The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA), in partnership with the Shire of Campaspe, is leading the development of a Flood Management Plan to better understand the risks associated with flooding in Rochester.

Members of the community are invited to a public meeting about the plan at the Rochester Racecourse and Recreation Reserve Function Room (The Four R’s), Echuca Highway, Rochester from 7.00pm Thursday 23 February.  Ms Camille White, Executive Floodplain Manager for the North Central CMA, said the meeting will be an opportunity for the community to share local knowledge and discuss the developing plan in more detail.

“The preparation of the plan is being guided by a steering committee with representation from the Shire of Campaspe and local community, and is supported by a Technical Working Group.

“The advice of the steering committee, along with local community input, is vital for the plans success.” 

“The Rochester Flood Management Plan will determine the potential impact of a range of flood scenarios for the town of Rochester and provide valuable information on how to improve flood warnings and emergency responses as well as highlight potential mitigation options,” she said.

Ms White said the plan is already underway with the appointment of expert consultants Water Technology, after a rigorous tender process. 

“There was strong interest from consultants in the tender process with fifteen applications received.  Tender applications were assessed on technical competence and methodology.  Water Technology was the best fit for Rochester due to their extensive local experience and speciality in floodplain management, hydrology and flood hydraulics having already completed a similar plan for Creswick.

“We are keen to discuss expectations with the Rochester community on Thursday as it is important to ensure that Water Technology, the North Central CMA, Shire of Campaspe and the Rochester community are on the same page when determining what the plan will achieve and how it is achieved,” concluded Ms White.

Registration for the public meeting is essential by contacting the North Central CMA on (03) 5448 7124 prior to Monday 20 February.

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