After nearly five years of consultation and research, the Echuca Moama Flood Study Report came before Campaspe Shire Council.
The councillors unanimously voted to endorse the flood study report during the March meeting.
“The adoption of the Echuca Moama Flood Study Report marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance community safety and resilience,” Campaspe Shire Council Mayor Rob Amos said.
“We have carefully considered the feedback received during the consultation process and believe that the final report comprehensively addresses community concerns while providing valuable insights for future flood management.”
Following the report’s endorsement by Campaspe Shire Council, a similar vote will be put forward at a future Murray River Council meeting.
If endorsed by Murray River Council, the next step will be to start the Echuca Moama Flood Risk Management Plan, which will investigate a range of flood mitigation options, flood warning systems, and information to help manage floods in the future.
Cr Amos said community input was the backbone of the report.
“The report incorporates a summary of all community feedback that was received in 2024 when both councils undertook a series of consultation sessions as well as an online survey where feedback was sought on the report based on residents’ lived experiences of flooding events in our region,” he said.
“This, along with the technical information, using state-of-the-art computer modelling that reproduced maps of 2022, 1993, 2011 and 2016, has enabled the production of mapping associated with a full range of flood events accurately showing water flows across the flood plain.”
In the same meeting the council voted to endorse a Rochester Flood Management Plan Review and Update. The study will provide detailed flood modelling of Rochester and the benefits of identified mitigation options.
Cr Amos said that the community would be heartened to hear this project is underway.
“This project represents a significant step forward in enhancing Rochester's resilience to future flood events,” he said.
“We will be undertaking significant community and stakeholder engagement, both internal and external and this will play a crucial role in shaping the study's outcomes. Community input will be sought through various channels, ensuring that local knowledge and concerns are thoroughly considered.”