From the Minister for Water 

Water Minister Peter Walsh announced $250,000 to improve flood intelligence for Castlemaine, Campbells Creek and Chewton on Friday 12 October. 

The funding, primarily from the Victorian Coalition Government’s Flood Warning Network Repair and Improvement Fund will go towards preparing flood mapping and investigating the feasibility of a range of potential flood mitigation options. 

“The area has done it tough, having been flooded four times in 18 months – as recently as February this year,” Mr Walsh said. 

“By improving knowledge of flooding in the area, local authorities will be better equipped for the next time it happens. 

“Soon a local steering committee will be established to lead the project and they will start talking to the community to ensure local knowledge and understanding of flood behaviour is captured. 

“Developing the Castlemaine, Campbells Creek and Chewton Flood Management Plan will improve current flood warning, flood preparedness and flood response activities,” Mr Walsh said. 

The information will then be used to update Mount Alexander Council’s planning scheme and emergency management plan. 

The Coalition Government will provide $190,000 for the project with the extra $10,000 coming from the Australian Government’s Natural Disaster Resilience Grants Scheme. 

On top of that, Mount Alexander Shire Council will contribute $50,000. 

The plan will review and revise flood mapping for Castlemaine, Campbells Creek and Chewton and the results also feed into VicSES’s Flood Safe Program, which will be the means of raising awareness and education and prepare the community for future floods. 

North Central Catchment Management Authority will manage the project.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au