Working towards flood, emergency preparedness

TWENTY-ONE community members attended the third and final Heathcote Flood and Emergency planning workshop at Heathcote Bowls Club recently.

City of Greater Bendigo manager climate change and environment Michelle Wyatt said the workshops focused on how the City, agencies and community can better work together to improve outcomes for residents.

“The workshop series and recent Heathcote Flooding and Drainage webinar were independently facilitated by consultants Maree Grenfell and Martina Holland,” said Wyatt.

“The community members in attendance prioritised community and agency actions that can support the community to prepare for, respond to and recover from future emergency events in the area.

“Outputs from the workshop series will include the development of a Local Flood Guide (SES), a community-led emergency plan and a waterway management plan for McIvor Creek.

“The community engagement also resulted in a Flood Recovery Report Card (detailing current status of flood maintenance and mitigation activities) and application for an Emergency Management grant to reduce invasive weeds in McIvor Creek.

“Participants also expressed a strong desire to play a more significant role in creek management activities potentially in the form of a local committee which would play a stewardship role and undertake on ground works.”

Wyatt said everyone plays a role in helping to reduce the impact of natural disasters.

“The City has recently invested in an ongoing Community Resilience Officer position which will continue to support the Heathcote community with resilience and emergency preparedness initiatives.”

Resident Michelle Sheehan’s home was impacted twice by floods.

“The second and third workshops were well run and there were some positive outcomes,” she said.

“It was agreed that council has a role to play in future planning and community members also have ownership and a role to play.

“With greater communication we can work together.

“Many people were under the impression that they are not allowed to do clearing themselves.

“It is allowed provided guidelines are followed and the appropriate permits are obtained.”