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Nicholls receives $3.5 million for flood resilience, paving the way for future projects
The Nicholls region is set to benefit from $3.5 million in initial funding from the Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund.
This funding will pave the way for larger projects aimed at enhancing flood resilience throughout the area.
The DRF has allocated up to $1 billion over the next five years to improve Australia’s ability to withstand natural disasters and reduce associated risks.
Following the unprecedented flooding that hit the region in October last year, efforts have been under way to identify measures that can be implemented to mitigate future floods, particularly in the Rochester area.
As part of the funding, Campaspe Shire Council received a grant of $1,087,440 for its Flood Review and Mitigation Project.
This initiative aims to enhance the capacity of council and the community to prepare for and respond to future flood-related disasters.
The project includes the development of a Flood Risk Management Plan, which will assess options for mitigation works.
Additionally, demountable barriers will be purchased to safeguard key community facilities in Rochester that were rendered inoperable during the October 2022 flood.
The funding will also contribute to the design of stage two levees in Echuca, ensuring road access is maintained even during severe flood conditions.
Furthermore, a broader project encompassing the local government areas of Campaspe, Greater Shepparton, Moira, Benalla and Mitchell will document current deficiencies in road infrastructure related to flooding.
“In October last year the region was hit by unprecedented flooding and while communities are still recovering, work has already started on identifying works that could be done to mitigate future floods, particularly around Rochester,” Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell said.
“Every flood is different, and funding in the first round of the DRF will help councils and communities better understand what occurred and build a foundation of knowledge for developing projects to protect communities and critical infrastructure.
“I continue to have regular discussions with government ministers about what will be required to better protect our communities in future.”
Mr Birrell said to seek funding in future rounds, first the problems must be understood and the best solutions put forward, and that work from this funding round would inform future bids for more substantial financial support.
Other projects funded in the first round include the Numurkah Flood Mitigation Project — Stage 2 Southern Levee Design; the Shepparton Mooroopna Flood Intelligence Mapping initiative; the Flash Flooding and Storm Surges Strategy for Strathbogie Shire; and efforts to strengthen disaster resilience in Campaspe and Yarra Ranges communities, which received $1,835,701 in funding.