NORTH Central Catchment Management Authority pop-up sessions on flood warning systems in the Loddon have been expanded to include local levees.
North Central CMA said it had been working with councils and agencies to accurately map existing structures that influence where floodwater may move, such as levees, elevated roads, railways and channels, natural levees and lunettes.
Waterways and floodplain project manager Shaun Morgan said the authority was engaging with stakeholders and community members.
The first round of drop-in sessions will be held next week in Boort, Bridgewater, Pyramid Hill and Kerang followed by Swan Hill, Tyntynder, Cohuna, and Dingee later in June.
“Community input and feedback is essential in ensuring the information captured is accurate,” Mr Morgan said.
“It’s important everyone in the catchment of the Campaspe, Murray, Avoca, and Loddon rivers in our region has a chance to have their say, which is why the project will include drop-in sessions, stakeholder meetings, and an online mapping tool.”
The Victorian Government has invested $2.715 million for the strategic levee project, supporting four CMAs across northern Victoria to work with local government and the State Emergency Service on the project following the 2022 floods.
The review will assist with flood preparedness, infrastructure resilience and improving existing flood emergency management strategies and plans.
“The aim of the project is to research, develop, and prepare flood information. It will clarify any existing ownership and responsibilities of levees and other floodplain features and include them in respective municipal flood emergency plans,” Mr Morgan said.
“Any flood mitigation infrastructure that is critically important to communities and is without existing and clear management responsibilities can be investigated further, through regional floodplain management strategies, on a priority basis.”