With only two community consultation stages remaining, more than 500 City of Greater Bendigo residents have already taken up the opportunity to attend community sessions to understand results from the Bendigo Urban Flood study and their potential flood risk.

The study, led by the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) in partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo, and released to the community in December 2013, includes the most comprehensive flood modelling ever undertaken.

North Central CMA CEO Mr Damian Wells said community consultation has been staged over the past six months to meet demand.  “During stages one to three, more than 6000 letters were sent to property owners and occupants notifying property owners and occupants of their potential flood risk.

"Stage four is about to commence for residents who live or own property in the Eaglehawk, Eaglehawk North, California Gully, Jackass Flat, Maiden Gully, Myers Flat, Long Gully, West Bendigo and Sailors Gully areas.”

Similar to earlier stages, residents or property owners will receive a letter over the coming days inviting them to meet with North Central CMA and City of Greater Bendigo staff to view the maps produced by the flood model, discuss the flood risk as it applies to their property and ask any general questions about the flood study.  Stage four consultation sessions will be held on Monday 28 April at the Maiden Gully Community Hall and Wednesday 30 April at the historic MUIOOF Hall in Eaglehawk.

Mr Wells said the two agencies have been working hard to ensure members of the community understand the study results.  “Those who have attended the sessions walk away with a better understanding of what the results mean for them.   Staff can provide information on flood depths, source of flooding and potential to be affected by flooding based on a range of different size flood events.”

Mr Wells noted that the consultation to date has been invaluable in testing the accuracy of the flood model and, following consultation in the remaining stages, all comments received will be analysed and feedback provided to those who sought further information.

Mr Darren Fuzzard, Director of Presentation and Assets for the City of Greater Bendigo said the primary purpose of the study was to produce updated flood maps that will be incorporated into the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme.  “The study will also help the City of Greater Bendigo plan the future growth of the City, assist in the prioritisation of drainage infrastructure works and inform the response to flood related emergencies,” Mr Fuzzard concluded.

Project funded by the Victorian Government, Australian Government, the City of Greater Bendigo and North Central CMA.

For more information, visit the North Central CMA or City of Greater Bendigo.

websites at www.nccma.vic.gov.au or www.bendigo.vic.gov.au.

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