Communities along Yarriambiack Creek will be able to better prepare for future flooding thanks to a $200,000 detailed flood investigation, Minister for Water Peter Walsh announced.
In Warracknabeal today with Nationals candidate for Lowan Emma Kealy, Mr Walsh said the investigation would update flood mapping for 70 kilometres of land along Yarriambiack Creek, from Warracknabeal to Brim.
“ The investigation will give the community a better understanding of its flood risk, which will improve land use planning, flood emergency planning and response, and community preparation for floods, ” Mr Walsh said.
“It will include mapping for a range of flood situations and will incorporate changes in the floodplain since the last investigation in 2007, such as expansion of the weir and decommissioning of water channels.
“The investigation will also assess and recommend future flood mitigation options in consultation with the community.
“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to helping rural and regional communities rebuild from the 2010 and 2011 floods, and to be better prepared for future flood events.”
Ms Kealy said it was important for the community to be involved in the flood investigation.
“ As the community is all too aware, the January 2011 floods threatened 79 houses in Warracknabeal. It is important to ensure local knowledge is captured as the flood investigation is carried out, to achieve the best possible result, ” Ms Kealy said.
Wimmera Catchment Management Authority will manage the project with support from Yarriambiack Shire Council and VicSES.
The Victorian Coalition Government is providing $169,650 towards the project through the FloodZoom program, along with $25,350 from the Federal Government’s Natural Disaster Resilience Grants Scheme and $5,000 from the Yarriambiack Shire Council.
Press release, June 5, 2014; Image: Wikimedia