Consultation over flood study begins, community encouraged to get involved

Jun 17, 2021

Campaspe Shire Council is encouraging the Kyabram community to get involved in preparing for flooding in the town.

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Council on Thursday released a draft of the Kyabram Flood Study, which will provide assistance to emergency services when responding to incidents involving flooding or floodwaters.

Mayor Chrissy Weller said the study has been overseen by representatives from the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Victorian State Emergency Service and Campaspe Shire Council in close consultation with the local community, through a community reference panel.

The study identifies the extent and depth of flooding and associated risks of a number of flood events at varying levels, and how the drainage system would perform in each instance.

The study also examines the effectiveness and economic benefits of nine mitigation options to prevent future flooding.

“For Council, the study provides us with an improved understanding of Kyabram’s flood risks and will assist the SES and Council in better responding to flood emergencies,” Cr Weller said.

In developing the study historic records and community recollections of the 1993 and 2012 flood events were used.

A computerised drainage and flood model of the township was completed using a rainfall model and monitoring the flows through the underground and overland flow paths. The model was then calibrated against the previous flood events to check its accuracy.

“The study also investigated flooding effects from pump failures and stormwater pipe blockages, which is extremely useful for emergency planning,” Cr Weller said.

“Of the nine mitigation options identified, three warranted detailed investigation. In all cases the benefits in terms of reduced flooding were far less than the cost of implementing the works.”

The study includes draft planning layers for use in controlling future development so as to better manage the flood risk. These are expected to form the basis of a future amendment to the Campaspe Planning Scheme.

To assist the community in understanding the study and its outcomes, a number of drop-in sessions are planned at the Kyabram Community & Learning Centre, 25 Lake Road, where the community can call in and chat to staff. Session times are as follows

• Thursday, 8 July – 10am to noon; 2 to 4pm; 5.30 to 7.30pm.• Tuesday, 13 July - 10am to noon; 2 to 4pm; 5.30 to 7.30pm.

The draft Kyabram Flood Study and computer flood modelling is available to view at the Kyabram Service Centre and Council’s website at the Kyabram Flood Study. A quick online form is available to capture community comment, with comments closing on Friday, 23 July.