Flood modelling works continue

EFFORTS to identify the risk of flooding around 11 of the City of Ballarat’s waterways are progressing.

The Ballarat 11 Waterways Community Engagement Report provides an overview of consultation conducted about updated flood modelling last year and common themes raised by residents.

It will inform the final Ballarat 11 Waterways Flood Study, which is a joint project between the City of Ballarat and the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority.

Waterways included in the study are the Yarrowee River, Gnarr Creek, Canadian Creek and tributaries, Bonshaw Creek, Redan Creek, Kensington Creek, Chase Waterway, Little Bendigo Creek, Hit or Miss Gully, Warrenheip Creek, and Ryans Drain.

Following community submissions, flood models for Redan Creek and Canadian Creek and Tributaries are being refined.

If the study, which has been peer reviewed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and external contractors, is endorsed by councillors, it will be included in the Ballarat Planning Scheme later this year as flood overlays. Flood overlays in the scheme inform land use and development decisions, and the City can see where flood mitigation works are required.

“Ensuring we have current information in the Ballarat Planning Scheme regarding flood modelling allows the City of Ballarat and Council to make informed decisions about land use, development and flood mitigation works,” mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said.

“Protecting our community from flood risk is at the heart of this process, and I am pleased to see progress towards including the new flood modelling data into the Ballarat Planning Scheme.”

The State Government requires the municipality to have integrated, long-term plans for sustainable development and wellbeing, and ensure land use policies and controls remain current.

The report will be open for further comment before consideration by the Council.

To find out more, visit the City of Ballarat’s MySay page.