnering with the City of Greater Bendigo, the Department of Energy, Environment & Climate Action, the North Central Catchment Management Authority, Coliban Water, Goulburn Murray Water and the Victorian State Emergency Service to undertake the updated study. The funding for the study was secured through a Victorian Government initiative to support councils to fast-track more flood studies so that communities are best prepared for future floods.
Director Infrastructure, Kate Lemon emphasised that community input is crucial to this process.
"We encourage all residents, business owners, and stakeholders to participate in these sessions.
"The new flood study will update the previous findings and investigate all potential flood mitigation options," Ms Lemon said.
The community information sessions will provide an overview of the study's objectives, methodologies, and desired outcomes. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback, and discuss their knowledge and experiences of past flood events.
A Flood Study Reference Committee (FSRC) has also been established as a local level advisory committee to act as a sounding board in support of the flood study and development of the associated floodplain risk management plan. The Project Manager and the appointed consultants will meet with the FSRC at key stages of the project.
"One of the roles of the FSRC is to provide a link to the community in relation to flood study.
"Council is committed to ensuring that our community is well-informed and actively involved in this project.
"We will be communicating with local residents via letters, newsletters, social media and print media as we want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be involved and informed.
"Your experiences, insights, and evidence are invaluable in shaping a resilient future for Rochester and surrounding districts," Ms Lemon said.
Community Information Session details are as follows:
Times and Dates:
Tuesday 16 July 2024 at 10.30am - 12pm, 1 - 4.30pm, or 6 - 8pm
Wednesday 17 July 2024: 9.30am - 12pm, or 1 - 4pm
Location:
Rochester Flood Recovery Hub, 48 Mackay Street, Rochester.
Interested parties and call Council on 1300 666 535 to book a time or drop in during any of the sessions.
Residents can stay up to date on this project via Council's website and the webpage has a subscribe option to receive notification of updates as they occur.
Visit www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/rochesterfloodstudy for project updates.
