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This article was published on Wednesday, 21 September, 2022. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Shepparton East Overland Flow Urban Flood Study

When this work was commissioned in 2011, a new flood strategy was being prepared for Victoria and overland flooding was viewed as having greater impacts on hardship and damages than some riverine flooding. As a result, Council and the GBCMA applied for funding for this urban/rural interface area on the eastern side of Shepparton.

A funding submission was prepared under the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program 2008/09 with funding based on equal parts from the Australian and Victorian Governments, and a local contribution of $35,000. The local contribution was funded by Council ($25,000) and GBCMA ($10,000), with the total funding equalling $105,000.

Council also funded detailed surveying that cost approximately $50,000. The project commenced in 2011 and the GBCMA engaged BMT WBM Pty Ltd to prepare the Flood Study.

The Flood Study sought to create a hydrologic model for a catchment of 49 sq kms centred on Shepparton East to model the rainfall runoff process, as well as a 1D/2D dynamically linked TUFLOW hydraulic model to undertake flood mapping for the catchment.

Following the major storm over the area in 2013, the Victorian Government provided an additional grant of $35,035 to assist with the review of hydrology and flood levels. This further helped to validate the modelling work.

The results from the both the hydrologic and hydraulic models were used to create the required flood mapping and flood risk products, as well as informing potential flood mitigation strategies. This suite of products was used to improve the understanding of flooding and flood risk in Shepparton East.

The updated flood modelling will allow the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and Council to prepare revised flood mapping for the study area that would then be implemented via an amendment in the Greater Shepparton Planning Scheme. The implementation of the findings and recommendations of the Flood Study will help to minimise risk and damage to property by ensuring future development considers the impact upon flooding.

“The Flood Study will assist Council and the GBCMA to prepare new flood mapping for the area to ensure future development proposals address any flooding concerns,” Mayor, Cr Shane Sali said.

“This work will also inform flood mitigation strategies to minimise risk and damage to properties.”