Politics & Council
17 March, 2024
Towns in eye of new flood mapping tool
BRIDGEWATER and Newbridge will be part of an online flood mapping tool funded by the Federal and State Governments. Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes stood on the banks of the Loddon River that were swamped in the October 2022 floods to make...
BRIDGEWATER and Newbridge will be part of an online flood mapping tool funded by the Federal and State Governments.
Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes stood on the banks of the Loddon River that were swamped in the October 2022 floods to make the announcement. She said North Central Catchment Management Authority would receive more than $448,000 in Risk and Resilience funding to support three projects.
The FloodEye mapping tool will help monitor flood information for Newbridge, Bridgewater, Clunes, Echuca and Quambatook
The Loddon flood warning system review will examine in the flood warning systems available to communities in the Loddon catchment,
Ms Symes said traditional owner and floodplain management in the Gannawarra Shire would be funded to “better incorporate guidance from traditional owners in floodplain management and flood response activities”.
NCCMA officers took Ms Symes through flood mitigation research in the region for Wedderburn, Korong Vale, Inglewood, Tarnagulla, Moliagul and Bealiba.
Waterways and floodplain project manager Nathan Treloar said Wedderburn had significant risk of flooding because of its small catchment area driving water into creeks.
He said a flash flood took less than six hours to happen after rain started falling.
Chief executive officer Brad Drust said mitigation was a partnership and the studies would give reliable models for flood scenarios.
Ms Symes said NCCMA reviews would collect evidence on where improvements were needed.
“We’ll never be able to eradicate natural disasters – however we can ensure local communities are better prepared for when they occur. I look forward to following the success of these crucial projects,” she said.
“These programs highlight the incredible work local organisations are doing to reduce the risk of natural disasters and build resilience within their communities.”