COMMUNITY drop-in sessions across Loddon communities next month will signal the start of a review by North Central Catchment Management Authority community flood warning systems for the Loddon River system.
The project will assess the existing flood warning arrangements for each community from Creswick through to the Murray River and include public input every step of the way.
Floodplain manager Camille White said the project would look at the suitability of current flood warning systems, identify any gaps, and work with community members, local government and emergency agencies to ensure flood risk is clearly understood and prepared for.
“Upfront, accurate, and timely flood warnings are a key part of any community’s response to imminent flooding, which is why it’s important to get them right,” she said.
“The Loddon Flood Warning System Review is what it says it is. It’s a review of everything related to flood warnings in the entire Loddon River system, including Pyramid Creek.
“Flood warning systems can cover everything from flood education and awareness, through to digital or physical warnings, extra gauges, prediction data, and even community participation.”
Ms White said it was important everyone along the Loddon had a chance to have their say, which is why the project would include drop-in sessions, stakeholder meetings, a project steering committee and an online mapping tool. 
“We want to hear from as many people as possible and we’re going above and beyond to make sure everyone along the Loddon has a chance to give us their thoughts,” Ms White said.
“We’ll be holding drop-in sessions so locals can come in when it suits them and speak to us.
“They can also call or email our staff, as well as take advantage of an online mapping tool which means they can give their feedback from their sofas. 
“The online tool is a great way for locals who can’t get into town for one of the six drop-in sessions to give us their ideas and feedback.”
The Victorian Government has contributed $178,000 to support the project.
The funding was announced in Newbridge last year by then Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes. She also said the FloodEye mapping tool would help monitor flood information for Newbridge, Bridgewater, Clunes, Echuca and Quambatook.
Major flooding has hit the region twice in the last three years.